FSE

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Tales of monsters are not foreign in the lands of Verillia however the tales of good monsters are scarce in number. The Coyote tribe holds one such tale crafted early in their vast history. A boy who bore head enough for three would be treated as a monster but by others a higher form of life. Cerberus was as unknowing as any other as to why or how for to him he was not different. However life would shape the man he would be come and help him find answer far beyond him in due time.

Despite his standing out from the rest of his tribe Cerberus lead a normal life and was expected to carry his weight like any other. He was given a job few would take, exploration of the spire. It required him with a team to venture into places within the tower none had set foot in. Deep within the subterranean levels they found themselves in a small workshop hidden very meticulously within the labyrinth like basement. Inside there sat a table layered with tools, a pit filled with ash and coal, and a heavy blackened anvil. They knew that this place must have had importance to whom ever had build it but they had no way of knowing why. As the team made their ascent they heard a terrifying noise surrounding them, worried about what may have been lurking in the dark below they hastily climbed to the top. Returning to the towns center they found themselves confronted with commotion, everyone had gathered around a number of citizens lying motionless strewn across the ground. Among those on the ground was Cerberus's father; in a frantic fear of the worst he rushed to him beginning to tear up."Father wake up! Please open your eyes! Say something please!"

Few townsfolk had seen what had happened but claimed that a strange creature had appeared and attacked those in the square before it retreated upward. Cerberus believed he had stirred the beast from its slumber but was too distraught to mention it to the team. Cerberus called the team together shortly after the bodies had been taken away and confronted them about his feelings of responsibility for the attack. They were in agreement when he suggested they never return to the lower level again and for it to remain a secret. After the attack a slew of restrictions were put on all within the citadel: only certain levels were deemed safe, curfews were enacted, and now a patrol was out all day and night ever vigilant. What had been a paradise, a wondrous haven, had become a nation state controlled by fear.

Time past however and the creature was not seen; the people began to relax, the curfew was lifted and the patrol nearly disbanded. Cerberus was now the age of twenty-one years, now standing as tall as his father had with a fearsome build, his eyes jaded from life's displeasure. He had sought companionship in a mate but was without luck for all his efforts his appearance would allow him nothing. However a woman, a friend of his father, befriended him hoping to learn more about him then his father had told her.

"I am very appreciative of your kindness and friendship Elas, however I can not tell you much more than you know," Cerberus admitted as Elas prepared their dinner. She was reluctant to accept that he was entirely without anything new to talk about, "Well there must be something, your father told me all about how you two came here and how he thinks you came to be but..." Elas stopped rethinking what she wanted to know, "I suppose Cerberus I think I would rather just hear about you, your personality I mean." "For what purpose? I am not as interesting as I may appear," he admitted, "And come to mention it, you need to tell me something." Elas stopped and faced Cerberus with a curious expression, "And what might that be?" "Father told me I was born here," he said blankly as he stared into her eyes. She quickly finished dinner and served them both, "Well then I suppose there are things we both want to know. I will tell you what your father told me however must not let it interfere with your life."

From the clan of the Coyote was a child born to a mother's fleeting breath. Though his fur was that of any others he was proclaimed a monster as he bore three heads upon his shoulders. The boy was the unfortunate survivor of a brood of triplets who's bodies entwined became one. Fear gripped those who had seen the child and it was decreed by the city's Chief for the child to be disposed of immediately. However the father, though afraid of his own seed, pleaded for his son's life no matter the cost. The Chief would not stand for this insubordination he threatened banishment for any further interference.

He would not stand for it, he could not allow his only child to meet his end so soon and before his own. As the executioner lifted his ax high above the bed the baby lie upon he tackled him down. The Chief quickly stepped up to seize the man but his hand quickly met the blade of the ax. In the corner the village Shaman remained, she would do nothing but speak softly to the man something he could not understand. He left the ax plowed into the wall as he collected his child an escaped Rouka with only the clothes on his back.

