"Sir!" Cupid bounded up to Justin with his ears folded back. Concerned eyes watched the commander while he folded his legs under himself into a sit. "They still have not moved. What are your orders, sir?" Justin reached his hand up to rub at his bloodshot eyes. Sunken and black, he knew they showed just how tired he was. He had already rested the last few days. It had only been a week since Freya and Alec had left. In that time, however, things remained uncertain. Their forces were scattered throughout the region. He had not dared call them all back. He knew full well that was what Tessa wanted. That did not explain, however, why Tessa's forces had not moved. The greyhound unit had done well to travel the distance again and again to report to them. He would feel better once he was there. A large unit could not move that quickly or quietly for that matter. It would take some time. He had a feeling that was what the bitch was waiting on.
Clenching his jaw, Justin raked his hand through his black hair. He pushed himself up as he smoothed his hand down his black scaled shirt and pants. His bare feet felt the cold ground while blue eyes turned to look up at the darkened sky. He breathed in the scent of the fire, the smoke, and tasted the meal his warriors were cooking on the wind. In a few days, he would find himself on the border of their territory. They would be close to Kenya... the place he had lost his mate. Soon, they would drive back the army. Soon he would lose his brothers and sisters. Was this how his Alpha felt? Was this how his brother felt? The delta ground his teeth in frustration. He felt cold, so cold. "Tell them to keep watch, but do not provoke. I do not trust Tessa." Justin decided.
Cupid said nothing at first. Justin could feel the eyes of the fox on him as he walked from the tree he had claimed. The moon was still up. The night still dominated the land, but his warriors still did not sleep. Maybe they too remembered the horrors of the massacre. "Yes, sir." Cupid's whispered words were nearly missed. Justin cared little though as he clenched his fists. Soon, he would once more have to face his past. Once more, he would have to admit his mistakes.
"And tell them, if they make one move.. one step to inform me. I will not lose to them again." The male snarled before moving towards his troops. It was time for their party to end.
---
Rose through her head up in irritation. They had pressed on through the night and into the morning. They could not afford to stop knowing the snakeheads may be lurching in the area. It would only be safe once they made it past the first ring of territory. The problem was... it would take several days even on the longma. Which means, they would need to find somewhere to rest that will be easy to escape from or be high enough ground the creatures could not get too. Neither option was a pleasant thought. At some point, they had to stop. How did Alec and his team manage past this? Freya could not shake the thought. The worry ate at her. She had not known them long. She had not trusted those with him, besides for Drole. A beastman that never came out of his canine state, however was strong and happy as he could be.
Freya glanced back at Mouse. He had been quiet the whole trip. She had tried to convince him to let her treat his wound, but he refused. Rather, he had flashed his fangs and snarled at her. Instead, he had treated hers, despite only having a few scratches. Mostly, she was just sore. She was used to running, but it was not the same. Then she was the hunter, not the prey. Mouse's jaw was set with hardened eyes. The pink gave nothing away, but she could tell the sun was getting to him. Albino animals never did well under UV. The pale flesh was starting to redden. His skin was drenched in sweat that he refused to wipe away. Even his eyes had been narrowed against the bright sun. He had long pulled their steed in the shade of the trees, however it had not helped much.
"We need to stop Mouse." Freya argued.
"I'm fine." Mouse snapped back in response. His voice was weak, however. It did nothing to convince her.
"We-"
"I said I'm fine!" The coyote's eyes flashed while he curled his lips.
Freya's body tensed as she studied him. Fur was vibrating through her system. It boiled her blood, and it burned along her throat. She could not believe he just yelled at her... for being concerned for him. Mouse's temper had always been testy, but she did not think he would yell at her for being concerned. She gave him a quick once over. Was he serious? Did he just... yell at her? For a second, she just sat there. What the hell was wrong with him?
Just when she thought she could rein here emotions in, he spoke again. "Now shut your trap because I ripe your tongue out." Freya's blood boiled as her elbow whipped backwards. She slammed it into the canine's stomach making him yelp out in surprise.
Gasping at her action, Mouse instinctively went to grab the area. It gave her just enough room to hop right off the horse. "What the hell?!" Mouse's fury sprung to life.
Freya ignored him as she walked from the two. Her face flushed as she ground her jaw. She wanted to hit him again. This time harder. She was getting sick of him talking to her with so little respect, but shouting at her had been the last straw. She was tired, sweaty, hungry, thirsty, and dirty... again. By now, Rose had stopped as she threw up her head. She danced back and forth as if unsure if she should proceed forward or hold back. After all, Rose had been assigned to Freya.
