The Magic Wilds: Episode 2: The Horde

By Terrarian Pony

WARNING: Content of this story may include violence, gore, romance, same gender romance, swearing, and probably references to several video games and TV shows. This series is also written in script format. If anyone is offended by any of the content listed above, than please turn back now. You have been warned.

Introduction: Welcome to a world of magic, but humans are few, and are mostly undead. In this world, there are magical creatures who are just trying to survive, and endure the terrors of the undead, and the bureaucracy of the Pride's Alliance. But not all is bad, for in the Magic Wilds of Mythrolhia, you will always have friends to defend you.

Episodes

Previously

Next

...

Story: Terrarian Pony presents... The Magic Wilds

A Fiction Mythology Series

Episode 2

The Horde ...

???:" If peace is what you seek, than you are a liar. Only when the hunt calls to you, will you reveal all of your secrets."

...

The event was planned weeks in advance. With the ongoing war with the Horde of Hunt, A.K.A. the undead ex-guild militia, King Leo decided that a rally should be held to boost morale for the soldiers of the Alliance. He needed to show he wasn't afraid of the Horde of Hunt, and what better way to do that, than to hold a rally outside the walls of Law City. Despite his council's attempts to persuade him against this action, he decided his people needed to see his face, in order to gain their respect. Even now, Maximus, his most trusted advisor, and a fellow lion, was trying to convince him against speaking publicly.

Maximus:" I understand that the promotion of Lieutenant Danvers is a big deal. He is a war hero after all."

Leo:" Danvers is more than that. He has earned his place among the higher ranks of my military."

Maximus:" Granted, but the Horde will be expecting this sort of action. They have agents who are capable of day walking. Not to mention they've been recruiting mutants into their fold. I believe this action is rash. Perhaps we should let your double take your place. If you die, our country could fall."

Leo:" My mind has been made. I will not put Purceuse's life in danger for the sake of this promotion."

Maximus:" You are stubborn. But you are a better leader than your father."

Leo:" It is because of my father that I must be a better leader. Four years ago, we had almost gone into poverty because of his conquest."

Maximus:" I suppose. But do not allow your ambitions to blind you, sire. I myself, speak from experience."

Leo:" Don't worry, old friend. If anything happens to me, there will always be light."

Maximus:" I feared you may say that."

King Leo VII was always taking risks like this. It's how he earned the respect of his military. King Leo VI was a conqueror, and a tyrant. He corrupted the stability of Law City, corrupted it's media, taught it's children that magicborns were are dangerous with their power. That they didn't earn it, and they weren't to be trusted. Perhaps a couple centuries ago, magicborns acted a bit cruel, treating non magics as simple servants. But they have since grown past their cruel ways, and Leo knew this. They are not to blame for the actions of their ancestors, regardless of what the texts say.

Leo: ''The texts have lied in the past. I've seen proof of it myself. Father knew this as well. I made the right choice, rebelling and dethroning him. He left me with quite a mess to clean. But I know I am not to blame for his actions, only that I did not do anything sooner. I'm going to clean up Law City. Root out all the corruption. No matter how long it takes. And if I die today, I know my son would do the same.''

The royal carriage stopped, and he waited a moment to collect himself before he went out there. He did this often. The crowd outside was waiting, cheering his name, but he could not show weakness, so he stayed a bit longer, and then opened the door. He was greeted with big smiles, and cheerful words as he faced the creatures of Roaran. It was a small city, but it was home to many creatures who supported the Alliance.

Many of the residents were wearing accessories, or painted their bodies and furs with red, gold and blue colors, the colors of the Alliance. The Pride alone used to be just red and gold. The Stripes were blue and gold, so of course the Pride's Alliance added blue to it's colors once the Stripes had integrated themselves into the Pride. Leo smiled at his subjects. He had to admit, it was nice to be appreciated for his accomplishments. But that wasn't why he was smiling. He smiled because of the bright youth of Roaran. The creatures of Raoran didn't look down on each other because of their societal positions. Instead they had a mutual understanding of the importance of each other's roles, and appreciated each other for it.

Leo was wearing red body armor, with gold lining. He wore a blue cape over his shoulder, which bore a blue shield, with an image that depicted the mane and face of a lion, with red eyes. The symbol of the Pride's Alliance. His daughter wove the cape for him, and he wore it proudly everywhere he went.

