[Past]

Danica appeared at the gate that evening, the long iron bars separating her from Quince and Ajax. She stared them down, and they seemed to shrink under her gaze. The sun beamed behind her, bright and past noon, tall shadows collecting in the town. The folks in the town walked up and down the road, some fearful, and some devilishly confident. Several were holding baskets of winter fruit; others were holding woven baskets or metal pans of freshly caught or freshly flayed fish. For all their fruit gathering, the Saurions were specially adapted for fishing and waterways, living close to the rivers nearby. Even from their cell, Ajax's careful feline ears could make out the rush of a river nearby, and even so, the faint splashes of Saurions gathering fish from it. Between the winter fruit and the migrating fish, Virulent's Forest would have plenty of food stocked, salted, and dried to get them through the harsh dry summer to come.

"You're needed." Danica spoke plainly, as if she had something better to do.

Ajax scoffed, his tail swishing behind him in a tan plume, "Needed? For what?" He crossed his arms over his chest, standing to greet the menacing Lycanthrope.

"We are going... fishing." Her words were chosen carefully.

"Fishing?" He scoffed again, as if he couldn't possibly get enough sass into his voice and posture. "I thought the Saurions were the experts at fishing. Their slimy scales; their webbed toes. Is that not what this entire village is founded upon? Fishing, the very thing Saurions were adept at?"

Danica growled, "You truly believe Virulent founded a Saurion nation without access to a river without going through Jasper's territory?"

"So the rumours are true," Ajax almost purred, eyeing her, "There is dark magic at play here."

She rolled her eyes, "There are creeks running through this territory. Nothing as mighty as the great river that Jasper and River's Bed sit upon; but enough to suffice the Saurion's nature for wetness."

Ajax hissed then, "Why do I have to help, anyways?"

Danica scowled, narrowing those ebony eyes, like gleaming obsidian, "Well, if you're to help us, then you must help in some way."

"Fine, then," he glanced away, frustrated, "Then take us there."

"Today," she said, "I think only you will join me." At once, Quince jumped to her feet, feathers fluffing behind her in fury.

Quince snapped, "What? I don't condone this! Let me go along. I need to fish, too!"

Danica snarled right back at her, "No. The winged wolf stays, and the cat comes with. Virulent's orders."

"And about that Virulent," Quince sneered, taking mighty steps closer to the black iron bars, "Isn't he the second of his kind? Was the first Virulent not the better of the two? And did The Second not kill his own father to succeed?"

Something struck a nerve, and Danica snarled, "Watch your tongue, mutt."

Ajax stepped in front of his sister, his pink nose nearly touching the gate, "Or what? What will you do?"

Tired of their games, an intensely angry Danica rattled with a key to the gate's metal lock and then ripped it open with a wavering clang; striking out a strong hand, she shoved Quince with a palm to the chest, letting Quince stumble backwards, fluttering wings failing to catch her balance. Then, with a flash of her silvery hair and black eyes, Danica quickly gripped Ajax by the collar of his wrinkled shirt and thrusted him out of the cell. Just as quickly, as if the speed of thunder, the woman locked the gate back into place, leaving a disheartened and terrified Quince inside. Quince's dark figure pushed itself against the iron bars, pushing her arms through from between them, pressing her face to their cold, hard touch.

Desperately, she called out, "No!! Ajax! Danica, you devil! You bastard! Bring him back! Why, I'll get you then! I'll get you someday!"

Ajax turned back to her the best he could through Danica's grip, and spoke softly, "Stop, Quince. I will be just fine, and I will come back. I promise."

Danica smacked him upside the back of the head, "Don't make promises you don't know if you can keep. It's rude." He flushed, and turned away, not able to bear seeing Quince's agonising, worried face, the tears streaming across her dark brown skin, leaving gleaming wet marks on her cheeks in their wake; her eyes wide, blue, and glassy. Her curly hair was disheveled, as was she. Her heart nearly leapt from her chest, right through those damned iron bars, and a strong panic attack set in.

