Accalia, the she-wolf that led the Pack alongside Gunnolf had to fulfill her routines of checking the society and that everything’s in order.
She’s sent out scouts to deter that the forest is undisturbed once again. She stands proudly at her post, watching and listening for the signals from the scouts.
She inwardly sighed, this was the same routine they ever did if something does come into the forest. As did every other wolf in the Pack, but even those outside the fastest and strongest wolves have to get their dues in. Every job from ensuring the society is up and running and prepared for any kind of danger or scenario.
When they were old enough, even the cubs had to help with some of the dues. What stood out to Accalia the most is that the wolves don’t connect with personal problems or engage in real activities.
She thought back to the winged unicorn and her friends, she was surprised to have seen little ponies at all, she’d never seen them before. Were the wolves truly missing out on something?
“I’d thought about that from time to time,” Accalia said aloud, not taking her eyes off the forest. A few minutes passed before she heard some distant howls. Her ears turned towards the directions they came from and she could confirm that the forest is back as it should be.
She jumped down from her post and began marching back to report. Turning a corner into Tokuta’s home, she almost bumped into Gunnolf.
“Did you make sure the scouts got their reports back?” he asked bluntly.
“Yes,” replied Accalia.
“You’d better have made sure, you know how his Majestic can get,” Gunnolf warned.
Accalia snorted, “I got this, I got this. Am I not capable?”
“You are. I’m just making sure you’re up to par considering... the latest developments.”
Accalia’s nostrils flared, “Seriously? That’s why you’re questioning my abilities to carry out my duties?”
“I have every right to,” said Gunnolf, leaning forward, Accalia wasn’t intimidated. “You are one of the few wolves that’s been questioning our Leader’s perfect way of order for not only us but the forest as well.”
“I find it good to be a little opened minded.”
“But not if it becomes a concern to where it could open a gateway that could ruin us!” Gunnolf snapped.
“You know me, Gunnolf!” Accalia snapped back, “You know that I’d never try to endanger anywolf here!”
Gunnolf let out a deep breath through his nostrils, “I believe that you wouldn’t do it intentionally.”
Accalia blinked a couple of times before processing his implications, she formed a glare, “There’s nothing wrong with wondering about the world around you.”
“Just don’t be an idiot about it,” said Gunnolf, making his way past her. “We have some new recruits coming in. Get your tail in there and train them at once.” He paused and gave her a glare to not ask him any more questions.
“Fine,” she grumbled.
“Speak to me in a more respectable tone!”
Very annoyed, Accalia replied, “Sir yes sir.”
“Good. Now, don’t bug me about anything for the rest of the day and night.”
With that, Gunnolf took his leave while Accalia just stood there. She briefly thought back to the ponies before going on her way to train the new recruits.
For the next several hours Accalia trained the recruits. Getting them to chase, sneak and attack was a slow, annoying process. But being a trooper, she managed to push through her duties and get them a bit more in shape from before. When she finished, it was the late afternoon and everywolf was either constructing around the society, cleaning up around the place, practicing their fighting skills, and learning how to hunt in packs. After stopping by the barracks to get a quick drink and bath, she reemerged wearing her chest plate armor with a two-star badge on the side to show she’s the second in command after Gunnolf.
Looking up at the sun, her eyes slightly widened. She only had a short time. Making her way through the pack of wolves and passed the carved-out homes and dens, she arrived at a small den close to the edge of the society.
Taking a deep breath in, she knocked on the door in a specific rhythm before taking a step back and waited. A male wolf with brown eyes and grey fur opened the door.
“Ah, Accalia,” he said, forming a smile, “What can I do for you?”
Accalia’s eyes were soft and she had her own smile, “I need to discuss a few matters with the group. It won’t take long.”
“Sure, sure,” said the wolf, stepping aside, “Come in. We’ve got some herbal tea if you want any.”
“Thanks, but no thanks,” said Accalia as she stepped in.
When she stepped in, she saw a couple of female wolves sitting in the living room on the hard-wooden stools eating a few bites of fish.
“Hey, Accalia!” one of them greeted.
“How’s it going, girl?” the second greeted.
“It’s going well Maia and Lulu,” Accalia smiled as she took a seat.
“I hope you hadn’t landed in more trouble lately,” said the first wolf (Maia).
“It was a piece of cake. They tried to resist but we got them.”
“Oh, and I heard they used telekinesis,” said the second (Lulu).
“I hope they don’t use it here,” said Maia.
“Don’t worry, we’ve got it covered,” Accalia assured them.
“Oh, good,” they said in unison.
The wolf who opened the door for Accalia joined the three wolves, soon joined by a look-alike twin.