As he walked through the crowd of civilians, he noticed they had taken the time to set up a stage in the marketplace. He took a moment to admire the mahogany structure, the feeling of the wood, and it's scent. Many creatures were already waiting for a motivational speech. And he would deliver. Two of his royal guards followed as Leo walked up to the microphone. They stood on either side of him, standing vigil. Out of respect, everyone present, civilians and military alike, stood at attention. After a moment of stillness and silence, Leo began to speak into the mic.

Leo:" Friends of the Pride's Alliance. It is with great honor, that I stand here today to address my fellow, hard working associates. Those who give their time, those who bring light, and those who give their lives, for the pursuit of others. My colleagues in Law City would tell me that being here is a great risk. They would tell me that I should not waste my time speaking to the 'lower working classes'. They see things different than I do. Many of them still hold the beliefs of my father. Power over productivity. Quantity over quality. Fear over respect. But rest assured, I am not my father. And I will do everything in my power, to root out the corruption in my city. I am here today, to show you that I am not like those who cower behind their money, their power, and their security."

He paused for a brief moment, trying to find his next topic, before calling the Lieutenant to the stand.

Leo:" In the first eras of the Alliance, the Pride and Stripes had become one. A symbol of prosperity. A beacon of hope. Each of my soldiers is made to uphold these virtues, as am I. And if my word is not enough, look to the soldier beside you. Each of these brave men and woman stands with you. Not against you. They each seek to earn your respect, not to gain your fear. Weather you are magic, non magic, mutated, or even from another land."

As he spoke, a six-tailed kitsune bearing crimson red fur blent in with the crowd. He noticed Lieutenant Danvers, a male tiger, wearing Red body armor, made with metal scales, bearing the symbol of the Pride's Alliance, standing nervously near the crowd. It wasn't hard to tell why he was nervous, as he was missing part of his uniform. His helmet. It was seen as bad luck to misplace one's helmet during a ceremonial event, especially when the king himself hosts said event, and especially when they have an important role to play in it. Drak looked around for the helmet. He spotted it resting at one of the merchant stalls. It was a red helmet, with gold lining, and a sigil of a blue shield, with a depiction of a golden lion face and mane, with red eyes. The helmet itself would cover all but the eyes and the lower part of the front of his face.

Grinning, the kitsune made his way over towards the stall, picking up the helmet, hatching a devious, yet creative idea. Grabbing the helmet with one paw, he reached into the bag on his person, and pulled out a flat stone. The stone had an orange glowing glyph on it. These stones are known as a runes, which have many uses depending on the rune. This rune is meant to cause a remotely detonated explosion. He taped the explosive rune to the inside of helmet, and walked over towards the Lieutenant.

Drak:" Looking for something, soldier?"

The Lieutenant gave a glance of acknowledgement, which turned into a look of surprise, which turned into an expression of relief. He took the helm from the kitsune, placed it upon his own head.

Lieutenant Danvers:" Thank you, citizen. I don't know who you are, but I owe you a great debt for this. Strange, it seems heavier than before."

Drak:" Oh that is not necessary, my fine feline friend. After all, it is the least I could do for one who has served under the banner of such a noble cause."

Lieutenant Danvers:" Perhaps a drink then, between two equals."

Drak:" I may just take you up on that. I'm a bit of a Bloody Mary type of fox myself."

Leo:" ...and that is why, it is with great honor, I call upon Lieutenant Ralph Danvers, to receive a Medal of Courage, and accept his new role as a member of the Pride Guard."

Drak:" Sounds like you're up, Guardian."

Danvers proudly made his way up onto the stage next to King Leo VII. It was an honor to even be considered for the Pride Guard. The Pride Guard was a special task force, that Leo VII had come up with when he first claimed the throne, to help root out all of the corruption, treachery, and dishonesty among those in the Pride. They acted as an independent task force, but reported directly to the King himself. Only a handful of soldiers, or even changed mercenaries have been considered, and fewer have been selected. There was one Elementine merc who had wanted to turn over a new leaf, and was accepted into the Pride Guard for his exceptional skills, and his compassion towards a different path.

Leo stuck the Medal of Courage to Ralph Danver's uniform. As soon as he did, Drak pulled out the remote detonation rune, and pressed his paw to the glyph, which activated the explosive rune. The rune began to glow even brighter under Danver's helm. He took notice, and removed his helmet, checking the inside of it. Once he saw the rune, he yelled "Watch out!" and pushed King Leo out of the way, sending him falling to the ground. He then did the first thing he could think of, which was hold the helmet to the ground, rune facing down, and covered it with his body.

