Daybreak's nose twitched against his will. Swiping at his face, he tried to remove the itch that was a pleasant aroma of cooked meat strolling though his nostrils. The smell was strong, overwhelming even, and threatened to consume all his senses and desires at once! But he knew that his home was still much too far away for him to be smelling anything Rainbow might cook, wasn't it? Hati as well, seemed to sense this aroma, and was intoxicated by it, her thoughts that she had previously been trying to commune to him were now simply repeating the same word over and over in his head. “Meat! Meat! Meat! Meat! Meat!”

Daybreak had to wonder if she was even aware she was broadcasting to him, though he had to admit, it was somewhat cute to see her so enthralled by something all of the sudden. Jaw lowered, she was panting heavily just as her domesticated descendants did, and her tail was swinging wildly back and forth. It was enough that Daybreak had to actually move a few extra feet away from her to keep from getting taken out by it. So cute was her antics that he briefly forgot she was some ancient being of terrifying power and strength. Right now she just looked like an oversized puppy begging for a meal. It was too adorable, Daybreak couldn't resist giving her a scratch behind the ear. Though, performing this feat required a slight quickening of his pace to get ahead of her, as well as some expert dodging of her tail.

Despite his well meaning intentions, Daybreak instantly regretted the decision to scratch his Alpha females ear. The moment his nails clipped behind her, Hati loosed an uncontrolled puppy-like yip of joy...and her eyes rounded on him, burning fiery blue! Instant death glared down into his soul as her eyes seared extra sockets into his skull. Affectionate intentions or not, he could tell before she spoke he had crossed a big line!

“NEVER, EVER, EVER DO THAT AGAIN LITTLE CUB!” Her voice rang so painfully in his ears, Daybreak thought they might bleed. Despite her form remaining the same, Hati suddenly seemed to tower over Daybreak as she spoke to him. Or rather, he suddenly felt very small compared to her, more so than usual.

“Y-Yes ma'am!” He quickly stammered out, too afraid to do anything else but obey.

Hati relaxed quite suddenly a second later, her eyes returning to their normal deeper blue. Perhaps she sensed his complete and total terror, or perhaps that heavenly smell overwhelmed her again. Either way, her previous tone returned, though with a mixture of wanting behind it that was not well hidden.

“We shoooould...hurry! Yes, we should hurry to your mate! No doubt she misses you...and has a well prepared meal in store! N-Not that one has anything to do with the other! I simply wish to see you safe to your domicile!”

And the cute was back as quickly as it had gone. How was this Being able to go from divine levels of terrifying to puppy levels of cute so fast?

Only a few more minutes passed before the smell became too intense for even him to ignore. It was leaking into his brain like a wet sponge, dripping into every thought he tried to form. Was he there yet? Whatever was cooking had to be his! He might even wrestle Hati for it! It's smell was too good to give up! Without realizing, his pace had quickened, alongside Hati's, and within a few moments, they were breaking through the tree line! Daybreak did not even care how rapidly they had made it home, all he wanted was that delicious smelling meat!

He saw it! There over a fire pit, skewered onto a stick and browned to perfection. It would be his! Hati stopped moving only long enough to take in the sight of the cooked mammal, both her and Daybreaks thoughts crossed over one another.

“MINE!” As their legs moved, their eyes met for the briefest of moments. No other thoughts passed between them. There was no need. It was clearly understood between the two what must happen next.

Daybreak felt his muscles flex in a way he'd never felt before. Suddenly Hati moved, and Daybreak was sprinting after her without even thinking to do so! What was more, he was not on two legs, but somehow moving on all fours once again! He couldn't think about how this could feel so natural, or how ridiculous this must look from the outside, all he could see, think, feel and want...was that cooked rabbit! Hati beat him by a good several steps, trampling the fire pit and nearly barreling through whomever was sitting next to it as she swiped up the cooked morsel into her jaws! The other person present threw themselves aside just in time, frightening off the two wolves that Daybreak had failed to notice flanking her, but Daybreak was barely focused on the human, or the fleeing wolves. He wanted that meat!

Leaping over the firepit after his Alpha female, Daybreak felt his muscles tensing as he soared through the air! With the might of the gods behind him, Daybreak smashed into Hati's side, body slamming her and ripping the cooked morsel from her open jaws with his sharpened nails. The victory was ever short lived, as Daybreak had only but a moment to rejoice before he was thrown from the body of his Alpha, and pinned beneath her weight! She snapped and bit, but he kept the meat from her, twisting, turning and thrashing upon the ground every which way he could to prevent her jaws from finding it. They exchanged obscene snarls at one another, before Hati's mouth finally found its mark. Gripping the rabbit by its torso, she attempted to rip the mammal from his claws, but he would not relent easily! Despite her overwhelming strength, and the feeling of his arm approaching dislocation, Daybreak held fast. Hati too, did not give up, and the next yank must have ripped Daybreaks arm clean off, for his fingers never yielded, yet he felt her body separate from his! So hard did she pull against him that Hati actually propelled herself backwards several feet over, onto her back.