“It’s good to see you as always outside of your duties,” he said, “But you mentioned you had something to speak about?”
Accalia dropped her smile, “Yes. I do.”
“Is it about what happened?”
Accalia slightly chuckled, “You can read me like an open book, Kiba.” She frowned again, “My questions about the world and ways we do things in the Pack have reemerged...”
“What?” Maia and Lulu exclaimed in unison.
“Didn’t Tokuta have you arranged to quit asking such questions and assure you quit asking them?” Kiba asked.
Accalia nodded, “I did and I proved my loyalty and capability to survive and protect the Pack. However, those ponies just seem very into a concept called ‘friendship.’”
“Friendship?”
“Yes. I know all about what the Pack and Tokuta uphold, but before they showed up, I noticed that we don’t really get too personal with ourselves. Just to make sure we do our part and look out for one another and avoid being disgraced.”
“Which is why I’m surprised you decided to come here,” said Kiba, “You’ve been asking a lot of questions about our way of life.” He sighed, “Remember when Tokuta found you in here last time?”
Accalia slightly winced, remembering the lectures dominance fights, and harsh punishments she had to endure to prove herself. She hadn’t been to visit in months.
“Tokuta wants a stable forest and a stable environment,” said Kiba, “Do you not realize the importance of that?”
“Of course, I do, and so do you,” said Accalia, knowing he was asking a rhetorical question.
“There’s nothing wrong with any of that. It’s just...” she rubbed her temples. “I’ve been thinking that there’s probably more out there for us and for us to be a better civilization. Not to mention,” she locked eyes on Kiba, “I think his Majestic may know more than what he’s letting on...”
“What?” the she-wolves exclaimed in unison, Kiba’s eyes widened in shock.
“The leader is always truthful, Accalia,” he said in a warning tone.
“I know that’s what we’ve been told. Today, he just seemed a little off while discussing Oogundaa and those ponies. Be honest, Kiba, I might be the most open minded and curious wolf in the society. Don’t you want to know what’s going on?”
Kiba began thinking, as did Lulu and Maia.
They did start this group to be more open minded, and Accalia only fueled the group and kept it going. She’s been curious ever since she was a teen wolf and it only continues to rise.
“Maybe he just believes it’s a dangerous place,” said Lulu.
“Maybe he knows it’s cursed?” Maia suggested.
“I’m not sure what to believe, but we can’t be held back like this,” said Accalia, “Leaders are supposed to look out for their subjects and teach them to do the same. But they shouldn’t hold them back from seeing the world and appreciating one another’s differences. How often have we been able to interact personally outside of meal times?”
“Not often,” said Kiba, “We’ve got to get our dues in.”
“Precisely and...”
“Accalia,” said the fourth wolf, “Tokuta doesn’t want us to do any of this kind of thinking.”
“Exactly,” said Accalia, “Which is why we should pursue it further.”
“This’ll get us in more trouble,” Maia protested, looking to her sister with concerned eyes, “I don’t want to lose any of you!”
“We won’t lost anything,” Accalia assured them.
“That’s what you said last time!”
“No, this time I mean it.”
“Maybe we should reconsider this group at all!” Lulu said in a panicked tone.
“You four don’t have to do anything,” said Accalia, forming a hard look.
“What?” every other wolf asked in unison.
“I’ve been doing some thinking on what I can do,” Accalia stood up, “I mean, being second in command, or being in a commanding position at all, you’ve got to be a fast thinker and strategist.” She picked up a teacup and the teapot before pouring it in, “As of knocking on the door and being in here, I’ve come up with a plan to figure things out more.”
“Accalia, what’re you thinking?” Kiba asked, “Don’t do anything rash.”
“Don’t worry,” Accalia waved him off, taking a sip of her tea, “It’ll be within the programs, orders, and without drawing any attention.”
“O-Okay. What do you have?”
Accalia smiled proudly before taking one last sip of her tea.
The she-wolf ensured that her schedule to check the perimeter and that wolves are obeying the Law lined up with her plan.
She acted natural the entire time as she worked her way to the prison cells as the last part of her routine before being on meal duty for that evening. She loved every chance she could get with Kiba in the gang.
They’re the only wolves that’s really connected with her. Sure, she had Gunnolf, but he’s too into his duties and that attitude of his for any good reason.
While it was only a few months since she’s been to visit them, it felt like forever. She’s growing tired of these routines. It’s the same day over and over again.
Reaching the far end of the society furthest from the gate, she walked down the stairs into the dingy prison.
She pushed some cobwebs out of her way as she made her way around the empty cells. When she saw the ponies in the distance, she made sure to stay out of sight. The one with the fiery mane looked to be poking around at the doors.