The explosion sent him falling on his back, his face and body blackened and burned, and his torso cut deep with shards of shrapnel. King Leo was fine, but he had gained a few shrapnel cuts as well on the right side of his torso and his right forepaw. The crowd was now scattering in a panic, fleeing the market district, their cries echoing from all directions. Leo eventually recovered, as his guards were trying get him to evacuate. He looked in horror at the body of Ralph Danvers. He coughed up blood, and he slowly looked up at his king, knowing revelation in his eyes. He only had one question.

Ralph:" Did I... did I do good... sire?"

Leo was breathing heavily, but he answered in a somber tone.

Leo:" Yes... soldier. You've done good. For your king... and your country."

Satisfied with the gratitude of his king, Danvers drew his last breath, and slumped heavily to the stage floor with a thump. Leo looked out towards the crowd in anger, searching for anyone who could have done this horrible act. The crimson kitsune prowled slowly towards him, grinning menacingly. His six tails suddenly grew mouths, and his body began to liquify, as if it were turning to blood.

Leo:" You! You did this!"

Drak:" I thought it was pretty creative, was it not? Unfortunately, it wasn't exactly as I'd planned, but your wounded enough that I may finish you off myself."

The guards jumped down, racing towards the killer, who hopped onto one of their necks, and his tails began to bite at him, sucking the blood from his body. The guard screamed in agony. The other tried to smack him off with his spear, but the kitsune dodged it, and flung a chunk of blood shaped as a dagger into his neck. The soldier from the crowd also attempted to take him down, but to no avail.

Leo:" Stop! Let me handle this monster! The rest of you evacuate the town."

The soldiers were surprised by the order, but they complied after he gave them a "that's an order" face. The kitsune started cackling.

Drak:" That was most inexplicably the most stupid thing you have ever done."

Leo:" No, allowing my father to rule as long as he has was the stupidest thing I've done."

Drak:" Oh I'm not complaining. It's less fun, but it makes what I'm about to do so much easier."

Drak's tail began to spit what looked to be a barrage of blood daggers. Leo tore a large chunk of the wooden stage, and used it as a shield. Once he was in the clear, he sent it flying towards the mutant kitsune, who ducked to avoid it.

Leo:" Why are you doing this? I've never done anything to hurt your kind, mutant."

Drak:" That's the difference between you and me. I am willing to hurt anyone who does not serve my master. Actually, I just like hurting others! Hehehe!"

Leo:" You're with the Horde of Hunt, aren't you?"

Drak:" And you're so eager for spoilers, aren't you? I can already tell, you'd be the one annoying guy in the theatre audience."

Leo:" Enough. You want to see blood? I will show you yours."

He used his mouth to reach his sword, forged by his son. He grabbed it in his teeth, and charged at the mutated fox.

Drak:" A sword? Really? You obviously have no idea who I am."

Drak created two blood daggers from his own blood, and used them to block the attack.

Drak:" Let me educate you."

He lunged forward, getting a cut, and then a second in before the lion stabbed the fox in chest. Drak was unfazed of course. Normal mortal wounds regenerated instantly. The kitsune's body was mutated to the point where he was purely made of some sort of blood-like substance. The lion pulled out, and backed away slightly, speaking through the blade handle in his teeth.

Leo:" What... are you?"

The red fox just kept grinning wider and wider.

Drak:" Oh, my dear king... I'm immortal."

Leo:" Everyone has a weakness. You are no different."

Drak lunged forward to strike, but was stopped by a seemingly invisible, razor sharp wall. He recovered quickly, and noticed he was surrounded by a dome of razoring wind. Leo looked on in surprise and confusion as three wolves approached them. Their noses, upper faces, backs and tails were covered in dark grey fur. The rest, their lower bodies, and under muzzles, were covered in light grey fur. Their paws were white as snow. The one on the left from Leo's view was female. The other two were males, the one in the middle being slightly larger than her, the other being about her size. The leader of the trio spoke in a rough voice.

Wolf leader:" Run. We will handle this... snake."

Leo:" Who are you?"

Wolf leader:" You needn't worry about that. We have fought many of his kind before. You're only concern should be getting out of here alive."

Leo was hesitant, but the look on the wolf's face told him he wasn't lying. Leo ran in the other direction, his royal advisor running towards him as fast as he could.

Maximus:" Sire, we must leave. I told you it isn't safe here."

Leo:" Let us carry on. These strangers seem to know what they're doing."

As they left, the wolf leader stepped towards the entrapped fox.

Drak:" I should have known you'd come for me here, Stephan."

Stephan:" That's Battle Leader Stephan to you. I've been hunting you for three years, and finally, you are within my grasp. You will finally be punished for your crimes."

Male wolf:" Honestly, with the chitchat. What? You want to tell him his last rites, too?"

