A/N: I am sorry I did not update for a long time, but I moved and Internet access was not available. To make up for this, I am attempting to fix things and release some bonus fanfictions for your enjoyment, and perhaps forgiveness. And for you Ratchet and Clank fans, I intend to write a fic about them sometime soon, after I go through the game. (Yes, I am so pathetic that I didn't even start playing R&C until now. It won't take long. I promise.)
Please enjoy.
~Raiegki Leviathan of the Grassrunners
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A Feudal Fairy Tale II: Requiem of IceChapter Five: Valor
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Sharp, obsidian claws raked at the ice-coated pavement, but the frozen water was so thick and versatile, there wasn't so much as a small mark where the ice had been stricken. Pura quickened pace and lunged across the petrified moat and scaled the vertical castle walls, digging his talons and heaving himself up, leaving behind indents in the ice.
It would be assumed that the pet of an amazing wizard would have amazing powers, but never would Coco expect this kind of ability. Upon reaching the peak, Pura took another mighty leap and landed on the cold cobblestone ground of the courtyard without harm.
Dismounting her ride, Coco had nearly forgotten about her friends encased in translucent material. The sun glared through the figures and had cast an eerie, yet beautiful display of light.
She caught something out of the corner of her eye, but by the time she had turned to get a look at what it was, it was gone. She knew she wasn't seeing things, she was positive something was there.
Pura's ears perked, and warily did an about face, watching the bandicoot's back. Call it tiger's intuition, call it whatever you want, but something told the cub that they weren't alone.
Claws outstretched, and prepared for the worst, Pura assumed a combat position and sprung, intercepting the hidden danger. He and the mysterious creature rolled heads over paws a good distance away from Coco where they skidded to a stop. Both jumped back, but not letting their guards down.
It was not sleek and slender like Pura, it did not possess the modest, and dainty paws of a feline. Oh no, this creature was quite different. The animal bared fangs white as snow, with fur of a similar hue. Large paws, aptly suited for the weather, were also designed for carrying the stout life form's weight. Though not as graceful looking as a tiger, this was surely an equally vicious beast.
Indeed, it was the form of a polar bear. A young one, though, roughly the same age as Pura. However, age and size meant nothing to him, as he stared at the foreign beings with twinkling black eyes.
"P-Polar!?" Coco gasped as the bear made a jump at her throat, but again was interrupted by the faithful cat. No, this could not be the Polar she knew. The Polar she knew was a sweet, loyal cub, not the savage monster here trying to take her life, trying to taste her blood between his lips.
No, this wasn't Polar.
Pura swiped at the offender, but only was able to graze his face with the very tip of his talons. For such a clumsy looking thing, Polar was quite the agile fighter. The bear cub snarled and lashed out at Pura's hide, though the tiger managed to get away. Polar roared in frustration, as Pura stepped back to put distance between himself and his opponent, yet never taking his eyes off Polar's.
Polar shot both Pura and Coco a look. The look practically sent icicles piercing into their hearts. Pura was a bit intimidated, but he kept a straight face, as he knew never to give the enemy a sign of weakness. Instead, he gave Polar a menacing glare of his own. Whether Polar was affected by it or not, the bear's face remained as cold as ever.
Pura was the first to move. He charged as the polar bear cub stiffened his muscles, apparently bracing for the attack. Pura picked up speed, he intended to break through Polar's defenses and knock him off his paws.
At the last second, Polar ducked his head down, and upon impact, he lifted his head with all the strength he could muster, sending the tiger sky high. Pura cried out and clawed futilely towards the heavens, perhaps hoping an angel would come help him.
Alas, there was no angel to save him. Coco stood by helplessly as Polar watched the atmosphere, waiting for the cat to come down so he could finish the fight. What seemed like an eternity passed when finally, Pura could somewhat be seen plummeting from the sky. Still, Polar watched, still as a statue, not even blinking.
Only when it was too late when Polar realized his mistake. The bear had no time to correct this, for as soon as he had clearly made out the form of the tiger cub, did he see that Pura was coming down head first with his claws extended out.
Upon impact, Pura sunk his claws into Polar's skin and when he thought he had done enough, the cat stepped away, certain he was the victor.
Polar was bleeding pretty badly, but the wounds were not fatal, as Pura was taught never to kill if not necessary. However, Polar could barely stand. Pura stared at the bear's eyes one last time before turning to rejoin his bandicoot companion.
But, before he could take one step before turning around, he felt pressure on his tail. Polar placed his large paw firmly on it and would not set it free. He reached his other paw over and sank his claws into Pura's back. Pura howled in agony, and before Coco could help him, she was stopped when out of nowhere, the one she had been sent to fight stood in her way.
"Come now." Sorceress Coco yawned. "Thou should not be so foolish as to not finish off thy opponent." Polar chuckled dementedly as he removed the paw from the tail and thrust those claws into Pura's body. The tiger again roared in pain.
"Witch!" Coco screamed as she became conscious of the fact that her body could not respond to her commands.
"Polar," The green-eyed ice mage said to her pet, ignoring Coco. "Would this not make a lovely lawn ornament for our little "garden"?" Polar nodded in agreement.
"No, don't do it!" Coco pleaded, but her pleas went unheard. Pura was slowly becoming encased in ice from the paws up.
"Try to strike an interesting pose." The evil Coco mused. "Add some life into this, would thee?"
Pura lifted himself to his hind legs in a plea for help, but again, his calls went unanswered. Pura was petrified in that state, eyes skyward with the look of pure terror in them.
Satisfied with the results, Sorceress Coco turned to the other that had invaded her beautiful castle.
"I have been expecting thee."
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End of Chapter Five
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Next Chapter – Chapter Six: Sanctuary