“What’re you doing, Sunset?” Rainbow asked, “We’ve been here forever!”
“I’ve seen this in one situation in something I watched,” Sunset explained, “I’m seeing if there’re half-barrel hinges on these crate doors.”
“Is that what they taught you in the other world?” Pinkie asked.
“Pinkie!” Twilight said harshly.
“Whaaaaaat?” Pinkie asked innocently.
“Other world?” Mystic asked, curiously, looking at Sunset.
Sunset froze, realizing that Mystic is here and that she doesn’t know about the world she’d come from. Sunset looked speechless as Mystic narrowed her eyes curiously.
“Are you from another world?” Mystic asked simply.
“Uhm...well...no...” Sunset mumbled, “It’s...complicated...”
Other world? Accalia thought, fascinated by the possibility.
“I’m just tired of wasting time here!” Rainbow complained, “Those darn wolves just got in our way!”
“And you complainin’ the entire time ain’t helpin’ Dash!” Applejack scolded, “Seriously, I know yer worried but try an’ get a grip!”
“Too hard to do that, AJ!” Rainbow growled.
Twilight groaned at those two, they’d been going at it pretty much ever since they’d been here.
“Not to mention sitting in this dirty cell for so long,” Rarity grimaced, her coat having dirt covering it. She shook it off herself, only for the chain to slightly yank against her left hindleg. She yiped in pain.
“Careful, Rarity,” said Fluttershy, looking at her own chain, “These chains are tight.”
“I’m trying,” Rarity blinked some tears out of her eyes.
“I wonder...” Applejack droned, “How the Gala’s going to be tonight?”
“I hear that the leaders were looking forward to that so much,” said Fluttershy, frowning a bit.
“So was I,” said Rarity, “I had never worked on so many clothes before...only to see it all go to waste...”
“Yes, but we can’t dwell on that now,” said Rainbow. “We need to find our friend!”
“Yes, we do,” Sunset mumbled, still looking at the bars. She hit a couple of them in frustration, “Darn it! No half-barred hinges anywhere!” She sat down and crossed her forelegs in frustration.
“Well, that’s a bummer,” Rainbow groaned.
Twilight sighed, “I’m still trying to think of something. This isn’t like Starlight’s village where our talents were drained...” She closed her eyes, “I just don’t want to give up...” She blinked the tears out of her eyes, “I’m so worried for her...”
Everypony looked at one another, seeing Twilight so sad and upset wasn’t a good thing, and they’ve not even reached their final destination. A breakdown threatened to come through about 10 minutes after they’d been put in here, and with how dangerous it’s been for them, what about their friend?
Accalia saw Twilight wipe her face and Rarity comforting her. She began thinking again.
“Come on, everypony!” Pinkie smiled, “We can’t give up yet! We need to keep our spirits up!”
“Yer right, Pinkie,” said Applejack, “We’ve been in tighter situations before.”
“Excuse me?” said Rarity, showing her the chain tightly around her hindleg.
Applejack smiled sheepishly, “Wasn’t meant to be a pun.” She slightly winced at her own chain’s tightness.
“Maybe we can reason with those wolves we just need to make a different approach!” Pinkie suggested.
Twilight looked away, sulking.
“Yeah, like what?” Rainbow rolled her eyes.
“I don’t know, but I have ten different options processing now!” Pinkie smiled, causing Rainbow to groan in annoyance. Typical Pinkie.
Just what are these ponies up to? Did they really not mean to cross them? It seems as if they’re minding their own business in order to get away. Accalia knew the horned ponies couldn’t use their telekinesis to get away due to the band on their horns.
“Where do you suppose Starlight is?” Sunset asked, “I mean, who here knows what Oogundaa looks like?”
Everypony shrugged their shoulders, Twilight just shook her head.
“It has rainforests, savannas, plateaus and dangerous wildlife,” Mystic put bluntly.
“Do you have a map of it?”
“I have one faded out map at the hut, but I didn’t find one useful for my travels back then.”
“So, that’s that?”
“Yep.”
Accalia waited a little longer, but the ponies weren’t too chatty.
She noticed their body language told her they’re desperate, needing to get out, and worried, having heard everything she needs to hear, Accalia knew to move to the next phase of her plan. In order to evaluate what she suspects; she has to go and speak with her Majestic.
Accalia made her to the middle of the big tree that holds a rather large room with a bed with pillows and dark covers. Behind the bed are large windows with stained glass depicting Tokuta’s image. There’s a dinner table with a chess board on top, large book shelves on either side of the room with books about the forest, the Law, and wolves in general. Sitting next to a charred fireplace, sat Tokuta with furrowed brows. He’s holding something in his right paw, which Accalia assumed he was thinking about recent developments and some not so recent.
