The noises grew louder, an ear-splitting racket that seemed to pierce their skulls and send waves of unbearable pain through their bodies. Whatever lurked in the shadows was waiting, biding its time.
The boys dropped to the ground, pressing their paws against the earth and shielding their sensitive ears, desperate for relief. Athen and Michael, however, fought through the agony, their sharp eyes scanning the darkness.
The whispering began, calling out Sakura's and her father's names. Fear spiraled in her chest like a snake. She could not shake the feeling that this attack was tied to her father's situation.
Sakura covered her ears, but the whispering would not cease to exist. She cried, "What's it you're seekin' from me, then?"
Horses clamored deep within the hidden, mystified forest, their hooves shaking the ground at their feet. Out of the fog, two majestic wolves materialized, boldly advancing toward the assembled wolf pack. Their whispers, though hushed, resonated as though they were intimately sharing secrets directly into the group's ears.
One among them was a robust brown wolf with majestic stag horns crowned its head. Metal and jewels were around its neck. The small beast exhibited an eerie charm as it grinned.
The other wolf possessed hooves that sounded like a herd of horses. Her entire form was fiery red, from the thick mane cascading like a horse's mane on one side of her head to the braided strands of vibrant red hair trimmed with glistening gold jewelry. A gold crown graced her brow, while Celtic-inspired jewelry beautified her form.
In the presence of these mesmerizing beings, Athen inquired, "Who are you?"
The female horse-wolf could not contain her playful mischief, and with a melodious giggle, she revealed her identity. "I'm Epona, Goddess of the land and creatures, and I'm here to lead you to our Alpha, Dagda; I am," she announced. Beside her, the other wolf, accompanied by the serpent Oniare.
With a sly wink, Epona added, "That is my partner, Cernunnos. Don't ye worry 'bout her partner; Oniare has a hankerin' only for humans."
Jack's excitement was noticeable as he exclaimed, "Sakura, it's them! The Celtic gods and goddesses, they're real!"
Sakura emerged from her concealment, her eyes fixed on these extraordinary beings. Her anxiety momentarily rendered her speechless. Athen, ever cautious, extended his arm protectively in front of her. "Honestly, I could care less who you are. We are being attacked by tracker wolves, and need to find shelter. We came a long way," he intoned, his tone measured. "Our Alpha is on a mission to save our island."
Cernunnos affirmed, "We're keenly aware of your position, Generation of the Star, Sakura Megumi Reaper."
Sakura leaned in, her voice quivering slightly as she inquired, "Ye know where me da is, don't ye?"
Cernunnos responded in his deep timbre, "Aye, we do, but he's beyond the shores of Ireland for the time bein'. Come along with us. The tracker werewolves will no longer follow you in our land."
A magnificent black horse materialized out of nowhere as if summoned by the land. It stood before Sakura, a majestic steed, beckoning her to mount so she could maintain pace with her lupine companions.
"Wow, she's beautiful," Sakura said. She rubbed her neck gently, then mounted her back.
The wolf pack found no alternative but to heed the counsel of the renowned Celtic Gods and Goddesses. With a watchful eye on their surroundings, they continued to shield Sakura from any potential harm.
With the Celtic Gods as their guide, the party ventured deeper into the mystical forest, a realm that transcended the boundaries of the human world. This forest was not merely a place but a living entity intricately connected to the sprawling swamp where many creatures found their sanctuary. Sakura was on the cusp of encountering someone genuinely extraordinary.
The woodland was unlike anything they had ever seen. Towering trees with gnarled and twisted trunks reached the heavens. Moss and vines embellished the trees, creating a complex network of greenery that seemed to connect simultaneously.
The moss was unlike any Sakura had ever seen. It carpeted the ground in a thick, plush layer, its emerald hue almost luminescent in the dim light. Each tuft of moss was like a miniature world, with tiny, bioluminescent organisms weaving intricate patterns of light and shadow.