Following her with his eyes, Daybreak saw the rabbit in her jaws, and Hati happily munching down onto it. A surge of anger and confusion enveloped him. How!? He had never let go! Enraged, Daybreak looked down at his own clawed fingers, and found his solution. There, dangling from his grip, was the rabbits hind leg. A moment of clarity struck him in his anger and disappointment...a partial victory against a superior opponent was better than nothing. Satisfaction claimed him through disappointment, and Daybreak tossed the leg into the air, catching it within his teeth. With a stupid smirk of glee upon his face, Daybreak slowly trotted over to his Alpha female, still sitting on all fours and curled up beside her in the snow, munching on the leg. He could hear a distant voice calling out to him, but he didn't care, the taste of this perfectly cooked, boneless meat, was bliss in his mouth. It was all he wanted to think about now.

“Daybreak?” The voice that called him previously was closer now, and familiar. He looked up from his meal, and recognized the figure before him. The fog of hunger faded from his gaze as his eyes locked with Rainbow, and he suddenly felt very...underdressed. Rainbow was eyeing him in an unusual way, like she wasn't quite sure if it was him, which was odd.

“Uh...hi Skittles.” He jumped at the sound of his own voice. Much deeper and, raspier, than before. His words sounded more a snarl than speech. Still, Rainbows gaze did soften at his confirmation, which was good, but her confusion was quickly replaced with frustration.

“What the hell is your problem?! Huh! You vanish for two days then just show up running in here stark naked, destroying the pit I had set up, and completely ignoring me for some food? What the fuck happened to you?!”

When she put it that way, he did suddenly feel a well of shame within his belly. How could he have let simple hunger overtake him so easily?

“Do not blame your mate young one. Tis not his fault. One of the perils of his new form I'm afraid”

Rainbow looked startled when Hati spoke to their thoughts, though not quite as much as Daybreak had been expecting her to be.

“Do I really look that different now?” A mingle of discomfort was detectable as he spoke, making Rainbow frustration wain for the moment.

Slowly she nodded her head. "For a minute back there, I thought you were a werewolf or something. You moved so fast and those snarls and growls...You should go look in the mirror.”

Wordlessly, Daybreak stood onto his feet, Rainbows cheeks reddened as he stood. A brief moment of embarrassment flushed him as Daybreak once again realized he was naked, and Rainbow was staring. Staying silent, he turned and went inside their open door.

The wood creaked uncomfortably beneath his feet as he strode through the house, in search of the bathroom. Had the house always seemed so old and dusty? The air inside tickled his nose, and every step seemed to bring more and more creaking. It never sounded like this before. Gods it was obnoxious. He plugged his ears until locating the bathroom, where he threw open the door so aggressively that it snapped right off its hinges! With a snarl of frustration, Daybreak stepped inside, resolving to repair that later. Bracing himself for the shock, Daybreak stared at the floor, and slowly raised his eyes to the mirror, holding his breath all the while. When he finally did see himself, he let out a premature gasp of relief, which then fogged up the mirror before he could really get a good look.

In the brief moment he'd seen, he at least had recognized his own face, and that alone gave him some peace. But as he reached forward and rubbed the mirror clean, the difference in his appearance did become strikingly obvious. Starting from the top down; his hair had lengthened to his shoulders, or perhaps that was not the right word. More like it had thickened, and its color was now more defined in the light. The white streak in his hair seemed more prominent than before, and had a glossy shine to it now, though perhaps that was just sweat. His pupils had changed as well, they were not the slits of most cats or canines, but they were a definite in-between of canine and human. Still rounded but slightly thinned out. Next checking the most obvious change he could feel, Daybreak grinned and pulled back at his lips. He almost gawked at his own teeth, specifically his canines. They were larger than before. He wasn't rocking any vampire teeth, but the canines were certainly sharper and thicker than any normal humans. His incisors also looked smoother on the surface as well, though he didn't see how that would aid him. Moving down, his other facial features seemed the same, his nose hadn't changed, at least not physically, though his skin seemed, harder? As his eyes moved to his chest and pectoral region that became undeniable. His body seemed...harder? That was the best word he could think up. His muscles were more defined now along with his abs. But the most notable change was a slight darkening of his skin, like he'd gotten a tan, and his skin looked tougher from it. He poked himself in the chest, and felt little to no give when he tried to press inwards. Not just where his abs were, but even at his ribs and underside of his hands. Its like his body had been bathed in a layer of stone. Rougher to the touch and ungiving. His body was more defined now to be sure, and Rainbows staring had given him enough of a guess as to what she was interested in. His legs and calves already had much more prominent muscle than his arms did before, and so the change here was highly noticeable. For a moment he thought his legs might have shrunk, but then realized his muscles had just tightened excessively. When he tried to flex it became obvious that something was definitely different there. He felt more spring in his feet when he pushed, which likely had something to do with his running on all fours so easily. All in all he could see why Rainbow would look at him like she had, but the difference was not as ridiculous as he had been expecting, though he wouldn't be complaining about the extra muscle anytime soon.

There also seemed to be some thin layer of mist flowing off of him that he could not fully make out. Was it steam? If the air coming from his body and the air outside contrasted enough that was certainly possible, but that wouldn't be as obvious. What was more it was all over him, not just in one spot. It flowed like it had mass, and seemed to take a shape a foot or two behind his rear. Unable to fully make out what the shape was, he decided it didn't matter for now, and left the room.

When Daybreak finally made it back outside, after enduring another torturous session of creaking wood, he was surprised to see Hati conversing with Rainbow. Rather, he could see Rainbow talking and Hati making movements like she was responding. Daybreak wondered why he could not hear them. Almost at the thought, Hati's voice rang in his head.