"Get back here!" Mouse tried again, however all he got was the bird. Freya could feel the molten anger behind her. The coyote desperately trying to rein in his rage. Pleased with herself, she listened to him mutter as she moved further into the woods. She stopped though knowing full well they could not get separated. Rather, she glanced back again with a scowl. She watched as he cursed and threw his leg over the saddle. Mouse shoved himself from the longma. His knees gave out, and the male went forward.
"See? You need to rest." Freya's lip twitched as the male panted. His hands being the only thing stopping him from eating dirt, but she could tell he was not pleased about it. "Lets stop for a few minutes. It won't kill you."
"It might." Mouse grumbled as he drew his lips back in a snarl. Freya could not understand the hurry. She understood it was important to catch up to Alec. She understood there was a war, but it would do them no good getting themselves killed. They needed to focus on staying able, otherwise they would be slow. However, something about the male's words...
Freya tampered down on her irritation. He looked pathetic. His head hung. His breath was labored. Sweat clung to him. She felt almost guilty for her little stunt, but he had deserved it. "Come on." She held her hand out for the male. She had become to cool, only for him to flare her again. Mouse slapped away her hand and folded his leg under himself. Frowning, she stepped back and crossed her arms over her chest. He was being so damn stubborn... rude. She was used to his mood swings, and his rough behavior. This was ridiculous though. "Are you done or you going to throw another fit?" Freya sneered.
Mouse's eyes flickered up. Emotionless, they hide his anger well even if she could feel it in waves. If it could kill, she knew he would have her skinned alive. "We do not have time. The longer we are here, the longer it takes to get to that boy toy of yours. So, are yo-"
Freya plastered a smile on her lips. "You know what? Fuck you. You're right. Lets get going, but you can walk." She was nearly trembling in anger as she made her way over to Rose.
Maybe walking would calm his temper or perhaps tire him out. If he wanted to suffer, then by all means he could suffer. She was not going to beg him or baby the male. She shoved around him and hooked her foot into the saddle. She pulled herself up and yanked the steed from him. For a second, she thought he would argue. Instead, he had glanced up into the trees. Freya did not wait to see if he followed or not. She signaled Rose forward knowing full well the male would complain if he got behind. Little did she know, Mouse's eyes were searching the tree lines. He folded his ears back as he flickered his tail. The boiling fire in his veins was starting to cool, including the fear that was gripping his heart. The trees had blurred. No longer were they a formation, but rather painting splattered in colors. They swirled together... moving and twisting. It hypnotized him almost until slowly the canvas came into focus. Splashes of yellow and green had turned the trees into 2D figures. It was as if children had drawn them, rather than reality. The grass had become flat. It made the space as if it led nowhere, while the background had become pure white. It was a space of emptiness... a void that lead nowhere. Although, the most worrying part was the sight of the dark green snake.
Mouse knew it was not truly there, rather it too was drawn in the trees. A childish swirl around a branch that did not seem to belong. It had no true foundation. Black lines outlined in, which twitched and swayed. They seemed to be there, then they were gone. It made the color drip like acid. It burned holes in the paper to create small black dots. A long red tongue flickered out of its mouth and forked out to far. It sat stall in the air while two yellow eyes stared down at him. They were too close together, more on top of the head than placed on either side. Large yellow spots colored the snake with some being out of the lines of the creature. He knew nothing of what the vision meant, but he knew they could not remain here. He would have to push on just awhile longer. Blinking, the vision cleared to show the flourishing woods once more. The sun burned down on him. It blinded him, and again he found himself in hell. He would just have to endure it a bit longer.
Mouse's chest vibrated with a long groan as he turned away. He still hear the hissing of the snake, even though the vision was long gone. It whispered in his ear... taunting him with what was to come. He hoped to avoid it. Only a week in, and they had already mastered the art of trouble. He did not intend to gain further experience. His body melted until a white coyote stood. At least this way, he was slightly more comfortable. His fur would block some of the rays, plus he would not have to deal with the girl's talking or squirming. Thus, Mouse kicked off to join the horse's side. It was obvious, however, he would struggle to keep up. His jaws parted to let his tongue hang low from his jaws. His tail drooped, but his ears remained alert. They perked and twisted as he listened to the area. He had no intention of ignoring this early warning. He may be struggling to move, but they had to keep going. It was a matter of life or death. Mouse did not plan to die just yet.