Chapter 3: Cheating Death

I embraced the darkness. When I awoke, all that I knew was that I had gotten bit and killed by that dog. All around me was darkness, I couldn't tell where I was or what was around me.

"Hello! Is anyone there?" I called out to no reply.

...

"Hello! Am I dead? Is this the afterlife?" I tried again, desperate.

**I want to at least see my father if I am truly dead.**

Seeing as nothing responded or happened, I started to walk forwards. Well, whatever way I was facing since there was no real way to tell directions. I kept walking for what felt like hours. I was starting to loose hope and energy. Sitting down, I tried to calm myself down.

**It's, it's okay, this means you're not dead, right? I'm sure there is a way out of here, you just have to keep walking and you'll find something, right?**

"What is it you seek child?" A deep voice boomed out of nowhere.

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of the loud voice sounded out all around me.

"W-who are you?" I nervously squeaked out.

"What is it you seek, could it be money? Fame? Perhaps women? Power? What do you wish the most?" The voice boomed back again.

"I-I, uh, I just want to..." Trailing off, I started to think again.

**What DO I want...**

"Speak up, my patience grows thin..." The voice growled at me.

"I-I- ... I want to be strong enough to protect what I love, just like my father did for me. I want to- to live and be free." I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"HAHAHA, I see." It boomed heartily.

"So that is what you desire, I see your heart as well as your soul. You intrigue me little one, I see an interesting future with you. I hereby grant thee my powers. Do you accept?" Once again it boomed and bounced around me.

"What? Wait, what do you mean? Heart? Soul? Powers? I have so many questions, w-who even are you?" Questioning the voice back, I slightly tremble.

"That I cannot share yet, you must decide. Do you take the leap, or do you die?" It's reply was ominous, but straightforward.

"D-die? Wait, so I'm not dead?!"

"Ugh, your indecisiveness will be the death of you. Fine, you are not dead... yet. You can consider this a kind of limbo or purgatory as your fate is decided. Now, ANSWER!"

"Limbo?! ... AGH!! ... Okay, okay, I apologize sir. I-I umm, I accept."

"HAHAHA, good lad. Now then, repeat after me."

Lightning strikes, and thunder roars.

A wolf howls at the midnight shore.

Reverberate and rumble to see them ruined.

Let this body forever be consumed.

Triumph over all, land or air.

For I am the rightful heir.

The time is nearing closer.

I am now your owner.

Fulgar Lupus'

As I finished repeating what he said, a warm glow covered my body and my hair stood on end. I opened my eyes. What was awaiting me was that same cold floor, except now I felt no pain. I slowly sat up and put a hand to my neck, my wounds were gone.

**This... What happened? I'm not dead?!** As I thought that, a group of men entered the hall from the exit that they brought the dog in earlier. I looked at them and realized that they had weapons, pointed at... me?!?! I tried to stand, but couldn't, something heavy was laying on my legs. When I looked down, I saw that dog.

**Hahaha, good morning young one.** The deep voice resounded inside my head again.

The dog got up and stared at the men with weapons and growled at them. Just like before, they attacked, only to be vaporized in an instant by this monster dog.

**Get up, we need to get out of here.** Again it resounded in my head.

"I can't, I'm not strong enough to fight." I retorted to the voice aloud.

**Hahaha, what do you think I'm for you young fool.** The voice shot back as the dog cocked it's head.

**Now enough, get on my back if you refuse to walk, I don't have the time or energy to argue any longer. Unless you want to waste this life of yours.** The voice sounded angry this time.

I nodded and approached the dog hesitantly, before hopping on it's back. Before I knew it we were in the hallway, zooming down it at insane speeds. I am barely able to hold on with how bumpy the ride was. Then all of a sudden electricity sparked in front of me and I heard a loud boom, and then we were outside the cave in a forest. The dog was panting really hard, it's legs trembling. It finally came to a stop by a lake and collapsed on the ground.

"Hey, w-what, are you okay?!"

**I was already injured heavily before we made the pact. I also had to supply the power for the pact, then fight our way out of there myself. I am completely out of energy child. Fetch me some water." The dog commanded.

"A-ah, o-okay Mr. Dog." I reluctantly replied

I went over to the lake and looked at the water. It was a nice clear blue, and surprisingly enough, looked clean. So I cupped some water in my hands and brought it over to the monster dog.

"Here, please, drink."

Slurp Slurp Slurp

**Ha, that's feels nice after that hell hole. Oh, and what's with this dog thing you brat.**

"Huh? What do you mean, aren't you a dog?"

**NO you FOOL. Open those eyes of yours, can't you see. I am a WOLF. Dogs are owned rats you gave up their freedom and pride, call me one again and I'll eat you for dinner.** The do- *wolf* proclaimed proudly.

"Uhhh- um o-okay Mr. Wolf" I paled instantly after hearing that last comment.

"Mr. Wolf, I have a lot of questions..." I tried to ask,

**Later kid, for now I need rest** With that the Wolf fell asleep where he lay, without a care.