Running as fast as he could he could hear the Chief screaming behind him and foot steps of guards not far behind looking to capture him. He managed to escape unharmed but found himself wandering knowing nowhere to go that would accept the child. Survival would depend solely on how long it would take for him to find anything the child could consume. A herd of Shren were near by, though easy hunting it became impossible to successfully slay a large member of the herb while tending to his baby. In the end he would only manage to kill an old sick male who's body had little meat to it. He fed the toothless child the only way he could, by first chewing the food to the point it was nearly liquid and then regurgitating it for the child. It was danger to the child's health and also took a tole on the man but it was the only way they would live to wander on.

An abandoned tower, a reminiscence of the Old World now seemingly derelict, stood north of his home town and as fortune smiled upon him he had found it before too long. Hoping the place to be vacant the man proceed into the tower, however, to his surprise, he was greeted by a large group within. The people inside were part of the first tribe of Coyotes whom had broken off to further explore and expand their territory. They took the man in without question as they had seen him carrying his infant child. Though shocked and terrified by the child's appearance they were equally perplexed at his existence and would allow him to stay so they may ascertain how it was that he was alive. The boy was named Cerberus sharing this name with the group's original leader who had found the citadel.

"Why do you think my father never told me that story, did he think it would make me mad or sad," he asked in a flustered tone. Elas looked him in the eyes, "He as trying to protect, he wanted you to grow up not knowing that people thought you were a monster because of how you look." "It would not have mattered anyway, it is not my appearance that makes me a monster but my actions," he spoke rising from the table. Elas followed confused, "What do you mean your actions, what have you done that makes you a monster?" "The monster that killed my father... it only came out because of me. My team and I we explored the lower levels and when we came back he was gone," he said. Elas knew he was wrong but could give no words that would help him realize it, "Accidents happen, you were only doing your job," is what she said before leaving that night.

On a late winter afternoon the main door cracked open showing a group of Foxes standing just beyond it. The group looked tired and frightened; they begged to be taken into citadel but the decision would be left to the Council of the Spire. The Council would consider their request telling that the tower was of limited space as the upper levels were still deemed unsafe. Their concern was less of space however but more so of the Foxes themselves. They were suspicious looking, acting horribly paranoid, and the very idea of them needing shelter was peculiar. It was a decision they would leave for the following day allowing enough time for such a serious decision to receive the time and attention it deserved.

Cerberus woke to a thunderous noise outside of his home that night as his mind just barely had begun to rest. He rose and went to see what had caused the noise however, there was not a single torch lit as though the guards were not patrolling. A sudden wave of blood curdling screams and agonized moans took the room and sent Cerberus into a panic. "Had the beast returned to reek havoc once more?" he thought. Finally lighting a torch he venture to the square to find the source of this terror. Not a single soul could be found as he made his way to square which worried him greatly. Finally upon reaching the square all was quiet as though the noises had only been imaginary. Creeping in the darkness Cerberus found his torch to do a poor job of burning through the thick black veil. Unsure of every step he made until a sudden splash broke the silence, he was uncertain of what was under foot but would force himself to see find the answer. Elas body lay motionless in a pool of crimson broken only by Cerberus's lone step cemented in its place.

He waited in the darkness for what felt like an eternity before remembering the Foxes who slept just outside the main gate. Peeking through the open door he saw nothing, not a single fox or tent only a fire that was almost completely faded away. Cerberus returned inside to check the barricade to the upper levels but to his surprise it was completely untouched. Knowing now for certain it was the Foxes he was left to wonder why would they have fled, why bring the bodies to the square, and why did they leave him alive. He was then struck with frightening revelation; what if they had not fled instead were lying in wait within? After searching until dawn's break Cerberus concluded the only place for the group to hide would be beneath in the labyrinth.

And so, without choice, he made his descent into the abyss reaching the ground he had hoped to never tread again. He heard a low noise in the darkness, a growl of some sort, which he followed cautiously through the labyrinth like basement. He found himself in the tool room again nothing had changed but that was of no real shock to him. Remembering his friends he sat in quiet contemplation if any had survived the attack if they would have ever dared to come to this place again. The growl had ceased for the time as Cerberus sat wishing anyone to be his companion in the utter darkness of the world. Cerberus decided now to examine the room further for anything that could be of use to him. As he approached the chamber containing coal he was overcome with the growl once more, now much louder than before, sending him reeling to the room's center With a flash fire struck the coals along with the torches within the room entirely lighting it with the exception of the second entrance where stood a shadowy figure.