Accalia slowly opened the door, causing it to creak and the werewolf put away whatever he was holding.
“Who is it?” he called to who’s entering his dorms.
“It’s Accalia, your Majestic,” Accalia called back.
“Ah, did you get your duties done?”
“Yes. Permission to enter?”
Tokuta closed his eyes, letting out an annoyed breath. Sometimes this wolf of his came to question his ways, but she is loyal and hasn’t turned on them in any way. She’s become a puzzle, and that’s been a nuisance.
“Fine,” he finally said. The door fully opened to reveal the she-wolf in question.
“Thank you, your Majestic,” she said.
“Sure,” said Tokuta with slightly gritted teeth, “I have some of your favorite pears and blueberries in the storage. Would you like some?”
“I think I’ll pass,” said Accalia.
“Okay?” That was odd.
“I’m here to discuss my report on the whole situation that’s developed recently,” said Accalia.
“Oh? But didn’t Gunnolf report to me already?”
Accalia inwardly winced, curse him! He always thinks he’s got to be the best and no time for others, which is something everywolf needs to work on.
“I just believe that I should provide an additional report to confirm his,” Accalia answered, Yeah, that would work.
“All right, fine,” Tokuta slightly rolled his eyes. Accalia took note of this.
“First,” Accalia sat down in a chair close to Tokuta’s, “We have gotten word that everything back in the forest is back as it should be. Those ponies are locked up and aren’t trying to escape. We’re secured.”
“And?”
“The new recruits are slowly but surely getting to where they need to be, and we haven’t spotted any more of those ponies.”
Tokuta nodded as he walked over to his counter and began pouring himself some water. He knew something was up, Accalia’s reports would be longer and she always wanted something to eat as a little bit of a reward.
“Anything else you need to confirm anything else Gunnolf informed me of?”
Thinking fast again, Accalia spoke, “The soldier has awoken and will be back on his paws before this evening.”
Tokuta smirked, feeling some sense of annoyance again.
“Accalia,” he said, “You know that you’re one of my prized wolves in this society in recent years?”
“Yes, your Majestic,” Accalia answered.
“Every wolf has value, but you and Gunnolf have done more for this society in recent years. However,” Tokuta turned around to face her. The she-wolf got a vibe that she’s felt when he’s about to lecture her. Great.
“Is that I noticed you seem to be acting off since those ponies arrived.”
Accalia held a firm look, but if she was to initiate her plan, she needs to act now.
“Yes,” she said, “But things here have shook up because of their interference.”
“Indeed, they have,” he said, sitting down in his chair.
“So, how could I not be a little shook up? We haven’t had anything for a long time.”
“True. Tell me, Accalia. Who is the one who brought you and Gunnolf in when you desperately needed somewolf to bring you both out of your lives lowest points?”
This again? This has gotten old real fast.
“I don’t know, the ocelots in the forest?” Accalia answered sarcastically.
Tokuta smirked, “Oh, Accalia, don’t be like that. You know the answer.”
“Do I?” Accalia asked stubbornly.
“Who has taught you everything you know? Who taught you the way wolves in high command should behave? Who saved you from those thunderbirds from being their next meal? You and your brother are something else.”
“Gee, the more you ask me the more it makes sense since you’ve told me this a million times,” Accalia almost shouted, but held her tongue.
Tokuta let out a chuckle to try and lighten the mood some, “The more repetitive something is, the more importance it has, Accalia. You know that.”
“Repetitiveness is boring,” said Accalia, grabbing a book, opening it, and pretending to read it.
“The more you grow to be my age; you keep telling those around you what matters again and again until it cements into their heads.”
That’s true, they recite the Law of the Forest almost every few days. Every wolf in the society does. Accalia turned a page in the book.
“And what about you and Gunnolf going on about every captive wanting to make amends with us?” Accalia asked.
Tokuta took a sip of his water, “However do you mean?”
“I believe you know, you’re a smart capable Leader. Or does Gunnolf just have to admit he didn’t know what he was following?” she looked at Tokuta with a bit of sass.
“That wolf is loyal, but he knew what he was dealing with. And maybe he just doesn’t question my ways.”
“Who can say with him? He’s got a dull head outside of his duties.”
Instead of getting annoyed with Accalia’s antics, Tokuta smiled, “True. But that makes him all the more valuable. He’s committed to his work.”
“No need to tell me that, I had a conversation with him before I trained the new recruits.”
“I’m sure you did. He probably cares,” Tokuta spoke with some sarcasm.