Ajax tried his best not to worry about his sister nor about himself as he was harshly pushed along by Danica's strong hands, his round ears pinned against the top of his furred head. He was taller and bigger than Danica, and yet, it felt as if she could very easily overpower him. He wondered if this was her evil magic, but glancing back at the woman who had taken him hostage, he quickly noticed her build was very muscular and lean. She was clearly athletic, so perhaps it was just training her body that allowed her to be so skilled. Ajax hated to admit it, but he was thoroughly impressed with Danica so far. She was strong, mighty, and confident, proving herself to be a very dangerous enemy to have. He wondered how different things would be if she had still been on their side.

But then again, she may not have had the upbringing or the magic that made her as strong and confident as she was. Still, despite her confidence, Ajax couldn't help but feel something was off about her. Her movements, her actions, her gazes all seemed rehearsed, and he could tell she was following some strict orders by an even stricter leader. Then, with a pang of pity, he wondered what had happened to her since he'd last seen her as a child. He barely even remembered her. But now, he knew that he could never forget her.

She forced him through town and then down a shallow hill that was lined with dense, autumn forest and brown shrubbery. He went as willingly as he could, not wanting to face Danica's wrath without Quince to back him up. He could hear the roar of a rushing river grow closer, and the Feline began to grow a little more confident that perhaps they were just going fishing. Truthfully, he was paranoid that Danica was ordered to kill him. Still, he remained calm, determined not to let this woman take his dignity, even if she took his life. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction. Then again, that was assuming she would get satisfaction from killing him, and that it wasn't just empty orders to her in the first place.

"What are you thinking about?" Danica hissed, peering at him sideways as their feet crunched against leaves and twigs on the ground.

Ajax was caught a bit off-guard, and he stuttered, "Not- not anything of importance." The two were sharp contrasts to one another. Danica's outfit was perfect for her, with silvery edges and a cream-coloured fabric as the main piece, some buttons along the collar. Her clothes were clean, crisp, and neat. But Ajax's outfit was disheveled and muddy, hardly recognisable from what it once was whenever they first started their long trip. Catching a grip on his nerves, Ajax asked, "Are we really going fishing?"

"Now is the best time," Danica said, "In the evening, the nocturnal fish begin to come out to catch bugs."

"Oh." To be honest, Ajax was dumbfounded. He knew next to nothing about fish and their habits, and even less how to catch them. "I am afraid I won't be much help."

"You will be plenty of help," Danica said. She didn't say it reassuringly; she was very careful with her words and tone. She said it plainly, simply, her voice as monotone as she could get it to be. Again, Ajax found himself wondering about this woman's true emotions, or if she even had any. Now, the terrain sloped even more, and the two had to hold out their arms to keep themselves from skittering down through the brambles and thickets. Using hands, they pushed the twigs and orange leaves upon them aside, making a semi-path through the woods.

Soon, the two came upon the rocky and muddy bed of the river. The river was large, spanning several metres across and running rapidly with no bottom or end in sight. Most Felines disliked rushing water because it was a recipe for disaster up in the mountains where so many of them resided; a roaring river was bound to lead to snow melt and snow build-up, a recipe for avalanches and soggy shoes. In some climates, it could mean death.

But here, Ajax was unafraid. He'd never had to worry about such a fear before. Instead, he was confident. Sure, he probably couldn't catch a fish very well, and especially not as well as the Saurions that occupied this town, but he sure as hell was going to try.

"Oh, alright," he finally said, "I will bite."

"The question is, will they?" Danica said, sarcasm etched in her voice. Ajax was amused, but refused to show it, instead shooting her a small slitted glare.

"You lack a fishing pole," Ajax hissed. "How are we supposed to catch fish?"

"Some call Virulent's Forest primitive," Danica said, "But many of the Saurions use nothing but their bare hands."

"Bare hands?!" Ajax exclaimed, bristling, "Well, there is certainly no hope for catching any fish today!"

"Be calm," Danica replied, chuckling.

"And what purpose is there to this? Do you and Virulent plan on fishing us to death?" Ajax's tail swished, but he wasn't that angry.

"Well, truthfully," Danica said, "Virulent does not want to feed and care for you and your sister unless you're of use to the village."

"Then why is my sister not here and joining us?"

"Virulent has... bigger plans for her." Danica glanced away, and Ajax could feel the familiar drum of worry and fear begin to swell like a clot within his chest. His fur stood entirely on end, eyes with tunnel vision on Danica and her silvery hair which glittered under the evening sun.