"Finally after all these years someone has come to me. My apologies for the scare, I merely tried to shed some light upon the room." the figure spoke in a joyous tone. Cerberus was confused and more so frightened, "Who are you, what is this place?" The figure went on to explain, "I am the Smith and this is my shop of course, have you never seen the shop of a blacksmith, boy?" "I don't know what that means, are you the one who murdered my friends?!" Cerberus demanded. "Murder? Of course not. But as I was saying I am the blacksmith, I make the finest weapons and armors around, or at least I had prior to the accident. My best tool, my arm, I burnt it so horribly I could never work again. But it is quite fortunate for you to come along because you can help me." the figure spoke with a peculiar tone in his voice. Cerberus was less afraid now but still very confused, "And why should I help you to receive nothing in return?" The Smith continued his pitch, "Nothing, oh no I assure you what I will give you will be well worth your labor." "And that would be?" Cerberus questioned immediately. With a most simplistic tone the Smith answered back, "The killers, I know who slayed your countrymen and I will kindly tell you if you build for me a suit of armor." Now furious Cerberus began to shout, "Why would you not tell me sooner, who, who did this?!" "In due time friend, first I need you to build for me a suit of armor, and then I will tell you. But while you busy yourself with the armor you might consider a weapon as well, the killers are ruthless and will cut you down without a second thought," the Smith would continue,"Now get to work." "I know not how to build armor," Cerberus replied aggravated by the Smith's tone.

And so the Smith would instruct Cerberus on the proper techniques of a smith, he took a liking to molding the metal and with haste was able to make good on his promise to build the suit of armor. Following this he began to deliberate on what weapon to build however he was unable to make a solid selection of what best fit him. The months began to pass as Cerberus crafted various different weapons until he had stockpiled enough to outfit an entire army but without one chosen especially for him. In the meantime while pondering his choices he found himself studying the basement's many chambers all of which he found something to occupy his time. Cerberus found rooms filled with artwork depicting strange creatures along with books written in archaic text accompanying images of various items and locations. He studied these hidden gems in his off time while not preoccupied with hunting or physical training.

The winter had finally had it last day and Cerberus had become restless while being confined to the area due to the harsh cold and immense snow fall of the year. He had finally decided upon the use of a war-hammer similar to the simplistic design of the hammer used in the forge. As he constructed the tool he began to feel his hands warm to an unpleasant heat and begin to burn as though he had placed his hands upon the coals. After a few moments of intense pain he decided he could take it no more and submerged his hands in water. The relief was instant but as he pulled his hands out to examine the root of the problem he would find a rather bizarre surprise. His hands had become as black and coarse as the coals and stuck to his palms he found small bits of the metal he had been crafting. Figuring it to just be an odd occurrence Cerberus continued and as he continued he felt the metal becoming more mailable than it had been. Once more he felt the burning feeling arise but decided this time to work through it only now as he held the metal tightly did he notice it beginning to flex as it slowly began to glow a vibrant fiery red. Instantly he dropped the piece uncertain of what to make of what was happening to his hands, he sat watching the rough bits of his palms and fingers turn from a pale ashy white back to a darker charcoal like black. Cerberus picked up the metal once more and gripped it tightly as before and again noticed the piece begin to glow as though it was being heated. He continued under the idea and found that somehow he was able to heat the piece and make it mailable enough to form shapes. With the hammer finished he had only to do but wait and while doing so he would work in designs and textures to his weapon to mark it his own with the clan's insignia.