Epona and Cernunnos led them through the forest's heart, where the moss grew thicker. The forest suddenly gave way to a vast, hidden clearing, and a massive wolf's den stood in the center of this clearing.
Glistening gems sprouted naturally from the moss-covered stone on the wall. Luminous pearls, glittering emeralds, and radiant purple crystals refracted the soft light in mesmerizing patterns.
At the center of the chamber sat a throne constructed by nature with wood and moss. A massive wolf sat upon it, and woven vines and leaves pulsated around him.
Sakura gasped in awe at the chamber's breathtaking beauty and riches. She whispered, "It reminds me of home."
The enormous wolf unleashed a resounding howl reverberating through the chamber. All eyes were drawn to him, feared by his imposing presence.
A behemoth in the most accurate form, with a dark brown coat. Crowned with large elk horns, the wolf's long ears stood proudly atop his royal skull. The thick mane of his head cascaded down his back like the branches of an ancient tree. His form was embellished with dark gold armor, intricately fused with the life around him.
Sakura gracefully dismounted her horse, a trace of anxiety in her demeanor as she approached the imposing Alpha. She spoke with a mature tone. "You must be Dagda, the respected Alpha God of Ireland. It's an honor to make your acquaintance. We need your help."
"I am well aware of your crisis, young Alpha," he rumbled. "Upon your father's plea, we assumed the guardianship of your safety. We held your father captive, tending to him with our healers to save his life. He did not wish to return home, though we could not permit him to remain in our realm."
"Aye, You've shown sharp judgment, Alpha Dagda," Sakura acknowledged respectfully. "In his uncontrollable rage, me da destroyed one of our cities. He robbed our most cherished weapon, and now, his intent is to wield it against us, eradicatin' Paradise Island from existence and, who knows, perhaps even threatenin' the world at large. he will."
Dagda inquired further, "A weapon, you say? What manner of weapon holds such significance to your kind that you'd stake your lives on its recovery?"
Sakura paused for a moment, weighing her words carefully. "To reveal that information," she began, "I would need the consent of my council."
The ancient Alpha nodded, his wise eyes conveying understanding. "A careful choice, young Alpha," he acknowledged. "We are not of your kind, the werewolves. Our kin bears power without the ability to shift their forms. Should I offer my help and guidance, I hope it leads to a fruitful alliance wherein the resources of both our kingdoms can be shared for mutual benefit."
Sakura replied, "I accept yer terms, Alpha Dagda."
"To formalize this alliance, we shall enact a blood bond, a memorable mark in our records," declared Alpha Dagda.
Sakura broke her mature act, fluttering her eyes in confusion, and questioned, "Oi, A blood what?"
As if responding to an understood command, colossal vines beneath her abruptly coiled around her body and hoisted her gently toward the Alpha's throne. He concealed a gleaming dagger within the royal chair Dagda unsheathed with his powerful jaws. He extended the blade toward Sakura, offering her the means to start the blood bond. Though hesitant, Sakura eventually took the knife, her hand trembling as she made a deliberate incision. Her palm oozed red, and she clenched her hand in pain.
Above the throne, a thick cloth tapestry hung, bearing the imprints of many paw prints, each marking a bond forged with the Alpha.
Sakura hesitated before speaking, "I... I can't shift into my wolf form."
Alpha Dagda offered a reassuring smile. "Aye, you shan't require it."
His eyes took on a golden glow, and the vines shifted again, creating a space on the tapestry. Sakura sensed energy surging within her from watching his illuminated eyes. She gazed in amazement as her bloodied hand radiated a light. Her fingers shortened and fused into the shape of a black wolf's paw. She pressed her transformed paw into the tapestry. Her entire being seemed to ignite with the brilliance of countless stars, her hair flowing like a breeze beneath the celestial lights. After a moment, she withdrew her paw, the radiance subsiding, leaving her hand restored to its normal state. The vines then lowered her gently back to her companions.