“Your mate returns...Did you see what you needed?”

Rainbow turned to him, but still seemed to be finding it hard to lock eyes with him, instead constantly drifting her gaze in a more downward direction. Daybreak rolled his eyes, but felt a slight heat in his face all the same. “Yes I saw how...different I am now. I didn't realize...”

“I have already finished giving your mate here a brief summary of our time together. Fret not, as your body adjusts and your tail begins to fully define itself, you will gain more control over your senses. I noticed your thoughts grew increasingly disturbed as you tread through your home. In time you will adjust, and learn to block out certain distractions such as a creaking floor.”

That would certainly be a plus, because right now he found it nearly unbearable. But what had she just said about a tail?

“Is that what this misty thing behind me is? A tail?” Daybreak wafted his hand through the stuff as if trying to dispel it.

Hati nodded slowly “Yes. Though that is not mist. That is the Cloak of the Wolf. Nature is recognizing you as different being than you were before, and thus is feeding your aura to aid the change. In this case, it takes the shape of a misty shroud and tail.”

A brief panic struck Daybreak like a ton of bricks! Turning to Rainbow, he could see she was thinking the same thing, as genuine fear lit up her gaze. “Are you saying I'm drawing magic from the nature around me?! Turn it off! We came here to hide! That will all be pointless if I'm using magic! She'll track us here!”

“Shizen...” She replied simply, shaking her head in disappointment. Daybreak was confused, but Hati continued “Being brought up around humans has given you such a shallow understanding of what you call 'magic'. It is more properly called Shizen. The natural energy that flows from within the very earth itself. You are in no danger of being tracked during your current process. It is a natural thing that must be done to complete your transformation. Regardless of that fact, you are no longer the same being you were when you arrived. I no longer sense that energy from you. What you give of now is something entirely new. I daresay it wouldn't even matter if you did try 'magic' now.”

The odd emphasis Hati put on the word make her distaste obvious, but he had never heard of what she had called it. Shizen? Daybreak trusted Hati, but even still he was not confident enough in her explanation to risk exposing there position. “I've studied magic my entire life Hati. I know it better than any professor who teaches it. For you to tell me that I actually know nothing on the subject, is quite alot to believe on word alone.”

Hati's eyes narrowed slightly “You doubt your Alpha Females word?”

An unneeded lump formed in Daybreaks throat. To get the information he wanted, he'd have to tread carefully with his answer, lest he invoke Hati's wrath upon him in some way.

“I seek proof of what you say. To ask me to throw away everything I know about magic from a lifetime of experience just off of speech alone. Surely you can see why this is difficult.”

Nostrils flared, for a moment Daybreak worried he had overstepped, before she spoke again. “I sense your pride little cub. Do not think to outwit me. You lack understanding of the basic principles of how Shizen flows. You require training, not proof. And I shall take you to where you can receive it.”

A sigh of relief briefly left Daybreaks body that did not escape Hati's notice. Still she turned from them and began to slowly walk back towards the forest. “Take this night to reconnect with your mate, Hróðvitnir. Tomorrow morn my brother and I shall return here to fetch you. Then you shall be taken to the one who shall train you, both in what you lack and what you have gained. Do not keep us waiting.”

They weren't goin to train him themselves? That seemed odd, who else could train him in his new form better than the ones who gave it to him?

“Wait...who's going to be training me?”

Daybreak felt Hati's snicker echo in his brain as she spoke before disappearing beyond the forests edge.

“Jörmungandr The Serpent”

Jörmungandr. Jörmungandr. The name echoed in his mind as something he should know. Even as Rainbow pulled him inside the house, his mind felt distracted by that name. Throughout the secondary dinner she prepared and their conversations, it dominated his thoughts. If Rainbow noticed his, she did not comment and instead went over everything she had done while he'd been gone. It wasn't until later, when the door to their room creaking shut made his ears twitch in pain, that he finally snapped to. Rainbow was looking at him like he was a rare piece of meat, and she only had a few minutes to eat. A flush of red crawled its way across his face as he realized her eyes were crawling over him again.

“Come on Dash...I'm not that different...” Her stare was binding, he didn't know what else to say.

“Let's find out for sure big guy.” In one, swift motion, Rainbows bottoms were around her ankles, and she was dazzling him with the sight of her tight, black panties. She smirked as his eyes refused to obey his commands to look away, striking a pose for him and pulling at the hems of her fabric with one hand while removing her top with the other .“Use that new wolf strength, make me scream”.

Rubbing the back of his head, Daybreak tried to look away, or at least turn his neck, but his eyes refused. Even if he could avert his gaze, with no clothing Rainbow could easily see that his body was being plenty truthful of his desires. Still he had to try. “Come on Dash. I'm not really sure that's a good idea right now...I barely understand this form and you're pregnant...what If I hurt you?”

Rainbow was barely paying him any mind at all. It's likely that his words were little more than static in her ears. Cupping her breasts in her palms, she squeezed at her own flesh, pinching, pulling, and letting them bounce free, knowing he would never remove his gaze. How right she was. Daybreaks eyes were captured upon her every movement. Every pull, tug and bounce, every sway of her hips enthralled him. Then she was pressed against him, and a new sense invaded his mind. He could smell her pheromones! The heightened sense of smell he gained betrayed him, invading his nostrils with her arousal. Rainbow pushed the delicate flesh of her breasts against his chest, as she whispered in his ear “If you're worried about hurting me, then how about this for a start?”