With his tool complete Cerberus ascended to his home from the void and after smashing down the barricade proceeded to the upper levels. He methodically searched the upper levels for the beast if it did indeed still remain within the tower. After tedious and extraneous searching Cerberus was nearly ready to surrender his hopes of retribution until he came across a massive creature. Bathed in a opaque ebony coat the creature lie seemingly resting; its body was so thin, nearly bone, it seemed very much incumbered by the chains that wrapped the length of its body and limbs. "Stand foul creature, face your fate for your transgressions!" Cerberus called out. A horrendous gleaming yellow eye broke open and quickly located Cerberus, "Who dare disturb my slumber?" it demanded in a tired grumble. Cerberus pulled forth his hammer, "I, Cerberus, wake you and will ensure you an eternal sleep hereafter. Now stand beast and pay the debt you owe for the lives you have taken, for my innocent countrymen, but most importantly my father!" Cerberus charged forth readying a strike but not before the beast leapt to the wall behind him clinging to it with it's jagged claws. "You carry the tool of the Smith, have you done away with him as well?" the beast questioned. Cerberus was done with words however and charged the beast again this time it leapt to the floor immediately behind him. Before he had time enough to face the creature it vaulted forth and tackled him into the wall and began to fiercely tear into his chest. A tremendous cracking let out and both became silent when suddenly the wall gave way sending both downward. Locked in their struggle they fought for dominance during the descent, trying to push the other below to cushion their own fall. Nearing the floor Cerberus knew he was losing control but his weapon was within reach, and though taking a severe slash in the process he grasped it and slam the creature relentlessly. Retaking the top he continued to batter the monster until they had finally crashed into the floor. Pulling himself to his feet Cerberus found himself on the other side of the room, injured but alive, he returned to the landing point where his hammer stood stuck in the citadel's floor. As for the creature it lay dead beneath the hammer it's fragile body mangled beyond repair from the fight and with it's sharp yellow eyes now dim. After retrieving his hammer Cerberus would make his way to the main gate but as he did he heard a bizarre sound stir behind him. From the area where the creature lay came a dark haze which enveloped Cerberus, it seemed to have no effect however he would pull away from it and quickly leave.

After leaving his home Cerberus would travel for south, wandering the land trying to track the Foxes he sought, until he arrived at a village late in the evening. The city's guard immediately readied their weapons at the sight of his shadow as he came ever closer to the gates. "Halt creature, we are armed!" one called out. "I mean no harm sirs, do you know of any Fox tribes in the area?" Cerberus questioned. "That is or business." the guard answered back. Cerberus was impatient and was not in any mood to deal with the man, "Answer my question and there will be no harm done to you, however if you deny me this I ensure you this village will burn." The guards became reasonably concerned at this point now sending for the Chief and reinforcements. "I warn you monster, take your leave now and stay far from this place. Our Chief is a most noble warrior, and is renowned as an excellent fighter, you would do well not to anger him." the lone guard threatened intimidated by his foe. At this time more soldiers began to form a line behind the gate guard, readying their weapons as well as making a wall out of their shields. "It does not matter how many stand against me, you have no chance," Cerberus mocked the soldiers. "Then let us not play this game of numbers, let it be a true test of might, and try to defeat me," the Chief's voice silenced the area.

"Well maybe I should be surprised, I never thought I would see you again. None the less you are a monster young or old however this time fate shall not be so kind." Cerberus was quite confused by the man's speech, he had never seen this man before in his life and had no idea what he meant, "You know me?" Cerberus asked with his high temper. The Chief carried on with his calm nature, "Of course you were born here, however with you being the creature you are my father aimed to dispose of you. He was so certain the two of you would simply just parish; lost in the wilderness with no food or shelter that we had nearly forgotten you entirely, but one doesn't forgot a face like that not a single one of them." Cerberus had grown sick of the Chief and charged into him but was thrown to the ground in one quick motion. Chief Scion was a superior fighter with only his hands which became obvious to Cerberus as he continued to try and knock him to the ground only to fail and end up down himself.

