A Game of Worlds and Chaos

“They’re not getting any tighter. My wrist is in the way.”

The mercenary glared at her. “What is a ‘writh?’ Speak clearly, you sound like a child.”

Artemis threw Dakota a long-suffering glance.

Dakota rolled their eyes at the mercenary. "She said 'wrist.' Context clues, man."

The mercenary frowned, then gave Artemis's bonds a final yank before spitting on the ground near the hostages' feet. "No funny business now, got it?"

Artemis nodded. “Yes, sir.”

The mercenary patronizingly patted Artemis on the head. “Good girl.”

Artemis subconsciously snarled, earning a kick from the mercenary before he walked away.

Dakota shot a glare at the mercenary, then offered a small smile to Artemis. They watched in silence as the mercenaries continued chatting rowdily. A couple of mercenaries started drifting away from the fire, and Dakota silently willed more of them to leave and fall asleep.

“Just a little longer.” Artemis’s nose twitched. “Any time now.”

A mercenary sighed. “Are you sure the bonds are going to hold over nightfall?”

Another one groaned. “Stop your yapping and keep watch.”

Artemis groaned. “Damn it, they have someone on watch.”

"Ugh. Hopefully it's just one."

"I don't see why we both have to keep watch," a voice whined. Dakota groaned.

"I just want to sleep... Can't Jeremiah keep watch instead?"

"Do your duty, Sawyer."

Artemis looked around. “Once nightfalls, we’ll have the upper hand. I promise.”

Sawyer groaned. “Fine. I’ll keep watch.”

A mercenary laughed harshly. "Seems like Sawyer and Matt have got this covered. I'm off to sleep, then."

As the last glow of sunset disappeared from the sky, the crowd around the fire dissipated. Dakota glanced over at Artemis. "So, how are we going to get free of these bonds?"

Artemis didn’t respond. Her breath was shallow, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Her entire body convulsed, bucking against the bonds.

Sawyer pointed at her. “Hey, she’s-“

“Leave her be. We tied her hands before her back, so transforming’s going to break her shoulders.”

“Oh, that’s smart!”

"Transforming?" Dakota's eyes were wide. "Wait. What?" They weren't sure whether to back away or attempt to help Artemis. What exactly was she transforming into?

The mercenary laughed. “Oh? She didn’t tell you? She’s an Igni. A dog one from the looks of it.”

Artemis whined.

“But don’t worry, miss. She won’t be able to do anything to you.”

Artemis opened her mouth. “I-“ She made a serious of noises that were definitely not human.

Dakota watched Artemis, bonds forgotten. She'd mentioned that she was nonhuman, but... transforming into a dog? How was that possible? Where was this place? Dakota tried not to panic. Perhaps this was all some strange dream, or a reality TV show, or--

A mercenary guffawed. "Oh, here she goes."

In a flash of blinding light, Artemis was gone. In her place, was a grey wolf. Artemis’s bonds lay on the ground, useless. It flattened its ears against its head and growled at the mercenaries.

The mercenary scrambled backwards. “Wait!”

Dakota screamed.

They couldn't help it. On top of all the dirt and leaves and stress of being kidnapped, to come face-to-face with an actual wolf (!!!) was too much. They stared at Artemis, their face in an expression of pure panic.

Heliodor Everett

Hev paced around the small platform, his gaze trained on the professor. “Alright, I’m here. Ready to duel.”

The professor sneered. “Are you ready for the rules?”

Hev nodded. “Go ahead.”