Aerobolt can't believe his ears when he learns that Shade is planning to escape Hydyraen, and with him too! But the question remains, is how? Here is Chapter four of that book I am writing...
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The Guardians of Life: Justice
Chapter Four
The Plan

Aerobolt couldn’t hide his shock. His jaws dropped, and his eyes widened. “You-what? I-what!?” he gasped. “You can’t be serious! You can’t just leave Hydyraen! And me! Why me!? Why do I have to go with you!?”
Shade remained calm. “I can leave Hydyraen because I have done it before.”
“How!?” Aerobolt spluttered. Then he gasped, “Wait, you were here before!?”
Shade nodded, “Yes. I was born here. When I was your age, I was just like you. I was fed up with being forced hurt innocent lives for unjustifiable reasons, so I escaped. But a long time ago, I was ordered to fetch someone by the name of Aerobolt, and take him to,” she leaned into Aerobolt’s ear, “The Guardians of Life.”
“The Guardians of Life? What is that?” Aerobolt asked, shock waning into curiosity.
“Foxes have always held such a terrible reputation for countless generations, am I right?” Shade asked.
“Yes, and I always hated that my kind actually enjoys being called evil. Most of the time, I felt ashamed of who I am,” Aerobolt replied sullenly.
Shade clapped her handpaws together. “I felt the same way when I was your age. It was then that I met the Guardians of Life, an organization that mirrors Hydyraen in almost every aspect. Among the scarce few it does not, purpose. The Guardians of Life, believe it or not, are a group of benevolent foxes who protect and preserve the Seven Forces of Life.”
“’Benevolent foxes’ my tail! At this point, I don’t think foxes can be benevolent…” Aerobolt mumbled bitterly.
“It’s a big world out there my friend,” Shade replied kindly.
“Foxes that do good things… Huh… Now I heard everything,” Aerobolt continued.
“Hey, stop that! I’m living proof that foxes are capable of benevolence! I am a Guardian of Life. When you say something like that, it hurts me…” Shade said.
Aerobolt stared at her. “And here I thought foxes were only capable of feeling bloodthirsty. I hope you are not lying to me about this; this would be the worst joke anyone would ever pull on a guy like me.”
“I promise you, I’m not,” Shade insisted.
Still, Aerobolt wasn’t sure. What kept his faith in her was the fact that no one in Hydyraen held a shred of trust towards this vixen. That meant he could trust her. All he wants is to get out of Hydyraen, and Shade must be the one to help him.
“Alright. I’m in,” Aerobolt said finally.
Shade let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks so much Aerobolt. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Why does it matter so much that I say yes?” Aerobolt asked, suddenly interested in her reaction.
Shade shook her head. “That information’s for when we get there. There’s so much I am bursting to tell you, but while we remain here, it must be kept from prying ears.”
“Don’t worry about it. What we do have to worry about, is how we’re going to get out of here. Arcane will know we left. He’ll hunt us down and kill us!” Aerobolt said.
“That shouldn’t be too much of a problem, if we had a Guardian escorting us from here. It’s how I escaped last time, albeit it happened without my intention. This time, I asked the Guardians to look for me when I found you. I sent out the message the minute I found you. It’s been so long, I just hope they’re still expecting me…” Shade replied.
“So let me get this straight. A Guardian is going to take us away? Within Hydyraen?” Aerobolt asked in disbelief.
“No. Unfortunately we have to be outside the gates,” Shade replied.
We WHAT!?” Aerobolt exploded. “But-but! But only!”
“Only foxes that are going to terrorize Nyethra are allowed out of the gates. Otherwise, Arcane will be able to find us that much easier. You haven’t been approved, I’m guessing, and as long as Arcane doesn’t trust me, I won’t be either. That’s why I must ask you to get us approved. If we don’t, our futures won’t be the only things at stake,” Shade said worriedly.
“Why?” Aerobolt asked.