Female wolf:" Shut up, Dwarf. Battle Leader, I believe what our colleague means to say, is that we should not dally on a personal vendetta. Every second he is left breathing is an opportunity for him to escape."

Stephan:" You're right. This scum shall not go unpunished another minute. Goodbye Drak, the Blood Slinger."

Suddenly, the wind dome began to shrink with the mutant fox inside of it.

Drak:" Wait! I-I could be useful! Tell you all of master's plans! I know all his secrets! Every last one!"

Stephan knew he was lying. Drak was known by the silver wolves as a true loyalists of the undead king. The dome began to shrink more and more, as the kitsune continued to be crushed and gruesomely mutilated by the high speed wind current surround his every side, screaming in pain, until there was nothing left but a grisly pool of crimson. There wasn't even any flesh or organs left. Stephan, face drenched in the blood of his three year hunt, was finally satisfied with the end result of his efforts. Without a word, the three wolves began to walk away, unknown to them the pool of blood started moving of it's own accord, shaping itself back into the form of a six tailed, spirit fox.

Something struck the battle leader in the back of the neck, his companions turning their heads, looking on in horror as he fell to the ground. Drak stood there, three times bigger than before, eyes glowing red, and his mouth oozing a sticky, red substance, looking almost feral.

Drak:" HEHEHEHEHEH... YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT!"

Dwarf:" R-rose! Let's get the heck out of here!"

Before the male wolf could start running, a bloody maw clamped down on his neck. He let out a horrifying scream, as Rose watched, paralyzed at the sight of her friends being torn apart by a monster. She'd hunted and killed mutants before, but nothing like this. How could they kill something that could regenerate it's body almost in an instant? The monster dropped the body, which was now shriveled, and pale, literally drained of all vitality. The monster slowly turned it's gaze towards her, her worst fears being realized. She should be able to turn herself into wind and get out of there fast, as all silver wolves could do. But her fear prevented her from doing anything as the kitsune slowly approached her. She couldn't breathe. The concept was suddenly foreign to her. The monster stopped next to her ear, and spoke.

Drak:" Bring a message to the silver wolves: You cannot stop what is to come. The Horde of Hunt will soon rule all of Mythrolhia. And when he does, you can either fight with us, or you will die, one by one, slowly... but oh so surely."

The monster grinned from ear to ear, looking all the more intimidating.

Drak:" Now... be good doggy, and run along."

Suddenly, her survival instincts began to kick in again, and she disappeared without a trace.

...

TheDemonCat:" Hello all you little demons, devils, and sin loving sinners! You know, the one's who laughed when I said that King Leo VII would be attacked if he went forward with this morning's rally. 'But DemonCat, Roaran is full of Leo-loving cultist who worship a lion who likes to make bad decisions. It's no surprise one of those savages betrayed him.' Please. Roaran is one of the most peaceful settlements in Mythrolhia, and they aren't lazy, like the previous King. What you don't know, is that it wasn't a resident of Roarin who offed the newly promoted Ralph Danvers, but a mutant, of the Horde of Hunt. Hah. It's almost as if trying to ally with King Lee was a bad idea. I think number six could use a few pointers from seven."

Terran and Lost were watching a visual broadcast from a magic mirror, which was able to connect to a net of technical information relays, which were all linked to several magical focal points throughout Mythrolhia. This system is called the Maginet. It uses a merge of technology and magic, otherwise known as fusion tech, which is a fairly new type of magic, used by many non magical creatures use today. Even though non magic creatures can learn to harness mana, and project it into a magical energy, they are still slow to learn how to progress in it, and most are unable to reach the level of potential of a magicborn creature. Fusion tech hasn't even begun to reach it's limit, which means fusion combat is currently quite limited, and even then, still experimental. But for non magic creatures, it's a way to use magic, without years of practice.

TheDemonCat is a show watched by hundreds of creatures in Mythrolhia, with the purpose of "bringing the sinners down with the truth", and it aired daily. TheDemonCat himself was an actual demon cat. Instead of fur, he has red scales, a thin tail, large red bat-like wings, yellow eyes, and horns on his head.

TheDemonCat:" It's hard enough for a soldier in the Alliance to get to the point of being promoted to one of the king's personal favorites, now we have assassins using those soldiers as unaware suicide bombers. What else are we to expect from the infamous tyrant of the Bur Jungle? To the soldiers of our great Alliance, please make sure to check your helm before you put it on your head."

Terran:" I can't believe someone would do something like that."