Before he could inquire, Daybreaks senses lit up in delight! Rainbow slid her breasts down his body, cupping his cock between her soft flesh, jerking him ever so slightly. With eyes the size of dinner plates, she kissed the tip of his length, and flicked her tongue around him. It was euphoric, and Daybreak knew he couldn't look down, for he could feel her staring up a him. But she sought his gaze, and was determined to have it one way or another. “Look at me stud! I want you to watch me suck you dry!”

By the gods she was horny! But when he did not look down, she showed him how determined she was! Fingers crawled around his backside and gripped his toned rear, in a single motion Rainbow roughly yanked his hips and her head together! A sharp gurgle and a familiar yet new sea of pleasure swam through Daybreaks brain as Rainbow impaled her throat onto him! Daybreak could feel the back of Rainbows mouth, and even more so the fast flickering of her tongue as it rubbed and swatted every inch of him it could taste, stoking the growing ember in his belly! She did not linger long, just enough to let him see stars, before she slowly retracted. Rainbow watched with growing satisfaction as Daybreaks hands twitched and clenched, struggling to keep themselves from grasping hold of her head. She would have smirked if she could, but instead she bobbed her head down onto him once more! Rainbow slurped loudly as she licked around his flesh, wanting him be unable to focus on anything else but what she was doing. Daybreaks fists clenched ever tighter, and as she retracted this time, she felt him push himself forward on his own. One more would break him, she was sure.

When she bobbed her head again, she tightened her grip on Daybreaks rear, but only with one hand. With the other she slid her hand between his legs and cupped his testicles. With the slightest movements of her fingers, Rainbow felt Daybreak twitch erratically. With as much a smirk as she could manage to make right now, she looked up. When she met his gaze, she knew she had won. The moment their eyes locked, it was like the fire in Daybreaks belly got a fresh blast of oxygen, and loosed a rough growl! It was a sound he had never made at her before, but instead of fear, she felt nothing but glee as he forced her head off his body, and spun her around like a rag doll. It took Daybreak no effort to pin her face down with his new strength. Rainbow knew she couldn't resist even if she wanted, and that brought a massive smile to her face. A low growl crept down her neck as she felt his hot breath against her skin. Was he admiring the view? If so she would give him something to admire. The slightest wiggle of her hips told her everything she needed. The massive, stupid grin on her face only grew as she felt Daybreaks roughened hands grip the back of her undies, and yank them as hard as he could! There was a moment of pain when the fabric squeezed against her inner legs too tight, but that moment passed quickly as the bindings tore apart and he ripped the cloth from her form. The anticipation of what came next completely dwarfed any annoyance she might feel at him shredding her panties. There was one brief moment where another low growl came behind her ear, sending a shiver up her spine, then a sharp pain just between her neck and shoulder as a pair of jaws bit down onto her...then nothing but pure blissful euphoria.

The next morning was filled with extensive aching and moaning, but not in the pleasure filled way that Daybreak would have preferred. No, sadly this was straight up whining. Rainbow groaned as she rolled out of bed and tried to sit upright. “Ow ow Owie...Fuck dude...You fucking bit me last night...three times! And one of them was on my ass! My poor rump was already sore enough and you had to go bite my fucking buttcheek! What! The! Fuck! Dude!?”

As much as Daybreak didn't want to hear her complaining after she had been the one to start it all despite his warnings, he couldn't help feeling bad for what he'd done. It was like nothing they'd ever done before, he had completely lost himself in the euphoria. He'd felt like someone else. Not Solar Eclipse, but something else all together. One part in particular was quite embarrassing now that he could recall it. In the peak throws of his lust and rapture he could recall with near perfect clarity, howling at the top of his lungs a howl that he didn't even know was possible for his voice to make. Rainbow had been little more than a drooling mess of bliss at the end, and fell asleep almost immediately after it all. But still, she had been the arbitrator of her own pain right now. Every time he managed to think clearly enough to want to stop, she refused, and became even more lust filled, more seductive, a straight up sex fiend. It would have been terrifying to see, now that he could think straight. But then, all he wanted was to do more, more, more. Well actually, all he could think was how much he wanted to breed with her. For some reason that word sounded vulgar in his mind and tasted odd to even consider speaking aloud, but yet the word persisted in his memory.

“I'm sorry Dashie...” truly he didn't really know what else he could do except apologize and hang his head low. Truth be told, he had to fake some of the remorse. He actually felt better than he could ever remember feeling in a long time, but looking at Rainbows back and rear, all the red marks he'd left on it...That actually made him feel bad.

“It's alright dude.” She said, sheepishly as she lay her head back down across his extended legs, seemingly surrendering to the realization that she was not standing up right now. “I suppoooooose, this is kind of my fault too. I did pressure you after you warned me.” She momentarily covered her face with a hand “But man...It was...So worth it! Despite the aching in my backside after the rutting you gave me, I think I could go a week without sex on that high alone! That was hands down, the best we've ever had!...I know this is kind of dickish thing to say, but please never, ever give that form up. Seriously, please! I've been ruined for like, eternity now.”

Rainbow squirmed her way up his body to rest her bedhead on his chest, wordlessly demanding that he ruffle her hair the way she liked. As he obliged her, Daybreak chuckled “Wow Skittles, a succubus like you? A whole week? Are you sure? Won't you shrivel up from not feeding for that long?”

