Trevors Grove, ArchenLand
The soft sunlight of late morning filtered through the thick canopy of trees, casting golden streaks across the lush clearing. Birds chirped overhead, and the gentle rustle of leaves carried with it a feeling of rare peace. In a carved-out grove near the marshlands of the Deniz Clan, the four companions—Kon, Adam, Trevor, and Darius—found respite from their burdens.
The air smelled sweet, ripe with the scent of peaches hanging heavy on the branches, their bright orange-red skin glimmering like jewels.
"Alright, let's see who the real champion is," Kon called, rolling his shoulders as he took his stance. A small pile of smooth stones sat beside him, each perfectly sized for throwing. "Watch and learn, amateurs."
Trevor snorted. "Let's see what you've got, kitty."
Kon smirked, narrowing his yellow eyes on a cluster of peaches near the top of the tree. With a swift motion, he hurled the stone. It struck with a sharp crack, knocking five peaches loose. They tumbled to the ground with soft thuds.
Kon straightened proudly, crossing his arms. "Five. Not bad for a warm-up."
Trevor scoffed. "If that's your idea of impressive, we're doomed."
Adam stepped forward next, his blue fur glinting slightly in the sunlight. He palmed his stone, studying the tree with quiet focus. With a calm flick of his wrist, the stone zipped through the air, weaving between branches and knocking down peach after peach in quick succession. Fifteen dropped to the ground.
Trevor blinked. "Alright, alright, not terrible, Kurt. You're learning."
"Learning?" Adam grinned, brushing his hands off. "I just doubled Kon's score."
Kon muttered under his breath while Darius chuckled, the deep sound carrying across the clearing. "Step aside, pups," Darius said, picking up a stone with casual ease. He walked a few paces back, his enormous frame looking relaxed but his golden-green eyes sharp as ever.
With one smooth motion, Darius launched the stone. It struck the base of a high branch, shaking the entire tree. Thirty peaches dropped at once, landing in a scattered pile.
Kon threw up his hands in defeat while Adam whistled in admiration. "I think that's game, Darius."
"Don't count me out just yet." Trevor grinned mischievously, twirling his stone between his fingers. He stepped forward, completely unconcerned with the others' scores. With a lazy flick of his wrist, Trevor's stone sailed through the air and struck the very center stem of the tree.
The group burst out laughing as nothing seemed to happen at first. "Nice shot, Maymum," Kon teased. "You couldn't hit a peach to save—"
Suddenly, the tree shuddered, and like a summer storm, peaches began raining down in a cascade. The ground was soon covered in fruit as the others gaped in disbelief.
Trevor spun around with a wicked grin, his tail curling triumphantly. "I believe that makes me the champion, gentlemen."
Darius sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Fine, you win. And I suppose you're claiming the baobab blossoms in the Boga region now?"
"Absolutely," Trevor said with a gleeful wink.
The four of them shared a rare, hearty laugh, the tension of their war-torn lives momentarily forgotten. Even Kon, who usually wore his scowl like a badge of honor, smiled broadly.
"It's been a while since we were this happy," Kon said softly, his voice carrying a note of wistfulness. He looked down at the peaches strewn around their feet, as if gathering his courage. "Actually… in light of the mood, there's something I want to announce."
The others turned to him, curious.
Kon took a deep breath. "I've decided to take Tigrera as my mate."
The clearing fell into a sudden, uncomfortable silence. Even the birds seemed to quiet, as if the weight of Kon's words had reached the very canopy above.
Trevor and Darius exchanged glances, their smiles slipping into thoughtful expressions. Trevor was the first to recover, giving Kon a small grin. "Well, uh… that's sudden, but if it makes you happy, then… good for you."
Darius offered a nod, his tone steady. "If this is what you've decided, then I'm glad for you, Kon."
But Adam—who had been watching Kon closely—was not smiling. His blue eyes locked onto Kon's with an intensity that immediately drew everyone's attention.
"What exactly do you know about Tigrera?" Adam asked quietly.
Kon blinked, his brow furrowing. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Adam's voice remained calm but firm. "ppI'm asking what you really know about her. Over a thousand years, everyone believed you were the last surviving Tiger Tracient. And now, out of nowhere, she appears?"
Kon's expression darkened. "What are you trying to say, Adam?"
"I'm saying you're putting too much trust in someone you just met," Adam replied.
Kon's hands balled into fists, his voice rising with frustration. "She's a Tiger Tracient! That makes her my family!"
Adam shook his head. "I'm not disputing what she appears to be. But appearing to be something and being something are different. You don't even know her."
Kon's face flushed with anger. "When we met, you didn't know me either, but you trusted me! You gave me an Arya!"
"That's not the same," Adam shot back. "You proved yourself. You earned that trust."
"And what about you?" Kon snapped, his voice dripping with bitterness. "Do you want everyone to be as hopeless and alone as you are? Just because you don't have a clan to call family doesn't mean the rest of us can't!"
Adam flinched as if struck. For a moment, the entire clearing was still. Trevor's face fell, his usual cheer drained away as he stared at Kon in shock. Darius turned his gaze to Kon, his expression grave, silently telling him he'd crossed the line.
Kon's anger faltered, a flicker of regret crossing his face, but he was too proud—and too hurt—to back down. "Whatever," he muttered, turning on his heel. "I don't need your approval."
He walked away, disappearing into the grove with his cape trailing behind him.
Adam stood still, his gaze fixed on the ground, his fists clenched at his sides. Trevor stepped toward him, concern etched across his face. "Adam—"
Adam turned sharply and began walking in the opposite direction without a word.
"Adam, wait!" Trevor called, bounding after him. But Adam ignored him, his shoulders tense and his head down.
Trevor glanced back at Darius, uncertainty in his amber eyes. Darius met his gaze with a faint nod. "Go after him."
Trevor hesitated for only a moment before rushing off after Adam, his quick footsteps fading into the distance.
Left alone, Darius sighed deeply, his eyes turning to the trees swaying softly in the wind. He lowered his head, his voice little more than a whisper. "Asalan, guide us. We're going to need it."
The wind picked up, carrying the faint scent of peaches as the clearing fell silent once more.