"What kind of plans?"

Danica would not look at him, "Nothing of importance to you."

The anger boiled over, and Ajax's muzzle lifted into a wrinkled snarl, "It is important to me! What happens to Quince is extremely important to me!" He flipped around from the river, taking his eyes away from the gleaming waters and instead into the dense shrubs above the hill from which they'd came. He pushed past Danica with a growl.

"Ajax, this is not a good idea," Danica warned, lowly.

"Then stop me." She reached out and grabbed his wrist, and he stopped only for a moment to look back at her with bewilderment, as if he wasn't actually expecting Danica to do what he'd said.

"Quince is still in the cell where I left her," Danica said, certainly. "Virulent doesn't have the time to take her out. It will be me that does so. But as of now, I am postponing what she needs to do, with what you need to do. So I suggest very carefully that you take your sweet, bitter time learning how to catch a fish with your paws."

Ajax still felt hot to the touch, but he slowly relaxed, and as he did, Danica's strong grip on his arm relaxed, too. They stood there for a few seconds, unsure of if they should trust one another. Ajax's eyes scanned the area, which was mostly natural, filled with fresh winter scents and the gentle sounds of wind, birds, and rushing water. There was nobody else here; at least not nearby. What reason would Danica have to lie while it was just the two of them? Could someone truly be that wicked?

Not wanting to take the chance, Ajax calmly suggested, "I still want to see her. Just to make sure of it."

Danica nodded, "Alright, we can go back and take a peek. And then, we return."

"Then, we return."

It didn't take long for Danica to lead Ajax back to his sister's cell. Quince was asleep against the wall, and Ajax had decided not to wake her; instead he smiled softly and with relief, thanked Danica, and then allowed her to lead him back to the water. The sky casted an orange evening glow upon the ground by then. His sister had finally seemed at peace as she slept, although he knew that her sleep was likely unfulfilling, and that she would worry about him, even knowing he was probably safe. He wondered for a moment if he should wake her to let her know that he was fine; but again, he knew that she needed her rest, and he also knew that he would see Quince again very soon.

Truth be told, Ajax was nervous for his sister, and for himself. He wasn't entirely certain what mission Virulent had in mind for Quince, and that thought alone terrified him. He was completely uncertain of what the future would bring, or if his people would even win this war. Surely back home, Virulent's forces were slowly marching upon Jasper and River's Bed, who fought back with all that they had, just waiting for Ajax and his companions to save them from it all. It was a lot of weight for Ajax to bear, and he felt sullen and defeated as he begrudgingly walked back to the river.

Danica noticed, and with a hint of nervousness, asked him as they walked back, "What is weighing down upon you?"

"You ask me as if you do not already know." His tail swished in the weeds, and the roar of the river ahead soothed them both.

"I don't pretend that this war is not difficult for you blessed ones," Danica said, avoiding the fact that she herself was considered a blessed one, "But I will do my best to make it easier."

"You can't make war easier," Ajax hissed, feeling the hairs along his neck begin to stand with frustration. "And especially not whenever you are on the enemy's team. I appreciate your kindness, Danica, but I will not forget what you are. Your black eyes will not lie." She glanced away, almost seeming sheepish, or perhaps just embarrassed.

"I want to help," she finally admitted, standing still by the rushing water then. Her voice was barely above a whisper, barely audible above the roar of the stream.

"Help?" Ajax hissed again.

"How," Danica asked, "Do I help?" She kept her cool, but her voice betrayed a hint of desperation. It was obvious, then, that she was worried for her sister.

"I always took you as enjoying your position of power," Ajax said, sceptical.

"I do," she confessed, "But Virulent has never given me a choice. I never thought I had one. I've begun to long for freedom, and I've begun to dread harming those that clearly don't deserve it. At first, I would harm only criminals. I became karma. But now..." She then narrowed her eyes, as if angry, "And you may doubt me as much as you want. There is no use in helping a fool like you, anyways."

"Excuse me?" His tail swished, his slitted eyes narrowed harshly.

"Go, cat," Danica scowled, "Catch a fish from the river." Her beady black eyes were like obsidian, her hands beckoning expectantly.