“Let’s just say I have an important role to play in Castla nu Craara. Oh, that’s what our stronghold is called. It means the Haven of Being in the ancient’s language. I am also aware that Hydyraen means Hellgates in that same language, before you say anything,” Shade said.
“I actually was not aware of that, but thanks. Now I got another reason to hate this place,” Aerobolt muttered.
“You know what your name sounds a lot alike?” Shade asked suddenly.
“What?” Aerobolt asked, interested.
“Arrabalta. It means Savior. I wonder if you were named Aerobolt for that reason. It can’t be a coincidence, could it?” Shade asked in wonder.
“Coincidence? Why would it be a coincidence? I never even knew my mother…” Aerobolt was confused.
Shade wouldn’t give him a straight answer. “One day, you’ll know. So. Can I count on you to convince Arcane to let us out into Nyethra? It’s far too risky to leave without his approval.”
“It’s risky leaving in general. Sooner or later he’s going to notice us gone. I suppose getting his approval would buy us time. So far, I’m on his good side, and though it may not mean much, I will see what I can do,” Aerobolt promised.
Shade jumped forward to shake his handpaw. “Thanks so much. I know it must be difficult for you to do this.”
“Yeah. What a twist. I spend all my time avoiding eye contact with him. Now I must talk to him, willingly! But I will do anything to get out of Hellgates,” Aerobolt said confidently, as he strode to the door.
“Let me know if and when you get approval for the both of us,” Shade said.
“I will.” Aerobolt closed the door behind him. Just as he was taking his first step, he heard Shade say something. Footpaw hovering over the stone, he froze to listen to her. “Good luck, Arrabalta…” Aerobolt nodded to himself as he turned away to leave South Wing. For the first time in his life, he felt there was hope for him. For so long, he spent all his time, just wondering, if he’d ever lead a life to call his own. Now, he might. It felt almost unreal, like a dream. He even stomped on his tail to make sure he was awake. The result was the same every time, a harsh flinch inducing pain. Nope. No dream. This was the real deal. Aerobolt felt a rush of happiness that he began laughing without meaning to. He laughed until his chest ached, true happiness radiating for the first time in his life. The feeling of happiness was just wonderful! Feeling genuine happiness for the first time ever was so invigorating; Aerobolt felt he could do anything. Even face Arcane. Arcane. That’s who Aerobolt must turn to now, so he and Shade can escape Hydyraen as safely as possible and rendezvous with a Guardian. Whatever happens, he must not fail. Otherwise he can say his goodbyes to his happiness. ‘I won’t fail. I don’t care what I have to do to convince him. What should I say though? Something that will convince Arcane to allow us, especially Shade, into Nyethra. Hmm…’
Without realizing it, he had reached North Wing. This was where Arcane lived. Unlike the other three wings, North Wing led upstairs, into Arcane’s quarters, directly. This was where he could spy on passing woodlanders and traders that he could manipulate, or steal, or kill. As Aerobolt began to ascend the stairs, he felt hot all of the sudden. Nervous? Perhaps… For a split second, Aerobolt wanted to turn back. No. Turning back wasn’t an option. This was his one and only chance at freedom. If he doesn’t take it now, he may be stuck in Hydyraen for the rest of his life.
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, he reached the dark ebony door to Arcane’s living quarters. Here it was. No hesitation, just knock. He forced his arm to move and saw his fist connect with the door. He knocked a few times, and for just a second, he wished he hadn’t.
Silence for a few seconds, then, “Who’s there?” It came as a growl, but not an angry one.
Aerobolt opened his muzzle and did not say a word right away. Trying not to sound nervous, he replied, “It’s me. Aerobolt,”
Silence for more seconds, then, “Aerobolt? Well, this is a surprise! Come in! Come in!” The voice sounded genuinely warm and inviting. Yet, something felt strangely amiss. Nevertheless, Aerobolt pushed open the door.
