-Etek Dur, Eterra pack-
Ferals erupted into loud roars, howls, and furious stomping. Kellenas dropped down from a platform, all he could see was red.
"Bring the caretakers and young out of the forest! Hold them back with every ounce of strength we have!" Kellenas barked orders.
One of his Ferals landed beside him. He rose his upper body to face his pack master.
"The caretakers, where do we bring them?"
Kellenas pointed to the east. "Run until you encounter Krugi. Whatever you do, DO NOT lose sight of them. They may well be our only hope of survival."
He nodded. Before long, he leapt from the platform. Leaving Kellenas with the rest of his pack. His narrowed eyes pierced the forest, scanning the world around him.
Moments later, four Glykers crash landed onto the platforms. They brushed off the impact like dust before turning their attention on the Ferals.
Since Glykers were foreign species, Etek Dur Ferals only knew how to deal with them through brute force. Putting them at a slight disadvantage in this conflict.
A Glyker slammed its head on an incoming Feral. Upon impact, a disgusting crunch rung out between the two beasts. Causing the attacking Feral to drop to the ground, leaving the Glyker's V-shaped crest painted in blood.
Kellenas roared, his lungs gave it their all. Even aspects he couldn't control knew how high the steaks were in this situation.
In moments, several other Ferals roared with him. Marking the pack's war cry.
Through all the chaos, a distinct face stuck out to him. Before Kellenas attacked with his pack, he noticed Deterna was near one of the Glykers. Something he didn't take kindly.
Instead of going for a random beast, he selected the one closest to his mate. He jumped down from the platform. Two heavy bangs notified the Glyker of a new opponent.
He charged directly towards the invasive animal. Making sure it knew in just how much danger it was in. The Glyker reared up its entire body, preparing for a bone-crushing blow.
Just as the beast came down, Kellenas slid under its wings. He stopped himself once he reached the other side. Adrenaline pumped through his veins, allowing him to leap onto its back.
By now, he could hear his heart beating in his ears. The feeling of knowing everything was on the line paired with the emotions he felt after he witnessed one of his own Ferals get viciously killed enraged him.
One hand reached to the creature's nose. After getting a firm grip, Kellenas pulled back. Exposing the Glyker's mouth and neck. It tried to bite back, even flap the attacker off. But to no success.
Although it was succeeding in loosening up his tight grasp.
Deterna unsheathed her claws and dug them into the Glyker's throat. It tried to screech in agony, but its throat was too damaged to do so.
Kellenas lifted the Glyker's head and bit down on the side of its neck. Killing the creature instantly. It dropped to the ground, lifeless.
"My days as a huntress, I never thought I'd see them again," Deterna commented.
"You are a good huntress. You've captured my heart all those years ago. It's only fair we have ourselves a nice defense in celebration of our achievements," Kellenas responded.
Several high-pitched screeches interrupted their warm interaction. These sounds bothered the Ferals, but stunned the Glykers.
They lowered their heads and tightly closed their eyes in hopes of cutting out the horrible noises. But it were too much for them. No matter what, the Glykers could only hear those screeches.
Knowing they have an opportunity, Kellenas and Deterna sprung into action. Together, they took down the last remaining Glykers while they tried to brush off the sounds.
After they were gone, the duo searched for the source. That's when Deterna's eyes landed on the Yarno cubs she adopted.
They were attached to a nearby tree, effortlessly grappling onto the side. The oldest held the youngest on his back.
"Kellenas, look!" Her tender voice blurted out.
"Those Glykers... back home, these things used to be the first thing we'd learn to kill. So next time they send more, just roar into their ears. That will stun them!" He informed.
Deterna confidently smiled, blissfully ignoring all the fighting around her. She watched her two youngest cubs ascend up the tree in search for a hiding spot.
Realizing the strongest cub, Tekeni, wasn't there with the other two boys worried her. She looked around, desperately trying to find her last cub. Until her gaze landed on Kellenas' frozen frame.
