Memoirs of an Old Toad #37 - The Alpha Provides

It has been a century or so since I last set foot in Zynii, and while the city has bloomed like hellebores in winter the sewers are much the same as I remember: damp, quiet, and oddly spacious.
 
I trudged through the sludge which flowed through these networks of arid stone; the refuse clinging to my robes like a sickness, the waste tickling parts of my exposed physique. The Alpha had an interesting sense of humour, having an old toad wander the sewers like some kind of gutter rat. It wasn't a particularly pleasant place for a toad of such rotundness as myself, but despite the unpleasantness I found the atmosphere rather nostalgic.
 
Whether by the Alpha's will or odd circumstance, any matters regarding my old friend always seem to start in the sewers: our initial meeting a century ago, our reunion thirty years ago, and our splintering five years ago.
 
Incidentally, I was within the sewers of Gran Balen when the Alpha graced me with the knowledge that the oaf had left the Order, and was pursuing a path I'd tried time and again to prevent him taking.
 
Now I was in the sewers of Zynii, awaiting those the Alpha assured would lead me to my foolish friend. Still, whie the Alpha provides may the next provision be a meeting place with more air and less shit.
 
Rounding another dark corner I came across my destination - tunnel like any other, but one which would allow my robust frame to move freely for a time. I took a moment to stretch my aching muscles and tired bones, the paper-like crackling of my joints an unfortunate reminder of my age. I then breathed deeply, and as had become a ritual many decades ago, started to dance. It was a great way to prepare my body for the task which was to come, and I do enjoy how my movements make the walls quiver and tunnels sing.
 
Once I was sufficiently warmed up I sat myself cross-legged in the muck, closed my eyes and awaited the arrival of my quarry, although I did not wait long.
Mere moments passed before a furry hand tapped my shoulder and a friendly voice requested my attention. My eyes opened, and with gratitude I saw those the Alpha provided for this final call to adventure.
 
Talu'Tah, the Moonlight Archer: and Lucidius, the Shadow-Touched Rogue.
 
They seemed perplexed to see me here, but not suspicious or cautious. They are good-natured children, doing as their hearts guide them, which brought a warm to my chest and a smile to my face.
 
"Hello Talu'Tah, Hello Lucidius." I croaked. "My name is Mogg. I have been waiting for you." They were startled and confused by my introduction, but as with many things their was only one answer I could give them. "The Alpha provides."
 
The pair advised me of their purpose - sneaking into a Triad base? How fun! - and I joined them. I walked a couple steps behind, as they were quite small, slim creatures and they seemed as children wading through the mud. It quickly became clear the pair were lost, but I assured them we would get where we need to go.
 
"The Alpha provides." I repeated, much to Talu'Tah's chagrin. Yet, despite her doubts and annoyance the Alpha did provide a means for the pair to reach their quarry - a portly toad with heavy steps and poor footing.
 
It was heard before it was seen, and smelled before it was heard. A massive current of cocoa-coloured sludge rushing towards us like stampedign cattle. I quickly grabbed the small, squishy Lucid and Talu and held them against me. As Gurval once told me; What is the point if being so large, if you cannot use your body to shield those smaller than you?
 
The torrent struck, we shot forward like cannonfire toward a wall which buckled under our combined weights and the force of the current.
 
The darkness of the sewers was replaced by the light of a fancy chamber, though chaos reigned for the occupants trying to make sense of the circumstances.
 
I allowed myself to be carried by the continuously flowing muk, my stomach towards the ceiling and those upon it no less worse for wear. From the corner of my eye I noticed a creature barely able to keep their head above the dirty waters, and retrieved then placed them next to Talu.
 
It was Ko Rava, the Scribe of Ruin, although all that seemed ruined was her clothes and hair at this point. "Hello little Ko, its nice to meet you."
 
Ko was as confused as Talu and Lucid were, but given the circumstances appeared mostly grateful to be atop a dry surface. Eventually, the currents led us to a room near the entrance of this domocile, and here I got to meet the other members of the Misfits; Zyanya, Mistress of Illusion; Syrus, He Chosen by the Sun; and Yifen, the Tranquil Fist.
 
Though our introductions were brief, they allowed me to assist their endevours, and I carried the shaken Ko Rava upon my palm as we journeyed down a set of stairs and into a room made red by the light of mind-altering crystals, which we promptly destroyed.
 
This room, filled with slaves starved, beaten, and begging, brought to mind many bad memories. We freed the slaves, and togrther fled the premises that had kept them bound for far too long.
 
Now, as we take them to safety, I can only end this thusly.
 
Truly, the Alpha provided direction for my task, circumstances which allowed strangers to become allies, and the opportunity to save those that wouldn't have been able to save themselves.
 
Now, I can only pray they will provide a way to save my friend.