The hunter returns from a long journey but a short walk. At his side, Manhattan skulks with acidic drool dripping from her maw and a wild look in her eyes. This is the land of her master's enslavement to the goddess of the sky. Knox may carry them forward as if with a purpose, but Manhattan will always wish to turn and leave this cursed land behind. She wonders what she must have done to drive him here and how she must have failed him. She lets her tail drag and her head hang when the realization strikes: there is nothing left to do.

Knox's long awaited goal distracts him from his companion's woes. He moves forth as if in a trance, cutting slowly through the night. His gait is slow and measured; he is nearly silent as he travels across the stone bridges to the island of shrines among the liquid blue. Draped across his features is the glowing bridle from which the magic he is about to receive stems- the only link left to his ancestors. As his body lands before the ruined shrine of his goddess, he lowers his head to press the leather and flesh to the pieces that remain.

Perhaps his goddess has truly left him, he thinks forlornly. Perhaps this quest was nothing but a run-around to distract him as the gods tore themselves from this mortal coil. A heavy sigh escapes his lips and, lost, he turns to Manhattan. She seems to pity him; he is surprised by the expression of sadness in her blue eyes. He doesn't understand it.

Then again, he doesn't try very hard. He himself is a stranger to emotion, but he senses the mutt's hostility towards the goddess on his mind. It is best, Knox thinks, to ignore it. He can only hope that his companion will come around. She is his one, trusted friend, and he will not lose her. But to lose sight of his faith... he sighs heavily. The night wind catches his mane and creates in him an image of wildness akin to that which his father once possessed. His neck curves downward and his nostrils flare as they take in the familiar and comfortable scent of Manhattan. Her haunches rest by his forelegs and her nose turns upwards to touch his. Regardless of their differences, they are still everything to each other. With a fateful connection made physical, they stand together before the ruins. They are strong.



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