Unuwku roared as they danced overhead. Some brought themselves closer to the ground, getting ready to unleash a barrage of sharpened feathers.
When the time was right, Enclier leapt up to greet one. Her claws poked their heads out, ready to strike. Both sets dug into the creature's belly, breaking its focus.
From that point on, the Unuwku disobeyed its rider. Choosing to shake off the threat before continuing with its attacks. Its snake-like neck allowed it to reach down to Enclier, hoping to snatch the Feral up with its beak.
Only to get blinded by the pain of ten sharp claws scratching away at its cranium. Causing the beast to quickly cock its head back in protest. But her claws were too far in.
She unlocked her jaws, then took a large chunk of feather and flesh from the back of the beast's head. The rider took out their specialized ranged weapon, aiming at the attacker.
A loud bang staggered Enclier, she did not realize the beast moved its head just in time to help her dodge a bullet. The loud noise brought a surge of adrenaline, allowing her to claw at the creature's skull until she scratched portions of the brain.
It was enough damage to make it lose control. Before she leapt off the beast, her attention came to the rider.
"Screw you, bastard!" she laughed.
While she fell freely, Sencto tackled her out of the sky. Catching her in his arms, which instantly caused her to try to nibble on his hair.
But this was not the time to mess with foreign Ferals. He dropped her off when they reached the ground. Explosions rung overhead, it was the work of Ivivry.
Each arrow fired resulted in a new flyer being blasted out of the sky. Despite his success, each shot required precision and a lot of thought. He knew his supply was limited.
Infinus was rapidly leaving behind the heart of Imbushko, destruction was in their wake. With them came the Ferals and the incoming winter storm, it was about to be a nasty journey.
-Four hours later-
Hedix dropped from his place from the rooftop. Bodies of Conqueror and Volatile warriors decorated the entire city by now.
They have been trying to pry Thawed Lake City away from Infinus' control, unaware of the type of power Demon let the elites borrow. Causing them more lives and resources.
Even Valiant was considering launching an assault with him involved, but Niro convinced him otherwise.
Hundreds of Ferals stepped closer to the calculated elite, keeping their heads bowed in a display of submission. Snow infused themselves with their hair, the storm had arrived.
"Do we have an estimate on when this blizzard will be over?" Demon spoke through his face mask.
"Well, considering how it's only a light blizzard as for now... I'd wager a day or two. Usually these come down with the worst if they are coming to mid-way mark or end," Hedix answered.
It was all the leader of the escort mission wanted to hear. This was the perfect opportunity to keep tally on who was capable of continuing.
Elites quickly ushered warriors and Ferals into homes. Somehow the nature-crazed Ferals understood how to turn on some kind of mechanism to warm their quarters.
Powerful, howling winds nor the thin blanket of falling snow bothered Demon. Allowing him to go from building to building, asking questions about what they needed and how many injuries warriors received.
By the end of his patrol, he counted up all casualties. Two hundred Zegi dead, forty-seven Thawed, and twelve Ferals. It was a tragedy to have lost all these Variants, but some had to fall.
For injuries, many had weaker ones. Such as bruises, cuts, worn out muscles. But the nastiest came from Enclier, who had a bullet lodged into her shoulder.
Demon stepped into the same home as Cyclone, trying to learn more about this new force and what he represented. As always, he could use another pawn in his game of manipulation.
Variants stretched, loosening their muscles for the next encounter. Others fell asleep right away, not paying any attention at what others thought.
Smooth, brown wooden floor boards added a welcoming touch. It was rather cozy for being in a home full of warriors willing to go on rampages.
"Hey, Cyclone. How are you feeling?" Demon asked the Feral.
"Considering our destination? Better than ever. I can tell my pack is more excited than ever to return," he grinned at some Ferals laying on the floor. "But this frenzy got them real tired."
The overhead light ignited Demon's black hair, it stretched a little below his shoulders. He had always had longer hair than any of his brothers, at least before he got corrupted.
Dust cleared up enough to allow his mask off. "Why did your pack get divided?"
"Because of the damn Trilogy," Cyclone's tone turned nasty. "They claim and conquer in the name of peace, but never turn the hatchet on themselves."
He turned to face his corrupted ally. "My pack denied them our loyalty. We did not want to join an advanced society, the wild is our home. If we go down this path, we will lose what makes us Ferals."
"I guess that's true," Demon sighed. He fixed his eyes on a chirping Feral, his upper back was badly bruised. "What do you intend to do when you arrive?"
Cyclone growled. "Bite at the Trilogy's neck! They tore my pack apart, threw us in a box and shipped us to a heavily guarded area. We are lucky this blizzard is ongoing."
"Yeah, the blizzard. We'll need to use this to our advantage," Demon cracked his knuckles. "Keep an ear out for any elites calling orders. Our next stop is between two heavily populated cities."
Both leaders left it at that. It was best to rest before the next mad dash. A winter that lasted all year round for Yarno continued to rage on the outside.
Infinus knew to utilize this storm for their gain they would have to go out when everyone was ready. While risking running a gauntlet they were unsure of surviving.