Lost:" I can't believe I used to hunt with those freaks. We used to be a guild of honor by name. I can't help but wander what got into King Lee."

Terran:" Well, I guess it's time to choose a new quest."

Lost:" From the board this time."

Terran:" I know. I know. Gee. Get off my back, mom."

Lost:" Don't ever call me that again."

Terran:" Sure, whatever, dad."

Lost sighed as they walked over to the board. Joining them was Tundra, a clean, white ice elementine cat, with a pigment of light blue over the top her fluffy tail, and from her belly down to her rump, as well as tear drop-like patches beneath her eyes. This is one of Rumor's "siblings". Tundra walked on the tips of her paws, nose up in the air, but looking down with her cyan blue eyes, as if she were trying to distinguish herself from a lower class. She sat down casually next to the two boys without even glancing at them.

Terran:" Nice of you to join us. Get enough sleep, did we?"

Tundra:" Please. As if I could ever get any sleep in this noisy guild. It's like trying to sleep through a thunderstorm."

Terran:" I don't know. I sleep like a little kit through a thunderstorm."

Tundra:" Really? You must not have good ears."

Lost:" That aside, are you prepared for this next quest?"

Tundra:" Fine. But I get to pick this time. Last time I was on one of your quests, we went to a damp and moist cave."

Terran gestured for her to take her pick, not that she waited for any permission. She took almost five minutes before deciding on one.

Tundra:" Oh! This one!"

The writing request was done in a standard template. In Mythrolhian, it read:

Formal Guild Request Form

Type: Hunting

Client: Recaro De'pier

Request: Harvest three Cyclofrog eyes

Location: Lurky Swamp

Reward: 5,000 embers for each pristine eyeball. 1,250 (1/4) for any damaged eyes.

Additional notes: At least one participant must be skilled in the art of hunting.

Guild Rating: B (700)

The guild rating is a rating made by a guild executive, like Avery, so that guild members can decipher the difficulty of the mission depending on request type, the location, and the urgency of the request, D being the lowest rating, and SSS being the highest. The number next to it in parentheses is the amount of "Rank Points" the guild member, or guild team will receive upon completion of the request. These rank points contribute to the guild member or team's rank, which not only earn them more respect in the guild, but also access to more challenging gigs, better equipment, and expanded traveling rights for treasure hunters. Terran and his team are at gold rank. They're short term goal is to reach for platinum, but the ranking goes even higher than that. The reward is provided by the client, but the guild takes ninety percent of the earnings in order to keep the guild going. So while the reward is 5,000 embers per pristine eye, the ones doing the job only earn 500 per pristine eye.

Terran:" Uh... Tundra. That quest takes us to Lurky Swamp to gather Cyclofrog eyes. Surely, you don't expect us to do all the work."

Tundra:" You don't get it, do you? Cyclofrog eyes are one of the most important ingredients for chimera stew, which is a signature dish made by the legendary Recaro De'Pier. And guess who the client is!"

Terran:" Okay... I'll bite. Who is Recaro De'Pier?"

Tundra made a long gasp.

Tundra:" How do you not know about the most famous chef of combination of all time!? De'Pier is the only creature in the world... no, THE UNIVERSE, to mix gloopfly glands and fire ant nectar, and actually make it edible! He even hunts his own game!"

Lost:" If he hunts his own game, why would he ask us to do it for him?"

Tundra:" Competition, obviously. De'Pier hunts beasts and cryptids for sport, and if there isn't any competition, there's no point."

Terran:" I don't know about this. Hunting for survival is one thing. But for sport? It just doesn't seem right."

Tundra:" Please. I've always wanted to hunt with the great pier! It's been a dream of mine ever since I first tasted his delicious snally rib steak!"

Terran:" I thought you didn't like trudging through wet and muddy terrain. You always say it's 'unbeffiting of a lady'."

Tundra:" Well, one must overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams. I'm willing to make an exception."

Terran and Lost looked at each other, than back at the ice cat.

Terran:" Alright, but on one condition. Everyone has to pull their own weight. You have to carry one of the eyeballs."

Tundra flinched a bit at that, but then bit her lip and nodded.

Terran:" Alright then. Let's get going."

...

The three of them met Recaro De'Pier at the Lurky Swamp. Recaro was a middle-aged coyote, with an eyepatch over his left eye, and a scar running under it. He wore a red suit, and spoke with a tone like that of a noble from law city, except a little less snobby, and a bit more charming. He was holding a spear in his right forepaw, whilst standing on his hind legs. This was not common for quadruped-built creatures to adopt the bipedal form, but it wasn't rare either in current days. Terran himself stands up on his hind legs quite often in combat. Despite his magical capabilities, he prefers close combat. Recaro was waiting alongside a female black panther with a peculiar glint in her eyes.