"You are quite weak monster, I have fought scores of enemies who presented more of a challenge then you" Scion laughed smugly. Cerberus became furious and would attack again and again trying even more madly to topple the Chief. After even more failed attempts he decided to pull forth his hammer and simply defeat him with sheer strength. "Do you think that weapon will help you any," the Chief mocked, "just give up you've tried your best now you must simply accept your fate..." But before the Chief could finish Cerberus had sent him airborne with a single strike to his stomach. Breathless the Scion tried to struggle to his feet but was held down by the maul's weight upon him. "Where do I find the Foxes!?" Cerberus shouted at his wounded foe. Scion was in agony certain he should be dead and could only barely answer, "Southwest of here however I am not sure, they had past here in winter. We chased them out they might not have survived the cold of the night." Cerberus lifted the hammer contemplating his enemy's destruction as his face took a sinister expression. Looking to the guards who had encircled him he saw not hatred for himself in their eyes but fear for their leader. Using all the strength he had Cerberus forced himself to spare the man seeing now he had shattered his arm without noticing.

Cerberus carried on his quest searching the best he could however quickly became lost and turned around losing direction. Days had past, lost, tired, and alone Cerberus decided to settle by a river late one evening while the moon hung heavy and full overhead. The luminescence of the moon lit a reflection in the water and in it Cerberus saw truths he had not been able to before. Looking himself over he saw his eyes had shifted in colour to a bloody crimson, his fur had turned to an opaque charcoal with undertones of pale ash. He tried desperately to wash his fur clean in the stream but it was useless as it seemed now to be a permanent alteration.

A short time later he found himself again staring deeply into his reflection this time to find a far more terrifying sight within. His left head had begun to twitch ever so slightly and the eye seemed to tremble every few moments. Cerberus watched in curiosity until the lids receded to reveal an eye, a murky white eye that seemed as clouded as the sky during a thunderstorm. All the while as he watched the left's eye he had failed to notice the right's jaw slowly descending from it's otherwise locked state. "Well this is a fine mess we are in now is it not?" a hoarse voice pondered. Cerberus turned around in alert, "Who goes there?" The left's eye slowly gazed to the right's mouth cracking with a devious grin. Cerberus glanced to the right now to see the cynical smile it held so maliciously. "Well is it not?" it inquired of him. "I would say as much... how long have you been able to speak?" Cerberus cautiously asked out of puzzlement. "That's not quite so important now, what is is finding those Foxes," the right spoke. "I have been trying, you should know this, they are elusive and nearly impossible to find," Cerberus tried to reason with the right head. The right's grin returned again, "Oh really, it would appear that we have found them with only a moments time. Right?" The left blinked repeatedly before returning to it's dead stare at Cerberus. "How did you..." the right quickly interrupted Cerberus, "Never mind as to how, we will lead you, all you need to do is follow."

And into the night they went Cerberus obedient with no other option to locate his query all the while befuddled as to how any of this had become possible. Night turned day and Cerberus's mind was in a fog as he followed the guidance of the heads leading him along. It was baffling how his heads, which had seemed so lifeless the entirety of their existence, had now become so invigorated and more so how they managed to have such insight on the Foxes. After a day of travel Cerberus found himself on a hilltop overlooking a village pulsing with life. One look at the insignia littered across the town and he knew had finally cornered his elusive prey. "We will wait until nightfall and strike while they sleep," his right conspired so confidently. Cerberus knew it to be the best idea however felt he was of greater strength, "No I shall give them a fighting chance, they could not stop me even if they knew I were coming." Cerberus descended from the hill and proceeded to the city's core. The citizens sat in confusion at the being who stood before them, entirely unsure of what to make of the man.

"What business do you have here creature?" a woman's voice called from behind him. Cerberus remained still as he answered, "Your people have done mine an injustice, I have come to settle this trouble. With the deaths of each any everyone of you!" The masses were shocked by such audacity however would not take the threat as hollow and instead readied for a fight. "I know not what you mean by this but if you threaten my people know that you threaten a God!" the voice strengthened with the speaker's conviction. Cerberus turned to face his challenger, "A God? We will see about this."