A light punch to his leg answered his question. “Very funny asshat. You turned me into your sex toy last night, and I loved it! I think I might want that all the time from now on!”

Now he actually laughed aloud, giving her hair an extra rough rustle “So you finally admit to being a massive sub then?”

“Only for you and only in the bedroom. If you ever tell anyone else, I'll deny it, then I'll beat your ass.” Even with hair down in her face, Daybreak could hear the grin in her voice.

Another ruffling of the head was earned before Daybreak knew they must arise towards the days events. Despite his overwhelming urge to stay put, he knew he could not keep his Alpha's waiting. They had said to be ready by the morning, and despite not specifying an exact time, he had a feeling that meant near the first light of the day. If that was so, then he was already late. Judging by the amount of light protruding in from their window, the sun had been up for at least an hour already.

It took a few attempts, but eventually Daybreak did succeed in prying Dash off his lap, and forcing himself out of the bed. Instinctively, he reached around feeling for his clothes as he attempted to dress himself. It took him a moment of confused patting of the floor, to recall what had become of them. “Right...” He mumbled to himself “No clothes needed...”

Instead of going to the drawer and retrieving a new set, he obliged to continue his span of nudity and made for the bathroom. Before he could fully escape the bedroom though, a sharp “Thwap” raced through his ears, followed by a sharp stinging in his rear. Loosing a very undignified yelp, Daybreak spun in place, hands on his butt to find Rainbow knelt behind him on the bed, her hand extended and a shit-eating grin plastered on her face. “That's payback for my ass last night. I figure around two more good smacks and we'll be even. Ah, I'm so glad you don't wear clothes anymore.”

Daybreak snarled at her as he rubbed his now stinging rear “That hurt you shit head! You're lucky you're pregnant or I'd beat your ass for that!”

Dash stuck out her tongue out at him and blew a fat raspberry “Promises, promises. That's not even one tenth the pain my poor butt is in right now! I can still see your hand prints and bite marks on me. So you can fuck right off. You're getting two more before I'm satisfied.”

The thought of two more of those surprise attacks rang especially unpleasant in Daybreaks mind “I will fucking end you bitch!”

Dash held up her middle fingers at him, smirking slyly “Love you too babe.”

Daybreak turned back to face her, mouth opened to retort, but no sound came out. Silence sang from his throat. How could he respond to that? What could he say back? Repeating it would simply make them even...but there was nothing he could think of to bring her down a peg. Did nothing in his arsenal top that...? Another moment of silence crossed them, during which Dash then loosed a snort. “I win.”

Satisfied, Rainbow hopped off the sheets and pranced her way past her defeated lover towards the bathroom. Daybreak hung his head in defeat “Damn vixen...that's playing dirty...”

“I know, the best way to play.” Dash cooed back from the bathroom, before pulling up the broken door back to its spot and shutting herself inside as much as she could.

Wallowing in his minor defeat, Daybreak trudged out towards the kitchen. When he looked out the back of the house towards the woods, his heart skipped a beat. Sitting outside waiting for him, were both of his Alpha's, Hati and Skoll. Swallowing the now slowly forming lump in his throat, Daybreak knew there was no point in pretending he had not yet seen them, especially since they both now stared directly at his eyes as if they could sense he had noticed them. Even through glass their stares seemed to burrow into his soul. Sighing at the impending scolding he was likely to receive, Daybreak threw open the back door and stepped outside to accept his fate.

Hati greeted him before he made it over to them. “Good morning young one. Was your night a pleasant one?”

A cross between a growl and a huff came out of Skoll's jaw before Daybreak had a chance to answer her back. “I'd say it was. His mind is swimming with euphoric thoughts of his deeds. Humans truly are deplorable beings of lust, its no wonder he kept us waiting.”

A slight twinge of irritancy crossed Daybreaks features. Despite being mentally linked, and being stark naked most of the time now, he was still wholly uncomfortable with these two peering into his memories like that. Especially with something he considered so private. His irritation did not go unnoticed by the pair of wolves.

“Oh leave him be brother. He's only just awoken, no need to start the banter just yet. Besides, we've only just arrived. Minutes of wait will not age your hide.”

Feeling at least some relief that Hati backed him up, Daybreak smiled and bowed his head. “I apologize for making you both wait.”

Hati's eyes narrowed quickly “I just said it was nothing of a wait young one. When we spoke yesterday I wanted you to be prompt, not perfect. And you were. The matter is done, let us move on with the days events...Where is your mate?”

Daybreak regarded the house, but could tell there was no point in actually answering the question. He felt the presence of both wolves swimming through his mind, a tidal wave of feelings passed through him and seemed to echo back towards the house. Was this the feeling Hati had described when she said she could project her thoughts? If this feeling was accurate, then it wasn't instantaneous communication, they were scanning for Rainbow like some sort of sonar. Perhaps the distance determined the time it took?

After a moment, the feeling returned in reverse. As if coming from behind him and going back towards his Alpha's. Skoll snickered both aloud and in his head. “You should tend to your mate. She is having...difficulties.”