Recaro:" Ah, I knew the Lion Heart Guild would except my challenge."

Terran:" Challenge?"

Tundra:" Didn't I tell you? It's a competition. De'Pier seeks out brilliant hunters, and challenges them. Whomever wins, gains a reward."

Recaro:" That's right. And today the reward is 5,000 embers for each pristine cyclofrog eye. You'll be collecting three of them, and any damage to the eyes will only earn you a fourth of the reward for it, so no eye shots."

Lost:" How will we know who got three eyes first?"

Recaro:" Good question. We'll each be using magic flares of different colors. When one of us shoots our color into the air three times, we'll all gather back to this location. But... there is one tiny little problem. See, I can't have three creatures from a single party taking on my challenges. It wouldn't be fair to the rest of the hunters. I must ask that only one from your guild participate in the hunt."

Lost and Terran both looked at Tundra. She chuckled sheepishly.

Tundra:" Haha. Wh-why are you both looking at me, I wonder."

Lost:" This was your idea."

Terran:" Time to take one for the team."

Tundra:" Uh... well I... haha. I myself am multiple creatures living from one body. That's clearly cheating, is it not?"

Terran:" Not if only one of you can use the body at a time."

Recaro:" Hmm... I'll allow it."

Tundra: (Whispers) "Guys, I thought we were together on this. What was all that talk earlier about everyone pulling their own weight?"

Terran:" This is you pulling your own weight. Whenever we go out on a mission with you, you usually stand back and observe. This time, we're going to observe you."

Tundra:" But I'll make a fool of myself in front of Recaro De'Pier. I don't know anything about hunting. I don't even know how to track, let alone fight a off a giant, one-eyed frog."

Terran:" Sometimes, the best way to learn something is through experience. You'll figure it out, I'm sure of it."

Tundra:" But I... "

Terran:" Listen. Don't let what Recaro De'Pier or anyone else thinks limit you. Limits are meant to broken. Follow your own path."

Recaro:" Have you fellows made a decision yet?"

Terran:" You can do this. We believe in you."

Tundra turned around slowly.

Tundra:" Uh... I-I'll go."

Recaro:" Miss Tundra? I never thought you the hunter."

Tundra:" Uh... well, I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I've... dabbled a little. Heh."

Recaro:" Very well then. Hunters, pick a color, and we'll get started."

Recaro held out three different colors of magic flares. The panther chose red, Tundra chose blue, and Recaro was left with green.

Tundra:" Ehem, uh... I-I'm Tundra, by the way."

She held out a paw to the panther.

Beatrice:" My name is Beatrice. I hope you brought some ointment with you."

Tundra:" Why's that?"

The panther grinned widely.

Beatrice:" Because you're going to get burned."

Tundra gulped.

Recaro:" Oh yes, and there is one more thing I should mention before we start. We are hunting in Horde territory, should make for a fine challenge."

Terran:" Wait wait wait! Wait a minute! You never said anything about the Horde of Hunt!"

Recaro:" I just did. You didn't expect me to make it easy did you?"

Terran:" That's it. We withdraw."

Tundra:" N-no! I uh... I can do this!"

Terran:" Tundra, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but..."

Lost:" But you don't know the Horde like I do. They don't like anyone who plays in their hunting grounds."

Tundra:" You said you believed in me, Terran. Are you telling me you didn't mean it?"

Terran:" That was when I thought it was just a normal hunt. I don't want you guys getting killed over this."

Tundra gave him a hurt expression

Tundra:" So you don't believe in me then."

Terran opened his mouth, and then closed it again. After a moment, he sighed.

Terran:" Tundra, you have limits. We all do."

Tundra:" You said limits are meant to be broken. Did you not mean that as well?"

Terran didn't say anything, bur bit his lip.

Tundra:" I'm going. You can't stop me."

Terran:" Tundra! Just... be careful. Please."

Tundra:" I will. And I will win this, even if you don't think I can."

Recaro:" That's the spirit. I like you. Don't let anyone get in your way. Even your friends. Are we ready?"

Beatrice:" I have what I need. And what about you, house kitty? Ready to run home?"

Tundra didn't say anything.

Recaro:" Ready? Let's get our prize!"

The three hunters went off to hunt. The panther disappeared into the trees. Tundra would have never thought a creature so large could leap from branch to branch so easily. She tried to climb one of the trees herself, but as soon she got to the top, a red flare had already been set off in the distance, and then a green one.