The air seemed to hang as though time had ceased, the onlookers seemed to disappear in the peripheral, and all that remained was the Fox and the Coyote. Cerberus charged forward hammer in hand fixed to crush his challenger like a twig under his foot. A quick jab from her staff caught Cerberus off guard causing him to pull back abruptly. "What do they call you beast?" the warrior questioned circling opposite his direction. "Cerberus of the Cerberian Tribe the tribe yours tried to wipe from existence!" Cerberus lunged forward again only to miss. "Lady Sirius stand down," a voice cried from the outside the crowd. "I am fine Chief, this nuisance will be no more in mere moments," Siri answered confidently. With Sirius distracted Cerberus hastily charged and knocked into her shoulder first sending her rolling across the ground. "Well then Lady Sirius it would appear this to be your end," Cerberus said manically as he pressed his hammer down onto her back letting all of his weight rest on it. Siri panicked with her bow staff out of reach, "Let me go you fiend, fight me with honor." "As you fought my people with honor, murdering them in their sleep, is that what you call honor?!" he demanded.

Cerberus was out of control, driven by rage with no sense of reality. He lifted the maul and set his foot in it's place as he aligned his swing with Sirius's head, trapped and scared Siri resorted to her final option. Summoning all the power inside of her, all the while Cerberus preparing her execution, and as Cerberus pulled his hammer up she release the energy she had and emitted a blast of burning white light. Cerberus drew back and fell to his knees blinded by the light, "It burns!" he cried out in great agony. "What is this, what is happening!" the right became terrified. Relying on his hearing alone Cerberus found his way to Sirius and grabbed her tightly by the throat struggling to open his eyes to see her. "Your tricks end here!" he shouted as his vision returned. Siri struggled for breath trying to build up power once more while fighting off Cerberus. Now helpless and near death, Cerberus examined his foe more closely, noting the tone of her markings, her tails, but most of all her eyes. Like the stars in the night sky however scores more brilliant, bordering on the ethereal when the light struck them just right. He starred into her eyes as though he were looking into oblivion, forgetting the matter at hand. Sirius on the edge of death released all the energy she had left, the resulting wave of light flung Cerberus out of the ring of villagers and onto the dirt where he lay unconscious.

In his unconscious state Cerberus faced a plethora of horrors in his nightmare and was forced to view the scene he had never wished to think of again. He stood motionless over his father's body, his eye slowly rolling towards him, his mouth slowly motioning inaudible words. "Father, I'm sorry... it's all my fault, I should have never lead them down there.... I could have prevented this.. I love you father," Cerberus fell to his knees and began to sob. A chilling felling crept up his spine and into his head and in the blink of an eye he found himself in a different scene, the workshop of the Smith. "It is all your fault! How can you live with yourself you monster!? You deserve to die!" his right screeched. Cerberus starred deep into the water pondering his life, the things he had done, the people he had hurt, and what would happen if he was no longer.

In the basin of water he sat searching the dark reflection for something but he knew not what exactly. He saw now his reflection meld with the visage of his father, looking straight into his eyes with an expression of compassion. "Father?" Cerberus looked hopeful yet dumbfounded. "My son, do not be sorry for what has happened to me, do not look at your life in regret for mistakes. You must stand strong you must be confident in yourself and not depend on others for strength," the reflection spoke solemnly. "Silence old one, he is ours now!" the right savagely shrieked. "Cerberus be true to yourself do not let others poison your mind!" his father called out. "Enough!" a stern voice shouted. In seconds the water had seemingly disappeared with the image of Cerberus's father. "You are a monster! You have killed your own kind, your friends and most importantly your own father! Surrender to the guilt you carry boy!" the voice called out from the shadows. Cerberus began to feel the weight of the sins he had committed and could feel his body wanting to surrender to their invisible force. "No," Cerberus uttered as he began to rise from his hands an knees. "Stay down monster, you belong there!" the right commanded. Cerberus gathered his strength and in a quick motion ripped the right head from his shoulders. The left's eye quickly shot over broken from it's otherwise jaded manner by this berserk action. Cerberus quickly tore the left from his body as well, purging himself of their influence. "How dare you defy us! This is not the end of this I swear to you!" the right shouted as it slowly melted away as candle wax in flames. Cerberus lifted his head in triumph feeling the burden of his past lifting with every breath, slowly the darkness receded and in it's wake stood the blacksmith in the room's corner.