That was ominous, and was shortly followed by loud coughing, and several heaving noises from within the house. Daybreak did not wait for further permission and quickly ran back inside! The sounds of Rainbows heaves echoed from the hallway bathroom closest to the front door. So frantic was he to help Rainbow that he forgot his new surge of strength, and ripped the bathroom door straight off yet again! Not that it had been properly secured since the last time. Rainbow yipped in surprise as the door flew off, but couldn't manage more than that as another surge of heaves crawled up her throat! She bent over the toilet and vomited a sickly green and black glop into the bowl. The odor was quite pungent, especially for Daybreaks newly heightened senses. He stepped back, grasping at his nostrils to shut out the burning scent.

Rainbow glared at him, clearly offended by his reaction, to which he offered an apologetic gaze in return. There was no time for words as more of the goop worked its way Rainbows throat, she bent over just as she heaved once again. Despite its putrid smell, Daybreak felt an odd familiarity towards the goop Rainbow was producing. A quick flash of their hospital visit darted across his thoughts, and he remembered what that doctor had said as he'd entered upon their conversation the day he found out Rainbow was pregnant.

“Dash, have you been taking the pills the doctor gave you?”

With a pained effort, Rainbow raised her head and slowly shook it, no. “Not since you went missing...I forgot while you were gone, and when you got back...well we were occupied.” She bent over, and loosed a dry heave, collapsing at the knees but keeping her head firmly rooted over the toilet bowl. Daybreak felt a pang of empathy for her, realizing what was going on now was very similar to Twilights situation those many years ago.

“Dash, you're body can't handle my energy swimming around inside of you. It's trying to change you and your body is rejecting it...”

Dash briefly looked up from the toilet and shot him a glare of death “T-Then shut up...and get my medicine...” She sputtered before heaving again.

Feeling her eyes penetrate his skin, Daybreak quickly darted from the room. Quickly to the bedroom he sped, throwing their sheets and other objects about, searching for where Rainbow might have left the tiny bottle of pills. He threw open the closet doors, and though managing not to break them off the hinges, began pulling out every bin in a frantic effort to ease Rainbows suffering as rapidly as possible.

Just when he was through with the closet and was pulling the bedframe from the ground to check underneath, a sharp bark from the doorway grabbed his attention. He turned to see one of the smaller wolves of his pack standing in the doorway, tail wagging, and holding in its jaws a tiny clear bottle of pills. Releasing the frame and letting it crash back into the floor without care, Daybreak breathed a sigh of relief. At first, he meant to approach the wolf slowly, so as not to startle the creature. But just as he took his first tiptoed step he remembered, these were not common wolves. They had all expressed complex thought and emotion beforehand when Hati had showed him their domicile. With that, Daybreak stood up straight and casually walked toward his packmate, hand outstretched and open for the bottle to enter. The young male dropped the bottle into his outstretched palm, but before Daybreak could retract his fingers, it lunged forward and sunk its teeth into his wrist.

The pain was not intense enough to make Daybreak drop the bottle or fall back in shock, but it was certainly uncomfortable. There was no need to inquire openly about the intent of the bite though. Daybreak could sense the wolves emotions the moment its teeth touched him. There was a certain amount of disdain in helping him, which meant that Hati had probably sent it and this was not voluntary. The wolves grip lingered a moment longer before it relinquished his arm, giving a satisfied bark as it perceived the new marks on his arm. Tail wagging, it trotted out the door, likely to report mission accomplished to their Alpha's. Daybreak spared no extra thought for the beast and quickly returned to Rainbows side.

He found her as he had left her, sprawled out on her knees, and head barely hovering inches from the toilet bowl. It was certainly not her most dignified sight. She regarded him with little more than a groan as he filled a nearby glass with water from the sink and retrieved two of her pills. Part of him wanted to give her a higher dose since she had missed two full days, but he had little idea about the nature of the medicine within the pills. All he knew was that they helped Rainbows body balance out his energy swirling within her. A side thought crossed his mind, making him wonder how things might have been between him and Twilight if this medication existed a decade earlier. Regardless, he resigned to only the recommended amount and offered Rainbow the pills and water. She swiftly swiped up the pills, popping them into her mouth before chugging the glass of water like she hadn't drank anything for days. Daybreak waited in silence for her to finish, wondering how long the pills would take to begin affecting her. A low groaning sound spread through the room, but Rainbows mouth never opened. Daybreak raised a curious brow in her direction as another low moan came from her body, this time, her face flushing along with the moan.

It took him a second to understand what was occurring, before he chuckled quietly. “I guess your stomach appreciates the medicine”

“Fuck you...” Rainbow said, her face continuing to brighten as her stomach resumed its one organ musical

Satisfied that Rainbow was stable now, Daybreak made for the exit. “I'll be outside if you need me Dash. When you're feeling up to it, you should get dressed, I'm sure Hati and Skoll will want to leave soon.”

He received a small groan of confirmation as he exited to the bathroom. Before he went back out, he took a brief moment to prop the door back into place once. It wouldn't function properly, but at least Rainbow would have some privacy if her insides betrayed her again.

Once back outside, he found his Alpha's resting in the snow near Rainbows former fire pit. Skoll was chewing on the meaty bones of some creature he had caught, and Hati was sprawled out like an rug. If they weren't such powerful creatures, Daybreak could have mistaken these two for over sized puppies with how they were acting right now.

“Thoughts like that will get you swift discipline little cub.” Skols voice echoed in his head, causing his face to redden. That would certainly take getting used to.

“Sorry.” he mumbled, not really sure how to properly apologize for his thoughts.

“Is your mate stable young one? We wish to start with the days plans.” Hati began to raise from her snowy patch as she spoke.