He stared at a platform that hung closer to the ground. Deterna turned her attention to where Kellenas was looking and realized why he was staring over there.
Four Ferals surrounded a struggling cub. She tried her best to kick and slash, but to no avail. Instead of standing back, the Ferals appeared to get closer. Entertained by the courageous cub.
"Deterna, go find the other packs. I can tell Light wants Etek Dur to themselves. I refuse to give this forest to them, so we will fight for it," he ordered.
She slowly, worriedly turned to lock eyes with her mate. "Weren't we saving those for..?"
"Forget that. Etek Dur needs it now. Please, Deterna, these Ferals that are being slaughtered come from our pack," Kellenas begged.
Deterna nodded. She leapt off the platform and sprinted off into the trees. With every step, she bellowed in hopes of catching the attention of the several Eterra packs hidden inside.
While his mate looked for reinforcements, Kellenas turned his attention to saving his daughter. That little Feral meant a lot to Deterna, therefore it meant even more to him.
He dropped down. A loud banging noise caught the attention of the attackers. Notifying a bigger and stronger Feral was with them.
Kellenas unleashed a discouraging roar, encouraging his daughter in the process. Her heart began beating faster and faster, adrenaline pumped through her body like a waterfall, and survival became her only desire.
All four Ferals charged at Kellenas.
The first tried to curve another wound on his face, but failed after he grabbed her hand and snapped her arm by the elbow. She tried to retreat, howling in agony.
A male leapt up to pounce on him, but Kellenas caught the Feral by the neck before snapping his neck and hurling the corpse to the retreating Feral.
While he was busy with that, another male managed to get the upper hand and tried to wrap his jaws around the back of his neck. Kellenas tried to fight him back, but struggled.
During the battle for power, Tekeni delivered a powerful knee to the Feral's gut. Stunning him in the process. Kellenas pushed the Feral back onto his daughter. She kicked the back of his knees, bringing the Feral down.
"You had your first kill yet, girl?" Kellenas' voice rumbled.
She stepped aside to reveal the fourth Feral laying on the softly baked platform, motionless. It suffered various injuries to its back and neck.
"Then here's your second," Kellenas corrected.
She firmly nodded. Five hook-like claws extended from out of her finger nails. Then she dug them into the Feral's throat, killing him instantly.
"You're a mighty warrior for someone your age. How did you get this way?"
Teneki flicked her entire hand, effectively cleaning most of the blood off her claws. "I used to take care of my Neddy after my other Neddy died. A Glyker took his life, leaving me with a blind Neddy."
Kellenas' toothy grin got even wider. "I respect you even more... once again, apologies for the massacre. I know it doesn't mean much, now that you're entire pack has been slaughtered. But it's the best I can say."
Before his daughter could respond, another Feral jumped onto the platform. This one had broad shoulders, orange eyes, and a bloody grin.
"Dire! You bleeding beast," Kellenas howled.
In response, Dire chuckled. "Greetings, Kellenas. I've heard so much about you and your pack, specifically from Kas. He fears you, but I don't."
Teneki lifted both of her fists up, preparing for an incoming battle. But Kellenas placed his hand in front of her, telling her to stand down.
"What you believe is bravery is in reality foolishness. You have no idea to what extent I am willing to go to see my pack thrive and conquer," his raspy voice shot back.
Dire opened his arms, taunting Kellenas by showing him the grander picture. While they talked on the platform. Several Ferals from several packs clashed with Eterra members.
"You've had your opportunity to join us in the past. Yet refused. So here I am, to claim Etek Dur by force," Dire concluded.
The two Ferals unleashed powerful roars. The deafening battle cries were nothing but tiny melodies compared to the sound of an impending brawl between an Alpha of Alphas and a Feral whose been Reinforced by Etek Dur.
While Kellenas' roar would normally discourage combatants, this one didn't effect Dire. He heard it and brushed it off.
Dire and Kellenas charged at each other, eagerly waiting the short moments until their fight.