--- Present Time ---
Freya paced in her room... Back and forth as the worry choked her. Alec had been upset, scared almost the moment Jormungand was mentioned. Jormungand... for a second, she shivered at the name. It brought goose bumps along her skin, and a coldness that froze her to the bone. To think royalty was named after the three Beast Gods. Why did that same feline wish to see Alec though? Why would she be stupid enough to enter another clan's territory? Something about the whole situation just did not sit right in her stomach. It ate at her, and she found herself sick. That name kept bouncing through her skull... again and again echoing, but it was not the feline she thought of. It was the idea of the giant beast... a beast that had a roar that shook the heavens, and poison breath that laid waste to its foes.
Freya stopped at such a thought as she blinked at such a thought. How did she know that? Mouse had never told her about the Beast God other than the basic information. Yet, she would clearly imagine the power of the beast... the thunderous roars from it, and the Earth trembling from its wake. Frowning, she shook her head and rubbed at her eyes. Perhaps, she was tired. It had about an hour since she was forced back to the room. Sighing, she threw herself down onto the bed. It had been made of wood to rise it off the bed, but the mattress was made of thick straw. When she had chosen the room, the blankets had been deer fur, but she soon had replaced it with much thicker furs. Alec had been happy to provide some bear fur, but it was to thick. Thus, she had folded it for a blanket.
Glancing up, her eyes turned to the stone walls, the small book shelf and wooden chest. It was a small room without much to offer, but she was fine with it. The only source of light was a torch on the wall since she refused a room with a window. Something about being unable to block it did not make her feel safe. She barely felt safe in her room anyway. Half closing her eyes, she threw herself back against the bed. Freya laid an arm over her eyes and sighed softly under her breath. She hated this. She had been told to return, yet she found herself... uncomfortable. She wanted go to where Alec was. Something inside of her... told her she needed to. "I can't just... lay here." She mumbled at the memory of his touch... him leaning over her as he spoke to her. The thought of his mother... his pain... Alec had become important, but she knew there would come a time they would part ways. This was not her home, not her war, and as soon as he finds out about her all bets would be off.
"Go, my child." An angelic voice echoed. Freya eyes snapped open as she sat up. Snapping her head around, she found herself sitting in darkness with a blurry creature standing far off. Her body... it was blurred, but this time she could clearly see two golden eyes staring back at her. Those eyes... so much like her own swirled with power and clarity. "Go, hurry!" The voice urged again.
"Who are you?" Freya whispered. "Are you a Beast God?" She called out, demanding for an answer. This person... this creature why did it keep appearing in her dreams? Why did she sound so familiar?
Even without seeing her, Freya knew she smiled before bowing her head. Within seconds, Freya was staring at her room again. This time though, the door was open and Mouse stood there. His tail flickered in annoyance as he narrowed his pink eyes. His body leaned back against the door as he frowned deeply. "You saw it... didn't you?" She nodded wordlessly, as she looked at the place the creature once was. "Well?"
Freya turned her head towards Mouse in confusion. "Well, what?"
He growled low in his throat before pulling himself from the door. "Alec only told me to bring you here, not to guard you." Mouse turned himself away and walked from the door. However, he stopped long enough to take once last glance at her before moving down the hallway. Freya could not quite understand this man, but it would seem he had just granted her permission to leave. Smiling a tiny bit, she shoved herself up. It would seem she had no choice. Brushing her hand through dry hair, she combed it into place and used some string to tie it into place. She would need it to be tame, because in order to chase after a wolf she would need help. That meant, she would need to find Blue. Thinking back, the Longma had been kept in the field outback, thus she followed Mouse's leave and bolted down the hallway.
---
"Easy Blue!" Freya tugged against the hair of the creature as it threw its head back. Blue was a bit wild, but both of them had come to an understanding. Just as predicted, she had found the creature in the barns towards the back of the castle. She was like royalty there. She had her own stable and pasture. Alec must have a deep affection for her, maybe even loved her. It made even Freya a bit jealous at the thought. However, at the moment her focus was finding the man. The instant she had a longma under her, she had taken off like a rocket. The creature was much fastest than the horses of her world and much stronger. Blue rode like a dream... silent... and smooth as silk. The creature felt as if she was flying rather than running. The only indication of her movement was the dust kicking up behind them with each step. They had become one, but that didn't mean Blue didn't want to let loose. Even so, Freya held her back. She knew how to ride a horse, but certainly not a creature like Blue. She struggled to control her, mainly with no reins and saddle. Her legs had to grip the creature tightly, while her hands tugged against her hair to guide the longma. Blue, did not like it. She often threw back her head with a strange screeching sound. It sounded almost like a distressed bird.
Although, it was not long before they made it past the town and into the forest, which was easy considering it was still rather dark. By what Mouse told Alec, she guessed he had headed to the cabin. Felines did not tend to go where they had the disadvantage, even if they were powerful. They were territorial creatures... smart, and cunning. She had hunted enough to know the power they had. Cursing though, she feared the worst after what happened to Justin. That puma had nearly killed him... She just prayed they were not reckless.