Daybreak gave a quick glance back at the house before speaking, as if hoping Rainbow might emerge from it right then, so as not to make the pair wait any longer. “She may need a few more minutes to get back on her feet, can we please wait?” He spoke with an odd of amount of fealty in his voice that he didn't mean to add. Skol noticed this and was the first to respond.

“Well, since you asked so nicely, I'm sure we can spare the time, little cub.”

Daybreak could hear the snicker in his thoughts, but couldn't really blame him, his question had come out very pleading. Luckily, Hati once again came to his rescue.

“Fret not young one, you can't help yourself. I told you before, as your body adjusts to your new form, many changes will continue to show themselves. Your form is starting to recognize our stature compared to yours. It's nothing to feel shame for. It is natural for us. Any who join our pack place themselves at our whim, this subservience you feel is what keeps the pack in line. Though, perhaps in time you will learn to resist its pull, since you are still half human.”

Skol scoffed aloud “Just tell him all our secrets why don't you sister...Are you going to give him what you brought, or are we going to wait around even longer once his mate decides to grace us with her presence?”

Daybreak watched Hati roll her eyes, then bow her head low as a sharp blue light began to emanate from her back. Daybreak stared in awe as an object seemed to materialize onto Hati's hide out of thin air. He could not tell what it was properly, for it was folded and blended into her fur. But as she beckoned him over, Hati arched her back, and let the object slide down the top of her head, right into Daybreaks awaiting arms.

“Unfold it young one.” Was all she said to him.

He obeyed, and was left speechless as he did so. The lumpy fabric unraveled in his hands to reveal that it was in fact clothing, of sorts. He held up each piece as it fell apart in his grasp. Hati lifted her head up as he kneaded the furry cloth with his fingers.

“Humans prefer to keep their bodies covered most of the time, and despite my hopes, I can sense you still hold a small bit of shame for parading your form. This shall be our compromise. It is made from the brother you slew in combat. Take pride in wearing his skin, it is light, flexible and sturdy. I used the energy within me along with some Shizen to apply special attributes to it. Put it on.”

Daybreak did not hesitate. Despite the cold truly not bothering him now, and Rainbow being the only person to see him as he was, he couldn't deny feeling more exposed without clothes, he would be glad to be covered up again.

The top of the pelt was simple in design. The upper half of the wolfs head and jaw had been turned into a hood for his head that hung down behind him when not in use. The rest of the top resembled a more open chested, sleeveless vest. There was some type of thread laced on either side of the vest that would allow him to tie the two sides, and presumably tighten it if he wished to cover more of his chest region than the garment initially provided. There was more of this fabric laced throughout the top at two other points on either side of his chest, just below where his armpits would be. This was likely for carrying one or two small items with him, since each had about enough fabric to tie around a small dagger. With a short sniff of the lace, Daybreak was able to detect the strong smell of leather upon it, so at least it could be counted on to be sturdy if he did wish to tighten it or hold anything in place. The lower jaws' teeth had been threaded with that same leather into a type of necklace that hung down from either side of the hood. This was likely to help hold the slightly heftier headpiece in place if he moved at faster speeds than normal with the hood donned.

The bottom half of the outfit was equally as simple yet interesting, and came in two parts. One was just a pair of very short, tight, undergarments, barely able to call themselves clothing. They were more akin to skin tight under armor than much else. Whether this too was made out of leather or some type of skin he could not tell, for it smelled differently than the other fabric. It wasn't much to look at and left very little to the imagination without the rest of the outfits lower half. The second part looked like a large belt attached to a skirt or kilt, but with the frontal section below his waistline completely removed. This left the pelt to hang down to his knees, covering him from all sides except a direct frontal view. Unless someone shined a light directly into the front of his pelt, no one would even be able to tell he was only wearing what amounted to under armor within. Still, although the thickness of the pelt combined with the undershorts did protect his modesty, it still felt a tad too breezy for his initial preference, in a metaphorical sense. There was one last piece to the full outfit that he only now understood the purpose of. What he had thought were initially four socks for him to wear, where actually thick, furry bands for his arms and shins. He slipped the first two on just below his wrist, followed by the two meant for his shins. With the outfit complete he looked to Hati for approval, to which she replied with a full toothed grin.

“Now you look more like one of us” A hint of pride in her speech. Even Skol regarded him with a more accepting stare, as he too offered his thoughts on Daybreaks look. “Indeed. You are much more pleasing to look at now. I can almost believe you the Dread Wolf. Almost.”

Pleased with compliments and satisfied with his look, Daybreak moved to sit with his Alphas until Dash was able to join them. This waiting took quite a few minutes longer than Daybreak would have liked, and although Hati and Skol remained silent during this wait, Daybreak could feel their slight irritation as the minutes began to pass. He was about to suggest he go and fetch her himself, when the sound of feet smacking wood told him there was no need. Rainbow appeared at the front entrance, now properly dressed in her normal workout gear, and looking much less dead than she had a few minutes prior. With the wind coming towards him, Daybreak could smell the mint of mouthwash on her breath, an item he was not even aware she had brought with her. Though since she had just been vomiting magic laced stomach acid, he was thankful she had it.

Rainbow briefly shot an apologetic looking gaze towards Hati and Skol before noticing Daybreak and his new outfit. At this, her eyes brightened in interest and she found the energy to rush over to them, running her fingers all over Daybreaks furry outer layer.