"What? Aren't you going to show me how? And what about..."

"No, and no. Now get!"

With an angry scoff, Ajax reluctantly obeyed, taking heavy, huffing stomps onto the muddy bank and then immediately regretting it as his boots sank with a squelch. He gave Danica a pleading glance, but she only gave him a sly and defensive look, her arms folded over her chest. A low sun rippled against the wavering water, flashing, dancing white and orange lights against a nearly black stream. It was rather beautiful, especially with the autumnal foliage in the background, wavering in the chilly, whispering wind. To Ajax's thick pelt, it was nothing, but Danica could not contain a slight shiver. Her silvery hair fluttered in the wind in long, straight strands, and Ajax's eyes seemed to linger on her for a few moments too long.

He then turned his frustrated expression to the rush of the river. He slowly and begrudgingly took an aching step forward, letting his boots and lower calf sink into the icy, rippling water. Immediately, goosebumps travelled up the skin of his leg, breath his fur as his pant and boot filled with freezing water. It was terrible.

"Will I get a change of leathers after this?" He scowled, his ears pinned against his skull in a classic, annoyed expression, typical for a Feline.

Danica shook her head, "Not likely, but I will see what I can do, cat."

"Stop calling me cat."

"That's what you are, aren't you?"

Angry then, and unruly, Ajax pulled a large paw into the water, watching as the ripples curled around his wrist like air. Then, he splashed it up and out in Danica's direction to his back right; water droplets scattered through the air and speckled themselves across her face, hair, and clothing. She instinctively took a step back, but then laughed out loud. Still, Ajax could see her visibly shiver from the icy droplets touching her skin. He had been truly angry for a moment, but watching her laugh out loud eased him a bit, and he began to chuckle, too, considering how foolish this all had been. His foot, soaked with the winter water, was now numb, and his hand that had dipped was just about. Considering this as well, Ajax stood upright and pulled off his brown jacket of leather; he pulled each sleeve out delicately, careful to not get the long coat in the cold water swirling below. He still wore a bit of chainmail beneath his leathers, and it clinked as he moved, a bit muffled by his fur.

"Danica," he said, "Could you possibly care for this so that it does not get wet?" He tossed her the overcoat without waiting for a response, and she caught it with a dumbfounded expression.

"Alright..." she said, raising an eyebrow at him, as if it was some sort of dirty trick or prank.

"If you get cold," Ajax added smugly, "You are more than welcome to try it for size." Then, Danica rolled her eyes with a scoff, but she proceeded to do exactly that.

She asked with a smirk, "Do you always flirt with your enemy?"

"Not usually," Ajax said, clicking his tongue, "Why? Do you believe it would work on Virulent?"

"It's been quite effective on me," She said with a chuckle.

"I'm surprised," Ajax said, "I had considered you might kill me just for handing you my coat."

"No," Danica replied, "But I may have to kill you if you don't actually catch a fish tonight."

"Is that a fact?"

"Why of course. You would be useless to us, then."

"Not a soul in this village can catch fish, can they?"

"Not a soul." The two began to grow large smiles as their banter continued back and fourth, words toned playfully and full of sarcasm. Ajax couldn't decide what it was that he was doing; he wasn't sure what exactly was happening, but in any case, he decided he didn't dislike Danica. In fact, had she not been on their opponent's side, he may have even liked her, and the lighthearted conversation was an immense relief after several months of nothing but seriousness and heavy-hearted topics. He found himself feeling lighter than before, and even eager to try and catch himself a fish, although he was certain he would be absolutely terrible at it. This fact didn't stop him from trying his best, though, and he was now on a silent mission to somehow impress Danica.

He continued with slow, terribly cold steps into the bitter, swirling depths. Soon, the water was up to his knees, and the sky's bright orange had fallen slightly into a vivid pink. The feline couldn't help but glance back at Danica as she stood observing him from the edge of the large river; her black eyes gleamed in the sun, and it shown her pale skin and hair vividly. The pink was an explosion in the sky behind her, and her silhouette was highlighted with beautifully soft white edges. All things considered, it seemed like she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. In that moment, he cursed himself internally, thinking, what are you doing? What are you doing? For Danica was a follower of Virulent; and that meant she would forever be an enemy, and nothing else. The stark reminder of it saddened him, and confused, he forced himself to turn away from her. Instead, he stared back into the water, observing it for any fish that may pass. Several did, but he stood stock still, tense, and waiting for his opportunity to strike. The entire situation felt silly, but for his mental health's sake, Ajax forced himself to not consider the dire reality of it all.