Freya was jerked from her thoughts as the beast jumped over a creek. Her eyes scanned the area again as she tried to remember the route. She knew she was close... but when they had... Blue jerked suddenly making her yelp. "Blue!" She yelled while the creature rose up onto her hinds. It was then, she slammed onto her hooves before beginning to walk in circles. "Blue!" Freya called again and brushed her fingers along the smooth skin of the beast. She snorted and cried out in response in obvious distress. "What is it Blue?" Freya whispered to her softly, but the Longma's eyes simply kept glancing around... budging out in fear.
Something... was out there. That was the only reason the creature was so terrified. Blue snapped her head around before beginning to back up slowly while continuing her stomping against the ground. Freya tugged to move her forward, but she refused. Finally, Blue settled even if she refused to go forward. Pulling her head up, Freya listened.... hearing only the whispering of the wind, but there was nothing else. There were no sounds of chirping birds... no rustle of other animals. The air itself felt heavy, and she could taste blood on the wind. That strange sensation built up inside of her. "Blue... run..."
Her body begun to become cold as she glanced around.. searching and looking. They were not alone. Something or someone was watching them. She could feel the blood lust that left her shaky and alert. She had only brought a single knife on her person. She regretted not have brought her bow. Clenching her jaw, she felt as sweat begun to drip along her brow. Could it just be a normal animal or was it a Beastmen? Something told her, it was not an ordinary animal. No, someone was hunting her... on purpose. "Blue, run!" This time, Blue did.
Blue kicked dust up behind her as the longma charged forward. Her hands clenched against Blue's hair as she glanced behind her. Her eyes searched for what was after her, but soon it became apparent. Golden eyes widened as a blurred creature burst from the bushes with a snarl following the movement. It was... a cheetah of all things. "Fuck!" Freya yelled out as she jerked against Blue's mane to make a sharp turn. However, the big cat seemed to not even notice. It jerked around the edge, sliding for a second, before following with pinpoint focus. Growling in anger, it kicked off and within seconds it was gaining on them. Mumbling under her breath, she cursed her luck. How could this be happening? Of all the felines, it had to be a damn cheetah. Snapping her head around, she yelled out just as the creature jumped.
The longma's screams drowned out Freya's as the cheetah slammed into the beast. Slamming to the ground, she was thrown from the horse, rolled, and groaned as she came to a painful stop. She listened to the screeching of her longma. Blue snorted and huffed as fearful eyes looked over at the predator that was starting to slowly circle around the two. Freya clenched her jaw tightly as she slowly begun to move closer to Blue while keeping the creature in the corner of her eye. Blue, however, did not see it that way. Her hooves kicked out from behind her as she threw her head up and rolled over. The longma stood up and instantly begun to back up, throwing her head here and there. Freya did not move though as she reached down to brush her thumb along her dagger.
Before she knew it, Blue shoved herself up onto her hinds and kicked out. The screeching sounded again, but this time hooves slammed onto the ground to take off. "Blue! Wait!" Freya screamed after her, but it was too late. The beast was gone... leaving her with the wild cat that was slowly moving towards her. The cheetah was huge... about hundred pounds and seven feet long. The feline was maybe about 32 inches at the shoulder. True to a feline for speed, the body was slime with a narrow waist, powerful long legs, and a deep chest. With a black tail tip, long stripes wrapped around the tail four or five times before morphing into spots along a sandy yellow body. White colored the creature's chin, along the neck and into its stomach. It was those golden eyes with black striping around its eyes and along the cheeks that captured her attention.
Those eyes... they were cold... focused and beginning to move towards her slowly. She pulled her knife against her body and slightly twisted angled her body for action. Even so, she never saw it coming. The cheetah lunged for her, and she felt its teeth and claws before she saw it. Freya screamed as her back found the ground, however the movement saved her from further damage. The hind protected her more than she thought it could, and it gave her enough time to kick upwards into the cat's stomach. It yelled out in pain as she kicked it off and rolled to shove herself up. Knowing full well she could not outrun the beast, she once more took off. Freya knew she wouldn't get far, however she needed to get away from the underbrush, maybe closer to the cabin in hopes someone would hear her.
Even so, claws caught her back and ripped down to caught onto her pants. Once more, she found herself onto the ground with teeth ribbing into her fur shirt. Freya yelled out as the feline threw her. It sent her scraping across the ground, but she knew she had to get onto her feet. She could not remain on the ground. She had to keep moving. She could not stop. If she did... Freya yelled out as teeth sank into her shoulder. It burned through her. Blood... red splattered in her vision. She could hear a scream, but she had no idea where it came from. Was it her? She couldn't tell. Throwing her elbow back, she slammed her elbow into the jaw of the creature. It yelled out before jerking away and begun circling her again. Growling low in her throat, she clenched the bite on her shoulder and leaned onto her side. Freya peeked past the pain as she searched for the feline. It was starting towards her slowly.