Michael's eyes enlarged; he whispered, "That was fucking dope."
Athen gave her a proud rub over her head with his muzzle. "Look at you using big words now."
Sakura blushed and pushed his hand away. "Hush." She recognized she harbored the dagger in her hands. Sakura faced Alpha Dagda and asked, "What about yer dagger?"
Alpha Dagda responded warmly, "Take my dagger as a pendant, a symbol of our newfound friendship."
"Thank you, Alpha Dagda," Sakura said with gratitude.
The Alpha's tone grew somber as he continued, "Your father, it pains me to say, was a heartless man. He could no longer bear to look at you, as your visage reminded him too much of his departed wife. He renounced you out of maliciousness. Such actions find no tolerance among our kin. The humans took him to a guarded base in America when they found him here barely clinging to life. A state called New Mexico," he revealed.
"Thank you, Alpha Dagda," Sakura responded. "We shall meet again soon, ya. Until then, take care, me pal."
Alpha Dagda nodded in agreement. "You as well, Young Alpha."
Sakura cheerfully approached Epona and asked, "Can I borrow your horse to my next destination? It will be a long way back, and we are drained."
"It would be an honor, Alpha Sakura. When you are done riding her, she will return to me."
Sakura respectfully nodded and gracefully bowed to the Goddess Epona and the Gods Dagda and Cernunnos.
Sakura mounted her elegant black horse and said, "Come on, lads. We have to find me father."
The pack nodded in unison, falling in line behind her as they passed through the shimmering veil of the mythical dimension and re-entered the human realm.
Michael flanked her horse on the right, his movements steady despite his injuries, while Athen ran on the left. The rest of the pack followed closely, their paws silent against the forest floor as they ventured deeper into the human woods.
Athen hesitated, knowing the question he was about to ask would stir painful memories, but the weight of the truth compelled him to speak. As they neared Dublin, he finally said, "When Lily died, Kenjiro's world crumbled. Losing his wife broke him. Returning home... it was too much. Everything there reminded him of her. He couldn't let go."
Sakura didn't respond, her gaze fixed ahead, but Jack broke the silence. "We've all lost someone we loved," he said, his voice edged with bitterness. "Doesn't give him the right to play God."
Athen nodded. "Lily was the kindest soul on the island of Paradise. Everyone adored her. For Kenjiro to dishonor her memory like this... it makes my blood boil."
From the back of the group, Alec muttered just loud enough to be heard, "Not everyone loved her..."
The pack froze, their silence heavy and uneasy. Sakura clenched the reins tightly, keeping her gaze forward to hide the tears in her eyes. The weight of her father's rejection—the way he had disowned her for resembling her late mother—gnawed at her heart. The pain was overwhelming.
Her voice trembled as she asked, "What happened before the war?"
Athen slowed his pace, his expression softening. "We don't have to talk about this right now," he said gently.
But Sakura wasn't ready to let it go. Raising her voice, she demanded, "What happened, Athen?"
Athen glanced away, his ears drooping. He kept his head low, unwilling to meet her gaze as the oppressive silence stretched between them.
From the back, Jack's voice cut through the quiet. "She deserves to know, Athen."
"I know," Athen replied.
"Oi, what aren't ya tellin' me?" Sakura asked.
Athen hesitated, his eyes darkened with memories he had long tried to bury. "Because it's not just a story, Sakura. It's a wound that left scars on all of us and shaped everything that followed."
"I don't care how painful it is," Sakura demanded. "This is me mother we're talkin' about."
Athen's composure cracked, and his voice thundered as he shouted, "Your mother made a deal with the devil, Sakura—and she lost!"
Sakura froze, her breath catching as the words sank in. She tilted her head back, her eyes widened. A chill ran through her body. Athen's raised voice cut through her like a blade. She shivered, her hands trembling as she tried to process what she had just heard. Her world was gradually sinking.