Tundra:" They're so fast. How can I beat them at this rate? I need to catch up."

The branch snapped, and she fell along with it. She managed to land on her feet, but it gave her quite a shock. Suddenly, she began to hear croaking nearby. When she followed the sound, she found not one, but TWO cyclofrogs. This was perfect. A way to get ahead. The two cyclops frogs were sitting in a murky pond. Tundra tried her best to ignore the fact that she herself was already plenty dirty from the swamp, but she did get a clever idea. She placed a paw gently on the surface of the dirty water, and it instantly began to freeze. It the ice spread towards to the frogs, and eventually they became stuck. If their feet were frozen, they couldn't hop. If they couldn't hop, they couldn't escape her, or fight back. As the frogs struggled, she pounced on one of them, killing it by plunging a magic-made icicle through it's brain.

As the blood started spirting out, she started gagging, but she managed to stop herself from regurgitating. As she was recovering from the barbaric deed she had just committed, the other frog launched it's tongue out at her, wrapping around her body, and covering her in saliva. It began to pull her into it's mouth, but she managed to stop herself from going any further, by digging her claws into it's lips.

Tundra:" Nononononononono! It won't happen like this! I won't let it happen like this!"

Tundra began to spit flurry of ice from her mouth, freezing the cyclofrog's insides, and she was free. After a short moment of hacking and gurgling, she stuck icicle in it to make it stop. Tundra was breathing heavily, but she managed to somehow compose herself, and strip the dead frogs of their eyes. She damaged the first one in the process. On the second, she realized her mistake, and cut it out properly. Suddenly, another green flare went up, and a red one shortly after. Tundra knew she had to be quick now. She launched two blue flares into the night sky, and packed the eyeballs away. Each hunter only had one eye to go, and it had to be hers. She ran into the swamp, no longer demotivated by the swamp's dirtiness. She heard the croaking of another frog. It was hers! It had to be! She pounced towards the noise, and immediately regretted it.

Three large, dirty, and deadly looking undead vessels were holding the frog captive in a cage, as if to lure her out. One of them was a mummified human, dragging a long sword behind him. The second was covered in swamp mud, and looked like it could have once been human, but it was hard to tell. The last was some kind of zombie bear, flesh torn from his body, revealing bone and decay.

Bear:" Well well well. What do we have here? The living hunting in our domain?"

The bear was holding something in his paw, and he brought it up for Tundra to see. It was the decapitated head of Beatrice, the panther. Glacier yelped in terror as it hit the ground in front of her.

Bear:" I won't allow it."

The last green flare went up into the sky. Tundra had lost. But none of that mattered right now. She had to escape with her life.

Bear:" Don't worry. I'll catch up with your friend over there sooner or later. But right now, I'm having frozen cat for dinner."

Tundra:" I-I... I'm sorry. I'll leave. I promise, I'll never hunt here again!"

Bear:" You know what I hate more than a beggar? A promise. Promises are empty. And so is our vessels."

The bear lunged towards Tundra, and she screamed and tripped as it pounced to eat her. Fortunately, Lost was there, and slammed into the bear, the two of them rolling through the bushes. Terran came too, and was blocking between Glacier and the other two undead creatures.

Lost:" I knew I smelled a familiar stench, Ursar. "

He was talking to the bear.

Ursar:" Lost. It's been a long time. Are these your pets? They look delicious."

Lost:" Shut up, Ursar! I should have inanimated you when I had the chance!"

Lost lunged toward the bear, biting him in the neck. Ursar flung him off, into a tree. Lost recovered, and managed to evade being slammed by a large bear paw. Ursar stood on his hind legs, getting ready to body slam Lost, but instead, Lost pounced, launching himself right through the bear's stomach, and ripping out his spinal cord, and the skull of the bear with it. The bear's body collapsed to the ground with a thump. Terran had already quickly dealt with the mummy, and was now fighting the swamp thing. He and Tundra froze it together, and shattered it to pieces.

Terran:" Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Tundra:" I... I... I failed."

Tundra’s eyes were forming tears.

Terran:" No, no! You did well. You did what you could."

Tundra:" But I didn't win. A-and Beatrice is dead."

Terran:" Hey, don't blame yourself for that. She made her choice. But that could have been you. And we would have lost not one, but five lives that day."

Tundra:" You're right. I was selfish, and it nearly cost the lives of me and my siblings, and my friends. I... I just wanted to show that I can be useful. That I too can break my limits, and you guys would have more faith in me."

Terran:" Is that what this is about? You went out there because of what we think?"

