Maersk sighed. "We can't know for sure, unless..." His auds suddenly pricked straight up. "Oh dear."

In the distance, there was a distinct rumbling sound.

The sound got louder and louder, and soon one could hear squeaks and the sound of slicing teeth along with the overcoming roar of many shuffling running feet and pressing, shoving bodies.

Maersk cursed. "Vampire rats. Bloodthirsty, come in droves. Run if you don't want to be a victim!" The big male started running at full speed. "Quick!" he panted. "Since we're bigger and faster, we may be able to outrun them!"

Lupa stumbled for a bit, his paws clumsily slipping against the rubble below him - soft cursing emanating from his dry lips. "I'm coming, I'm coming." He said hastily, regaining composure as he sped after the large wolf, not bothering to look back as his half slammed against his chest, placing his nerves on end.

As the wolves ran through the streets, the morning was getting drier and drier. Maersk panted heavily, his throat dry. His chest felt ever so heavy, and his fur was so thick and hot. The pavement seemed to be frying his feet. His pads were cracked and bloody. It seemed there was water in the distance, but all it was was a mirage.

There was a river of something ahead. "River," Maersk groaned, feeling every muscle in his body. They got closer and closer. Finally, they found that the river was below them, where a broken bridge dropped off.

Lupa's ears raised, every muscle in his body deprived from a rest. His tongue hung out his mouth and his tail stayed limp by his rear end, not in it's usual erect state. He scuttled forward at the edge of the broken bridge, and looked down at the river, clinging to the asphalt which his claws to ensure he didn't fall down.

"How do we get there?" Lupa asked, moving backwards before coming back to all four, looking up at Maersk with intent curiosity.

Maersk looked right and left, and noticed a narrow trail that zig-zagged down to the steep cement banks of the river. "There," he said, loping over to the 'start line.'

Lupa gave a half hearted nod, following his companion toward the edge of the cement banks around the river. "Ready when you are." He said.

Maersk nodded. He tilted his head from side to side, judging the wideness of the path. Then he set off carefully down the cliff, cautiously placing each paw on a strong spot. A miss-step, and he could fall to his death.

Lupa followed carefully, trying his best to follow where his paws landed against the cement precisely. He wasn't sure why, but he saw much trust within Maersk; maybe it was his defiant and trustworthy figure and the aura he sent off. Mentally dismissing the topic as quick as it game, but his focus back on passing the wild path.

Maersk had reached the final leg of the seemingly long journey down the cliff. He could smell the water now, and his throat burned for some. Finally, he leaped down to the gravelly riverside and trotted to the water. He found a spot where the water was clear, and started eagerly and urgently lapping the liquid up into his mouth and down his parched throat.

Lupa beamed with joy at the sigh of water and movd over to it with haste, lapping it up in an instant. "There's so much." He said between a vigorous lap, spilling water on the grass beneath his feet. "I haven't seen water like this in months."