Accalia cringed inwardly, “Please. As if. He and the others don’t try to connect with me or each other as much.”
“Nothing’s wrong with that as long as we’re ensured our society and the Law prevails,” Tokuta took another sip.
“I don’t doubt the Law, but I do wonder about what you said about the prisoners making amends. Or if it’s even remotely a reliable saying.”
Tokuta glared at her, “Sometimes you have to bend things behind the scenes in order to ensure the greater ways, Accalia. I taught you that.”
“I wonder though...”
“That’s the problem, Accalia, you wonder a lot. Every wolf should know they keep the higher truth, but in some situations as that, the rules can be bent a little bit. Nowolf is perfect as much as I want to be.”
“Gee, I wonder who taught me that,” Accalia smiled a bit at Tokuta. It’s clear who taught her, took her in, and saved her life.
“Now you’re finally acknowledging the truth, Accalia,” Tokuta returned the smile, “Always embrace it.”
Embrace the truth? Accalia thought incredulously. She continues to wonder how much Tokuta has told the truth with some slight lies within it. In turn, it makes her think some about the Law itself.
“And what of the ponies?” she asked.
“What of them?”
“I mean they seemed adamant about their situation and their need to leave.”
“You know the rules of the Law.”
“Yeah, but...”
“But this! But that!” Tokuta snarled, standing up, causing Accalia to brace herself some. “You need to quit questioning things, Accalia! Your only chance of salvation, as with everywolf is with me and the Law!”
Accalia let out a huff, putting the book to the side, “You’re right.”
“Good, at least you have a couple of seconds of being reasonable,” Tokuta went back over to his countertop and put the cup back in its place.
“Of our chances being with the Law,” Accalia said, picking out something to say with a slight lie amongst her thinking and ways.
Tokuta balled his claws, taking in a breath and doing his best to calm down.
“You built this place with the best of intentions, I’m sure,” Accalia went on, “It’s just a wonder why you, a werewolf, would do such a thing considering what everycreature else thinks.”
“It doesn’t matter what everycreature else thinks,” Tokuta said in a harsher tone.
“That’s very modest of you. Not caring what others think?” she didn’t need to ask any more than that, because Tokuta wants everywolf else to think of him as their only way of “salvation” and to never question him.
“I think you’re getting a little in too deep, Accalia,” he said, his look softening and he looked at her, trying to get her to stop questioning.
“You’ve taught me a lot, your Majestic,” Accalia stood up, returning the look, “More than anywolf or werewolf or anycreature. How much I do respect you for who you are.”
Tokuta sighed, “I know.”
“But yet, there are some small things that are lingering, like you not caring about what everycreature else thinks, and why you’re so modest.”
Tokuta paused, a caring look on his face. However, he hardened it quick, “Let’s just say times in your past can really teach you things. Such as being modest and noble instead of something else.”
That was interesting, Accalia thought, she’s heard him mention that before, but now she’s given it some more thought.
“If you’re certain about those ponies, why not just go further than what you are now?” Tokuta asked, “What? You thought I didn’t know you were trying to question me yet again?”
“Only because of instincts. Something you taught me,” Accalia spoke truthfully. This caused Tokuta’s eyes to widen with some fury, “You’ve taught me to rely on my instincts and gut.” Tokuta’s lips curled into a snarl, “I believe those ponies are telling the truth.”
“I think you’d better leave or I’ll consider something as a dire consequence.”
There we go. With a determined look Accalia spoke one more time, “As to not be more opened minded and see if there’s something...”
SLAM!
Tokuta hit the countertop, he turned to Accalia with a deep glare and teeth bared.
“Remember what I’ve told you, Accalia!” he snapped. “You’re far too curious and it almost makes me revoke your second in command status! The only thing stronger than fear is curiosity! I demand you keep that in check or so help the gods above!!”
Not phased, but angered, Accalia only nodded.
“Good! The truth is valuable here but remember what I said alongside that! Don’t ask any more questions, or I will revoke your second in command and put you in the bunkers with the other citizens!”
Backing down, Accalia saluted, “Yes, your Majestic. I... apologize.”
“That had better be a genuine apology.”
Accalia nodded. “As you wish.”
“Now get out of here before I change my mind about all of this. Quit doubting and questioning!” he turned away furiously, “Get to your duties for the evening and the night.”
“Yes, your Majestic,” she said with a bow, “I... I’m sorry.”
Tokuta said nothing as he looked out the window to the society below. With her suspicions confirmed, Accalia left to go take care what Tokuta has ordered. As soon as she gets the chance, she will talk to those ponies.
However, the wolves and the ponies had no idea of what was about to take place in Canterlot.