Instead, he focused intensely on the fish swimming gently through the cold water. He wondered how they survived in such bitter water, but then recalled his own race lived in bitter mountains. He hoped someday to visit Adam's Peak, the nearest village which was primarily composed of Felines. Felines typically lived in colder climates, but Adam's Peak was about as cold as it got, being the highest altitude location that was inhabited, as far as he knew of.

Long shadows casted themselves from trees onto the water. The water, for as blackened as it was, was very clear with high visibility. Ajax remained stiff and tense, crouched slightly, prepared to strike at any given second. His tail was held stiff and still behind him, and Danica stifled a laugh at the ridiculous look of him. Then, it was: a large trout swimming slowly across, right in front of Ajax's sight. He had stood still for quite some time now, and the large, speckled fish had likely not even noticed he was there.

Ajax dared not move until he was completely ready. And then, he moved in a flash, his muscles all releasing their tension at once in a way that would leave him sore the following day; his claws and both paws wrapped around the slimy, wriggling form of the large fish, and he hooked his curved nails into it, sinking them like anchors as it thrashed. Then, with a wide, triumphant smile, breathlessly, he ripped the trout from the water in a messy splash and held it high for Danica to see. He hadn't expected to actually catch it; but there it was, lo and behold. Danica smiled, laughed, and then applauded him excitedly.

Chuckling, she said, "I see you are not useless after all!"

"I'm not useless!" He cheered, not hesitating to stomp his wet boots back to show, the now still fish still in his palms. His paws were wet, too, water dripping down to his elbows and wetting the tan fur along them. Danica glanced away, seeming suddenly sulken, and Ajax lowered his prize, asking, "What is it?"

"Well now, I have just completed one more task for Virulent. And then, I will another."

"Why?" Ajax suddenly growled, furious. "Why work for him?"

"Ajax, I must."

"But why?" The angered Feline bared his fangs, suddenly tossing the prized trout to the muddy river bed with a splat; and then using his still dripping paws to strongly grip Danica's shoulders. "Why waste a soul like yours in a place like this?"

"Virulent has provided for me..."

He nearly roared, "Virulent kidnapped you! He's forced you!" He wasn't entirely sure where this newfound surge of anger was coming from, but he just couldn't hold it back. His fur stood on end, his tail whipped back and forth like a razor, and his skin was as if it was on fire. The entire Feline was large and mighty, aggressive with sudden rage. Danica glanced away, her expression suddenly hardening to a point where Ajax could no longer read it. There was a silence between them, a stillness as they stood, touching, and only inches apart. There was a heaviness in the still, silent air, words lingering that would remain unspoken. Then, Danica pushed Ajax's fuzzy paws away from her, saying lowly and coldly, "We ought to return to the cell. There is another mission for tonight."

"It can wait," Ajax pleaded.

"Virulent... won't be pleased with me." Whenever Danica spoke, she spoke hesitantly and coldly, as if the words had been rehearsed a thousand times, and yet, as if she never wanted to speak them again. Rather than flowing as before, her words had to be pried from her clenched teeth, as if forced from her throat. Ajax still worried, for Quince and now also for Danica. He had managed to catch a glimpse of who she really was, and something seemed to stab his heart as he saw in real time the absolute control that Virulent had over her.

With his fiery rage, he hissed, "Virulent and his army will suffer one day." Danica said nothing, and instead only stared past Ajax. The sky was now a gleaming shade of purple, tender clouds beginning to waft overhead. Shadows grew longer, and the evening grew violently colder. As winter settled in, bountiful months were to come for most villages. But here and now, Ajax could only imagine the lingering, bitter cold night that were to come, and the pang of pity that hollowed his chest for this woman in front of him.

Another silence lingered, and then silently, she lured him from the river and back to his barren cell.