What he saw barely surprised him, yet a small gasp escaped him. Throughout the room, he saw various objects, all likely to be worth a lot. From paintings, to vases, to statues, and even precious gems and metals were dotted everywhere, hanging on walls and sitting on expensive looking tables and cabinets. Arcane was sitting behind an equally expensive looking desk in a fancy chair. All this merchandise he stole… Aerobolt had no idea how much he’s done in such a short time!
“Like it?” Arcane noticed him looking around. “This is our reward for every deed we perform, all the riches of the world to call our own.”
“I-I,” Aerobolt stammered trying to find the right words to say.
He felt something tap his shoulder and realized Arcane was standing over him. “Yes. I know. The beauty of it all is difficult to take in. All these artifacts are worthless, however, without the looks on their previous owners gave me when I liberated all this from them. Now that is what priceless means!”
“Hmph,” was Aerobolt’s reply. Biting his tongue to keep him from saying what he really meant, he relayed the mission in his head over and over.
“So my young mercenary, what is it that you wish to discuss with me?” Arcane asked suddenly.
“I-I-uh…” Aerobolt stammered suddenly forgetting what he wanted to say.
Arcane chortled. “What is it? Cat got your tongue?” Arcane sighed. “I love meeting cats on our missions; they always seem to have the most valuable artifacts for the taking…” and Arcane began to recite a story about how his very first theft was when he stole a platinum encrusted scepter from a cat he met in the Thunderstruck Mountains a long time before Aerobolt was born.
Aerobolt felt anger rising. The story of Arcane’s first evil deed sent Aerobolt’s vision to turn red. Red hot anger surged into his throat until he yelled, “I want to go outside into Nyethra!”
Arcane stopped talking and looked at Aerobolt. Aerobolt shifted his footpaws nervously, wishing he didn’t say anything to interrupt him. Both of them stared at each other for several minutes. Several, uncomfortable, minutes. Or at least, it felt like several minutes to Aerobolt.
Finally, Arcane said, laughing, “Well aren’t you an eager one! I like that you are eager to learn all our arts! I knew it was a matter of time! You are long overdue for your first outing! A little experience is just what you need! With that kind of power, however, it may not be necessary!”
Aerobolt liked where this was going. “So may I?”
“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Aerobolt, you are much too kind. That simply won’t do!” Arcane exclaimed.
Aerobolt flushed. ‘Stupid furball! Now look at what you’ve done!’ “I mean… I will go into Nyethra, got it!? I don’t need any approval from you!” he said, using his anger to sound as defiant as he could.
“Now there’s that gumption I was looking for! With that attitude, we can overcome any beast that dares crosses us! Sure why not!? As I said before, you are long overdue!” Arcane looked satisfied again.
Shade will be coming too, won’t she, sir?” Aerobolt demanded.
Arcae stopped laughing at once. “What?” he growled. He looked angry.
Aerobolt felt nervous. No turning back now! “Well, no one is going to keep an eye on her when I go. And besides, if we are to discover any plot she’d have against you, we need to know what she would do when she’s let out. If she tries anything funny, I’ll stop her,” Aerobolt hoped he sounded more confident than he felt.
Arcane scratched his chin in thought. “Hmm… You could be having a good idea, here. You’re a lot smarter for your age, too. Brains and brawns, eh? You are definitely proving yourself a worthy ally for our cause. Very well, Shade will be joining us.”
“Us?” Aerobolt repeated, crestfallen.
“This is your first time out, isn’t it? You’ll need a guide. Shade may know the area well, but we can’t trust what she would say to you. I will join you.” Arcane insisted.
“Sir,” Aerobolt tried not to sound too disappointed.
“Right. Is there anything else you wish to speak to me about?” Arcane asked.
“No, sir.”
“Then off with you!”
The next thing Aerobolt knew, he was facing the closed door. ‘I may have gotten our approval, but if Arcane is going to join us, how is getting away going to be possible? What is Shade going to say when she hears about this!?’
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Wanna start from the beginning? Here is Chapter One! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11187661/
Here is my series' index! http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5340298/