“Wow dude! Loving the new gear, you actually look like more like a Wildman now and less of a practicing nudist, not that I minded that part.” She turned to Hati as she spoke “You made this for him? It's awesome!”

A strong feeling of pride flowed over Hati at Rainbows praise, which Daybreak felt quite powerfully, being as close to her as he was.

“It was indeed a challenge. But very much a worthwhile one. It has some unique properties as well. The skin is quite strong and may serve as protection from most penetrating attacks wherever it covers. The leather I used to weave the lace is also resistant to damage and will not break against anything less than a well placed slash of a powerful blade. The bands on his arms and shins will also allow him to better control his newfound heightened senses and strength, as long as he keeps them on that is. There is one last ability I included in the fabric I am most proud of, but it does draw in energy from the surroundings to use, though its draw is very minimal. Young one, lend your thoughts to the clothing, and try to alter it in some way. Anyway you can think of.”

Curious, Daybreak did as he was instructed. The first thought that came to mind was wishing to lengthen the vest and waist pelt. To his surprise, after a bit of concentrated thought, that was exactly what happened. The vest and the waist cloth lengthened significantly, quickly resembling a full body robe. It lasted only a moment, before Daybreak willed the outfit to return to normal, which it did even quicker than it had grown. Hati nodded with approval.

“By drawing in a minimal amount of Shizen from the surroundings, this outfit can be altered in any number of ways. Just know that it draws on the Shizen of living things around you. The more extreme a change you wish to make, the more energy it will require...For example that small edit you just made drew in so little as to not be noticeable. Where as if you wanted to drastically increase its mass or toughness, that would require a heftier amount of Shizen, and might even kill weaker lifeforms like plants. Also, you should note that it is literally absorbing the Shizen like a sponge, and storing it while it changes shape, but the moment you wish to return it to normal, the garment releases that stored energy immediately unless you focus otherwise. So storing up too much at a time could come with repercussions if you aren't careful when reverting to normal.”

Daybreak ran his finger through the fur adorning his body, a deeper appreciation for what this was now upon him. “This isn't just clothing. It's a tool”

Skol huffed “How perceptive. Shall we move on now, if everyone is happy and content? Need I remind you, Sister, that we are already behind schedule. We should not keep the serpent waiting.”

Though her brow twitched, and irritation flowed from her mind, Hati did not argue the point. “You are right Brother. To save time, you should accompany the young one to the Serpent, and I shall take his mate back to our home with me.”

“What? No, I'm going with Daybreak! Rainbow exclaimed, stepping forward in an all too challenging manner for his comfort. Neither wolf growled or showed any hint of aggression towards Rainbows brashness, but Skol did shoot her a glare, which only prompted her to continue her challenge.

“If he's going to learn the secrets of how magic or this shizen thing works, then I'm going too! No way am I going to sit on the sidelines while he becomes stronger!”

While Skol continued his disapproving glare, Hati found a sympathetic one instead. “Young one, this is not a path you can take. It is for Sol Daybreak alone.”

“Why?!” Rainbow half yelled half moaned.

“Because girl, he is Hróðvitnir, and you are not! There is no reason beyond that!”

Skols tone darkened, and Daybreak could feel his irritation beginning to rise again. Despite his worry for Rainbows safety, another question that had occurred to him prior reared up again as Skol spoke.

“That name. Hroovitnir. You've called me that before. But what does it mean?”

“Hróðvitnir!” Skol hissed in his brain, correcting him with obvious annoyance. “It is the name of one prophesied to appear before us. The name of the one to become Dread Wolf”

More prophecies. Terrific. Daybreak tempered his own irritation at that revelations so as not to betray his feelings on such things. “And what makes you think that I am that one? Why not Sunset? Or Rainbow Dash here?”

Skol scoffed, and even Hati radiated minor amusement in her feelings. “That is information you are not yet privy too little cub. Needless to say though, the former resident of your domicile was talented, but she did not meet our expectations. As for your mate here, there is no doubt she is not the one. She radiates with a Light of one of the Element bearers. It could not be her. Now, no more questions! We must be off! Cub, to me, we are going!”

Skol's commanding tone struck a cord in his brain, and Daybreak felt an overwhelming urge to obey his word. Even as he walked to his Alpha's side, he shot Rainbow an apologetic look, but Hati was already by her side conversing.

“Worry not young Dash, I do have a task for you, and it is one that requires your aide precisely.”

Though Rainbow clearly still wanted to argue the point, she could see the matter was already finished. With a wave Daybreak and Rainbow bid another temporary farewell to each other and headed off on their respective paths. Daybreak gave a quick glance back, watching Rainbow follow Hati towards the tree line. He couldn't help but long to go with her. What if the wolves at the camp were less receptive of her than they had been of him? Could Hati alone control the whole pack if they all wanted to cause her harm? He should be going with her...and he knew she was probably thinking the same things about him.

Skol growled in his ear as his hefty steps passed him by, forcing Daybreak to quicken his own pace. “You should clear your mind of such thoughts young cub. Your mate is well and safe as long as she remains in my Sisters care. Not one of our pack would ever bring harm your mate, especially while she carries young within her. Right now, it is your life you should focus on. The trial ahead of you will determine much of your future. I suggest you prepare yourself for that.”

Author's Notes:

One day I'll return to some semblance of consistency with my updates. One day.