Chapter 4
After about 3 more hours of flying Aurora landed" Why are we landing here?"
"I can sense danger, wake Luxa" I shake Luxa lightly until she wakes and shushed her
"Where are we?" Luxa whispered
"I don't know, but Aurora senses danger" I answered
"Yes, and if you look ahead you will see why I landed" Purred Aurora
I looked ahead and saw massive jet black animals, it took me a while to realize what they were, but when I did I whispered under my breath" black bears, shit"
"What are black bears?" asked Luxa
"Black bears are ferocious creatures in the overland, but usually they travel alone unless they are mating"
"Are they dangerous?"
"Very"
"How do we beat them?"
"I have no clue, but if only one of us doesn't come back out, it would be a miracle"
"That doesn't sound good" Ripred said coming up behind us
"No, no it doesn't" Purred Aurora
"We can beat them but, we will need a plan"
"Are you sure?" asked Luxa
"It's either fight and find out how strong they are, or bring others and just guess"
"I say make a plan and fight" said Ripred
"Ok Ripred you can make the plan because you have the most experience"
While Ripred made a plan the rest of us ate, as the battle would start soon. When Ripred was done he showed us the plan, it was to go in while they are asleep, and attack one at a time.
Once they were all asleep, we came in and attacked what seemed to be the guard, and took him out quietly and quickly, next we went after what seemed to be making the shots, but it wasn't anywhere near as easy to takeout as the other, and while battling it sent out a warning cry waking the others. Once they realized what was happening the others quickly leapt into battle swiping left and right, occasionally roaring. I only got harder and harder to fight, especially since it was two people on Aurora
"When do we retreat?" Purred Aurora
"As soon as possible"
"Retreat!" I yelled, mostly for Ripred to know to get out. But when I yelled there was no response, and when Aurora retreated I saw Ripred, lying sprawled out back leg ripped off, blood gushing. What a horrible sight to see Luxa must have seen it too because she whispered" oh, oh my". I just told Aurora to fly straight to Regalia and to not look back, even though the bears had already stopped following. Once we got back to Regalia Vikus was the first to greet us.
"Well, how'd it go?" he asked
"We met Ripred on the trip to their territory, but he did not survive the fight"
"Oh, so he d-died?"
"Ya" I said "But on the bright side, I know what were up against"
"Well?"
"Black bears, vicious creatures even in the overland, ripped Ripred's leg clean off"
"How do we beat them?"
"We have to overrun them with sheer numbers, we were able to take out a guard and their commander, so they will be in havoc for a while, we must attack immediately"
"You can lead the charge, Gregor, and do not be afraid, as the one who will not return is Ripred."
"Yes but, there will be many casualties on both sides you must understand this Vikus"
"You will have the backup of the Gnawers as well" said a voice from behind us
As we turned around we saw Lapblood" Lapblood? It's good to see you alive!" I said
"Yes, yes, I have now been given control of the Gnawers at the news of Ripred's death, we all want revenge"
"Well thank you! This will be a nice addition to the attack."" Well as I was thinking…" and as we went on in the attack strategy a scream was heard and when we looked up we saw a large bear holding Luxa, fending off all attacks as he retreated" Luxa" I screamed, and at that moment the creature disappeared over the horizon." Vikus get your finest men ready for battle, Lapblood get the Gnawers ready for all-out war, as this, this is crossing the line"
A little bit of a cliff hanger eh? Well the whole war is going to be in this next chapter, again any and all criticism or suggestions are welcome. Anyway I hope you are enjoying! Cya in the next chapter!