A splash of light graced his eyes and Cerberus could feel now the nightmare had faded away but that he now sat bound in a unfamiliar place. "So you still live creature? Good, Lord Sirius will be quite pleased," a guard spoke from before exiting. Cerberus said nothing he merely sat and watched the sunrise through the slit of a window in front of him. He looked from left to right to see his other heads showed no signs of life now and breathed a sigh of relief to the fact. The door cracked open again and shut immediately after one person had entered the cell. Silence rang out for a few moments before either decided to speak, "So you are as tough as you look," Sirius slowly started. Cerberus remained silent unsure exactly of what he had to say to his captor. "Why do you think my people slaughtered yours we would have had no reason to do so," Sirius paused, "answer me and maybe I will consider allowing you to live."

Her bow staff pressed into the back of his neck driving a shooting pain down his entire spine. Cerberus twisted the ties that bound him into his hands and proceeded to heat burn them with his touch. In immediate shock Sirius motioned to strike him down but was abruptly stopped as he quickly grabbed her by her arms and held against the door. "You do not decide if I live, your countrymen have slain mine! However your death will not bring me any solace," Cerberus said calming slightly while setting Sirius back on her feet, "I will be leaving now." Sirius stood utterly captivated as Cerberus finished removing the remaining binds, "What about your weapon?" Cerberus dwelled on the idea for a moment, "I will return it to it's rightful place." Cerberus reached for the door only to have Sirius's hand meet his at the latch, "My people are not responsible for the deaths of yours, that night we rested outside your tower we heard a terrible noise from inside, I... was the one to investigate it, and thats why we fled." Cerberus only nodded at his foe and proceeded outward with her leading the way to his maul.

Coming to the it's resting place Cerberus noted a change in the atmosphere around him as well as the sense of an aura malignant and dark hanging over the hammer. "The townspeople have been afraid to touch it even I have a feeling of dread as I approach it," Sirius spoke keeping distance from the weapon. "It is a tool of great evil and I must purge it of its malice," Cerberus said in a faint voice that bordered inaudibility. He lifted the massive hammer from the ground and placed it upon his back now ready to leave. "Lord Sirius you are allowing him to leave?!" one guard shouted in panic. "He is no threat to us any longer, he has seen the light of truth, allow him passage," Sirius addressed her people as Cerberus made his way out. Cerberus headed for the citadel knowing what waited for him within however he knew the day would come when he would have to tend to those inside.

All the while on his journey homeward he planned his course of action trying to decide what to with the citadel knowing it to be to great of a home to keep to himself. As he past Rouka he decided that he would offer it to the people there as debt to Chief Scion for his how he insulted him. A chill shook through Cerberus's body as he finally was able to see the tower through the tree line a feeling that only intensified as he reached the door. He entered to find, to his surprise, the entire floor where the bodies had lied to be empty and not only that cleaned of every drop of blood. "Is anyone here?!" Cerberus called out only to be answered by his echo. After searching the homes to find not one bit of evidence to insist that someone had been in the tower he recalled his nightmare and proceed to the lower level. The smell radiating from within the depths was of horrible rot so much so that Cerberus could barely stand to breath as he made his way down the hall. A light shined from down the hallway which housed the blacksmiths shop, naturally Cerberus went towards it. As he made his way around the corner into the hall he found a horrific and disgusting sight, the bodies of his countrymen lay scattered around the hall ripped open and drained of blood. Cerberus could barely stand the sight but knew he must carry on into the shop to confront what ever may lie in wait.

The lights were dim within but the scent was pungent and strong, a figured moved in the darkness at the other end of the room. "Show yourself monster!" Cerberus demanded his blood boiling, ready to snap at any moment. A slurping noise came from the figures direction, "I have been waiting for you," the creature stepped forward. The light lit the monster's body enough for Cerberus to make out it's fearsome frame clad with the armor he had built for the Smith. "I never should have trusted you," Cerberus spoke as he drew his weapon. The limp sound of a body stamping the ground rang out, "You should have given in earlier, you have only made this harder on yourself." "No more words fiend, it is time you pay for your deceptions." Cerberus spoke now battle ready.