Tundra:" You said that you believed in me, and then you said you didn't. I wanted to prove you wrong. But the only thing I proved was that I'm a selfish sibling."

Terran:" Tundra. I'm sorry. I didn't think you would take that so seriously. But listen, I'm sure Rumor and the others... I'm sure they forgive you."

Tundra:" And if they don't?"

Lost:" Than you make it up to them. Show them you can think about more than yourself."

Terran nodded. Tundra wiped the tears from her eyes.

Terran:" Come on, let's get back."

...

Recaro:" Dear Beatrice. She was a good hunter. Always one step ahead of me. I will miss our rivalry."

Terran:" Maybe next time, don't go hunting in Horde territory. Beatrice is dead, and Tundra almost followed her."

Recaro:" Beatrice knew the risks. We hunt, we kill, and eventually we die. The more you experience the hunt, the more glorious your death will be... if you happen to be mauled during the hunt, that is."

Lost:" That's messed up, man. Even for me."

Recaro:" Before I forget, here's your payment. 1,562 embers. Payment extracted of course for the damaged eye."

Tundra:" But... I didn't win."

Recaro:" Correct, but the contract did say a reward for each eye. I myself do not believe in participation trophies, but I do believe in payment for a job well done."

Tundra:" Tha-thank you."

Recaro:" Miss Tundra, you're a fine hunter if I do say so myself. How would like to join the hunter's lodge? We provide great benefits for our hunters, and even greater rewards for those who climb in rank."

Terran:" I don't think..."

Tundra:" Terran, please. Thank you for the offer, mister De'Pier. But I do not think my skills are best suited for hunting."

Recaro:" I understand. Hunter's life isn't for everyone. Perhaps you could, at least join me for dinner?"

Tundra:" I'd be happy to."

Terran:" Great. I'm starving after all that."

Tundra:" Oh... about that. It's a hunter's feast."

Recaro:" Traditionally, only those who participated in the hunted may enjoy the feast. Apologies."

Terran:" But we helped fight off the Horde! Come on, Tundra."

Tundra:" I'll bring back some leftovers! If there are any left!"

And with that, the two went off. Terran crossed his forelegs in a pout.

Terran:" Not cool."

Lost:" Hey, at least you won't get any fatter."

Terran:" I'm not fat! And you can't say anything. You don't even eat."

Lost:" I don't need to."

Terran:" Exactly my point."

Lost:" Let's... just go home. We can eat at the guild."

Terran:" Fine. But I'd rather have some of that fancy feast."

Lost:" You'll get over it."

...

The moon was nearly at it's highest point. Crows looked down from the trees in front of the ruined temple, spying on the undead creatures that milled about. Standing high between them the horde of deathly creatures was a large, skeletal human, with an animal mask that covered three fifths of his face. His skull was covered in moss, but in the middle of his visible right empty socket was an eerie blue glow.

King Leon Hendrick, was wearing a torn, dark cape, over a chestplate of molten obsidian, which was melded into his bones as a show of endurance of pain. His cape well held together by a Hoard of Hunt Guild emblem, which was a skull, with a rifle and a sword crossed behind it. The mask depicted an injured, yet lively black tiger with red stripes, as a symbol of struggle during the hunt. Every member in the Horde of Hunt Guild recognizes these symbols. Leon, when he was alive, was a king who hunted for his people, bringing back beasts of great tale, including a mighty dragon. It was only when he bit off more than he and his hunters could chew to the legendary hydra, that his people would starve, and his kingdom would fall to the undead.

Now he commanded a faction of the undead. Nothing but wandering zombies and skeletons. The Horde of Hunt was made up of undead creatures whom were loyal, and could at least understand simple commands. Pointing his sword towards the red fox, he began to speak in a royal, but raspy voice.

Leon:" You have failed in your task to kill the false king."

Drak:" A mistake I will not make twice, my lord. I will hunt him down, I will break into the wall of Law City if I have to!"

Leon:" No... the false king will fall by his own negligence. After your actions, in killing that soldier, Leo will want retribution. Let them come to us. It may be costly, but we can always take from their dead, and his kingdom will be weaker."

Drak:" What would you have me do in the meantime, my king?"

Leon:" You are my most worthy agent. But with failure, comes punishment. I am sending you to investigate an anomaly. Shadows rising out of nowhere, attacking the wilds. If this is a threat, I want to make sure it is not a threat to my kingdom."

Drak:" Yes, King Leon. I will investigate this anomaly. And I will report only to you."

Leon:" See to it that you do. A storm is coming... and we are the eye."

To be continued...