---

“What have you done?” I ask, shocked and barely holding back tears.
“Such a shame. I was warming up to him too. Alas, his loyalty was fading. And I have no use for disloyal pawns like him.” Phoenix responds in a mockingly empathetic tone. “I suppose opposition towards me does run in the family after all. Maybe I should start with you. Imagine how sad Omni would be, learning that both of his sons were taken by me on the same day! Lucky he’ll get to join them soon after” she says as a sadistic smile forms.

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR SICK PLANS!” I scream. “And what can cub like you possibly do against an entity that existed long before the packs were formed, hmm?” She responds.
I’m done playing games. Out of sheer anger, I lunge at her. But, just like last time, she dodges at the last second. I lunge again, and she dodgesagain. Again. Again. I want to land a scratch so badly, but she’s not letting me get that satisfaction. The least I can do is not let up, and not let her get a chance to attack.

Suddenly, I hear a faint groan from Zero. He moves a little bit but is still weak from the blast. Both Phoenix and I pause for a moment as we watch Zero wake up. He gives a cough, and very rough and strained one.
“Oh. Looks like the traitor’s still alive.” Phoenix says. “Guess I’ll have to change that.”
She dove into Zero, disappearing. Then, he stood up slowly, and opened his eyes, revealing Phoenix’s red eyes. She possessed him!

Zero, possessed by Phoenix, pounds into the ground, his forepaws slightly buried in it. Suddenly, the ground become hotter, and at thewalls, including the entrance, flames burst. Great. Guess I’m not fleeing.
Zero removes his paws from the ground, but the fires don’t dissipate. He takes a battle stance, as do I.
Here we go again.

---

Yep Zero has plot armor.