[Chr24] Ancient Ruins and Lost Children

The stones beneath their paws were frigid. Their breath visible against the harsh winter air. It was quiet, with exception to a few crickets chirping, and the surrounding tall castle walls gave off a foreboding presence. The walls were worn, dirty and collapsing. Vines grew along the cracks, making their way deep into the once formidable castle. The group that dared trek into this old and forgot territory consisted of four members, six if you were to include their smaller furry companions. This ragtag group barely knew one another, with the exception of previous momentary pleasantries.

Having been hired to track down a missing child, the four strangers became quickly acquainted with one another. A creepy scene such as this was bound to cause a little bonding.

"So. . . whats the kids name again?", breaking the silence, Ethan asked a very. . . interesting question. His gingerbread shoon rolled its eyes in embarrassment and flipped over on its cloud, facing away from his owner. Layla had been off in her own world, so she didnt register what Ethan had said. Unfortunately, Matri and Shiloh were all too aware. 

"Are you. . . are you serious right now?", Matri said in disbelief. Even her vulpip squeaked in protest to the validity of Ethans question. 

"What? Im not from here, I just took up a job from the board." Ethan scrunched up his nose and furrowed his brows. His floating companion still by his side, yet remained facing the opposite direction. Its sides rose and fell in equal increments, indicating that it has somehow already fallen asleep. Ethan pursed his lips slightly before taking a breath. 

"Listen, I dont even know what they look like either, that part was just conveniently left out-" 

"And yet you still took the job?", Shiloh huffed at him with irritation. 

"Their name is Faeyall and shes a Phelagon. Lots of creamy white fur with browns mixed in. Her antlers are quite in yet so theyre just little nubs.", Matri described the missing pup easily, as she had grown close with its mother and father through the odd jobs she did for them. She couldnt wrap her head around Faeyall just running away, which is why she decided to take on the job as well. Especially since Faeyalls parents had come to her begging desperately. She wasnt going to forget the look on their faces for a long time.

"Im just saying, not a lot of detail was given." Ethan retorted towards Shiloh, yet he nodded to Matri and responded gratefully. 

"Thank you for the description. Any idea how deep this place goes?"

"Not sure, I guess we just keep going until we find her. Should we split up to cover more ground?", Shiloh spoke while shaking his coat free of frustration. 

"Maybe. . . Although the vibes are, like, way too weird for me to go alone.", Layla piped up, finally contributing to the conversation.

"I could go with you? I think this place is just old and creepy, definitely not a welcoming vibe thats for sure. Im suprised the kiddo hasnt come running out to the sound of our voices.", Shlioh commented, his ears pushed forward as he listened for any movement. Layla smiled and shuffled to his side, her alabaster coat standing out even more against his duller brown coloring. 

"Lets go that way, maybe?" Layla motioned towards a hall that seemed to lead directly into the middle of the castle- likely the throne room or something of the sort. Did Alphas even have throne rooms? Did they have the typical royal system that Bucks currently have or was it different in some way? Layla couldnt help but wonder about the history this place held within its walls. What kind of relationships and events happened years before their time? Her gaze drifted off as she sunk deeper into thought.

The wind pushed lightly through the broken windows, causing some leaves to ruatle around the rotting wood floor. The planks creaked under the weight of the group, the shrill sound grinding against Matris ear drums. She winced, squinting an eye closed as she recoiled. Shaking her head to relieve her ears slightly, she peered down to her vulpip sleeping in her side satchel. 

"I think Im okay to go alone, I can take the stairs?", Matri suggested as she looked at Ethan for confirmation. He thought for a second, and then nodded in agreement. 

"Ill take the hall on the left then. Be careful, if anything goes wrong lets all meet back here." The group unanimously agreed without words, each trailing off in the direction previously decided.

Yet, before anyone could truly start their designated paths, a large shadow passed one of the towering broken windows of the room. Its scales glinted in the moonlight before quickly disappearing from view. They all froze in place. Matris vulpip chattered nervously, and Ethans gingerbread shoon became restless on its floating cloud. Pinning her ears back, Matri stared at the open space within the window frame. Each member held their breath in anticipation, eyes wide as they tried to see what caused the passing shadow just moments before.

"MATRI!", a familiar voice squealed as its small frame darted from the shadows and slammed into the larger Buck, knocking her over. The vulpip in her satchel squealed as well, leaping out of the leather bag before Matri hit the ground. Ethan, Layla, and Shiloh all jolted at the sound and rushed over to Matri. 

"What the- Faeyall?!", Matri sputtered as she regained her focus. Another shadow passed over them, scales shining as the creature slithered by. Her mouth went dry, her paws gripping onto Faeyall tight. 

"Okay, well mission accomplished, job completed, lets get our of her like now maybe?!", rambled Ethan. The group unanimously scrambled towards the entrance they came in, Faeyall gripping onto Matris back for dear life. Mateis vulpip chased after them, yipping as it tried to grab Matris attention to let them back into the satchel. Matri glanced down at her vulpip before yanking it up by the scruff and tossing them onto her back as well. 

"Hold them for me, will ya Faeyall?", she spoke quickly before kicking it up a gear. 

The group ran with their hearts in their throats- what in the hell what that?!