Damn it. Gripping her knife, she turned it towards the creature again as she tried to force herself up. Her whole body trembled from the burning. She knew the creature would come at her again. She knew it... she had to move. The cat purred loudly under its breath as it once more stepped towards her. "Come on, you piss pot!" Freya yelled just as the creature jumped again. Her knife ripped into the under belly creature, however teeth found her again. Just as she raised her knife, the cat flicked its head to knock it away. "Damn it!" She screamed as her knee slammed against the bloody wound under the creature. The feline seemed to not even notice though besides for a pained grunt. Back claws tore into her hind pants, yet there was nothing she could do. She could only hope the hind would protect her.
"Freya!" Justin's voice broke through the violent assault, while her elbow slammed against the cat's face, again and again. Anything to hopefully make it release her. "Freya, shift!" The voice became a howl as the drumming of paws echoed in the back of her mind.
"I can't!" Freya yelled out.
"What?!" Justin yelled just as his body slammed against the feline.
The cheetah snarled and yanked itself up as Justin came to stand in front of Freya. However, even so, the world continued to blur. Her hand gripped her shoulder as she hissed in pain from the bite. She had been bitten plenty of times in hunting, and even once by her own dog. She knew the instant the adrenaline from her system was gone, it would hurt like a bitch. She could only hope to get it treated before it got much worse. Shaking her thoughts away, she forced herself to search for the two. The pounding of her heart gave little ability too though. She could hardly hear anything from the pound, and it made her vision worse.
Little to her knowledge, Justin stood proudly with his body weight pressed forward. His lips had become wrinkled in order to display his razor sharp fangs. The usual calm man had become tensed with hackles raised, and his tail bristled. It had risen upwards where it remained stiff while his ears remained forward. His eyes, usually so calm and clear, had become hard as they focused on the singular threat before them. Those eyes remained unblinking... refusing to break contact. The only sound he made was the vibrations of deep snarls.
In return, the cheetah had taken a different approach. In response, the feline hissed and arched its back. Eyes focused directly on Justin, but instead of staring him down while its ears curled backwards in distress. Angling its body away, its tail slightly curled around itself while pressing its body backwards. Nearly all felines show the same signs, no matter the species. Instead of offensive aggression, the cheetah had become defensive aggression. This did not sit well for Justin. The feline was actually backing off by slowly moving backwards while keeping its position. Each step ignited a new hiss or growl that had him stepping forward in warning. He refused to move to far from Freya though with full knowledge her life was in his hands. He had no time to think about her words or the fact she was whimpering. He was sick on the sweet smell of blood, and he was drunk by the knowledge to. His instincts told him to protect his pack mate, but also his prey. Yet, even so, his injuries still burned and kept his back tight. It was painful. If this came to a fight, it would have to be quick. Otherwise, he would lose.
Barking roughly, drool dripped from his lips and splattered to the ground. His tongue licked along his lips before slithering out the front. It curled and traced his canines before returning to his jaws. Finally within seconds, the feline responded. Much to Justin's surprise, the cheetah's ears flattened against its head and lowered its body. Growling and hissing still, it begun to back up submissively before finally yanking around to bolt. He chose to not chase. Justin had a feeling exactly why the feline was here, which made him all the more irritated. Glancing back at Freya, his body language begun to relax. He stood there in his husky form for a moment to make sure the threat was gone before he was comfortable enough to retreat back to his pack member. There, he whimpered and brushed his tongue against the wound.
Freya hissed out and sat up, but as she did a hand snatched onto her wrist. She yelped out as it was slammed back against the bark to the tree she was against. Gold eyes snapped up to look into the blue eyes of Justin who glared down at her. No longer in his canine form, he looked much more terrifying. Rage burned in his eyes as he spoke. "What do you mean, you can't shift?" A low snarl rumbled in his chest. His entire naked form tensed and loomed over her. Darkening her view, she barely noticed the sun had fully risen. Had that much time passed?
Shaking her thoughts away, Freya clenched her jaw and turned her eyes away. How did she explain this to him? She had not thought about it. She had just yelled without thinking. She refused to look at him which only made Justin frown. The lighthearted husky was trembling with energy, which saddened her. She didn't want their reunion to be like this. "I..."
Justin sighed softly. His warm breath brushing against her cheek which made her glance up at him. "I knew something was not right with you." Slowly he pulled himself back, and she blushed at the sight of him. Turning her eyes away, she heard him stand. "Come on girly, lets get you fixed up."
Freya relaxed at her nickname as she stood up to find the soft fur against her. Justin had reverted back, thus she gripped his fur and allowed him to begin leading her up. "Is Alec alright?"
Justin's ears flattened against his head at the question. His head lowering as he debated on how to answer that. "He's fine." Freya was not sure she fully believed him. In fact, she thought he was lying. Alec had reacted rather negatively when he heard the news. She never seen him so agitated.
Stopping, her head snapped around. For a second, she stared into the trees as a shiver ripped up her spine. "What's wrong?" Justin growled as his ears perked.
"Nothing.... It.. just felt like we were being watched." She whispered before turning away to continue on their way.