The creature leaped at him and pinned him to the wall knocking the hammer from his hands. The monsters claws dug into Cerberus's shoulders, "You are unworthy of your life!" the beast screeched. Cerberus struggled away trying to reach his hammer only to be pulled back with it nearly in his grasp. He began to punch and kick at the creature as it continued to shred his flesh ruthlessly. Feeling his blood draining quicker with every scratch Cerberus resorted to the only option he had. Strangling the creature he heated his hands as much as he could hoping to drive the creature off. A horrible cry broke the air as the smell of burning flesh filled it, the beast now struggled against Cerberus trying to pull itself back into the room. Now freed from the monster's grasp he made his way to his hammer following his prey as it made it's retreat into the shop. The aura around the hammer was stronger now and Cerberus could feel it fighting him, weighing him down. The slurping noise came again as the beast tried to take refugee in the darkness and regain its strength but it was to no avail as a trail of black blood followed it. Cerberus readied to strike with the beast cornered, "Wait!" it cried out, "I can make you stronger than you could ever imagine. Just spare me and I can give you power beyond your wildest dreams, please!" Cerberus was unmoved by the creature's offer and proceed to eviscerate him with the maul. Everything became black as the Smith's death rattle bounced across the walls and down the halls.

The aura dissipated and the hammer suddenly began to feel as light as air, no longer muddled in darkness however splattered with blood. Cerberus calmed himself and found his way to a torch, lighting it to reveal an unbelievable discovery. In the beast's clutches was the body of a Fox he had attempted to rejuvenate himself with. Cerberus now looked at the other bodies in the shop to find other Foxes, their bodies not yet defiled all shared similar wounds to those caused by the creature. Cerberus sat thinking of how to redeem himself in the eyes of the Foxes for his transgressions as he began to cauterize his wounds. Over the next few days Cerberus removed the bodies of those inside the citadel and allow them proper sanctuary in the woods where they would return to the earth. He also searched the entire citadel hoping to expose any secrets it still held but found nothing of interest. With the bodies cleared out Cerberus busied himself with the corpses of the monsters he had defeated, bringing them together outside the tower, burning them, and finally scattering the ashes over great distances.

Dreams had replaced the nightmares that had become a regular condition of sleep for him for so long. One however stood out from the rest as he recounted them in his head trying to make sense of it. In a dimly lit plain their sat a tree bathed in the light of the sunset beyond. He could feel an aura surrounding him as he stepped into the light and let it wash over him. Wanting to remember his place if ever there again he left his mark, paw prints, burnt into the base of the tree. However he would never dream of this place again and it stay within his mind for a time as to why he had dreamt such an odd dream and what it meant if anything.

It had been nearly a month before Cerberus decided that in recompense for his actions that he would teach the ways of the smith to the Foxes as well as build Sirius a personal gift. He would build for her a bow staff made of metal rather than one of flimsy wood that had nearly snapped during their battle. Certain of his skills Cerberus crafted the gift with much care and after several attempts was finally pleased with his handy work. Sometime later Cerberus would return to those he had wronged to deliverer to them his most sincere apologies and gifts. He first sought out Scion to offer him the citadel now that it was cleansed of its darkness. Though unhappy to see him the Chief would accept his gift and apology however harbor resentment towards him still. Next he would travel to Seras to make amends with Sirius and her tribe of Foxes, hoping they would be as forgiving as the Chief.

The people of Seras were uneasy with Cerberus presences however would force themselves to make peace with this for Siri. Sirius was quite delighted to see his return seeing him now as something of a peer for his abilities but more so a friend. She was astonished by the craftsmanship put into her present and was quite humbled by his modest tone. Cerberus's life would calm thereafter he would reside in the citadel as the smith to his people but would also go on to spread his craft to others across land. However despite what had seemed to be a lasting peace throughout the land would come to and end as new troubles brewed on the horizon.