It was the afternoon; the time of work and exercise for the Pandemic creatures. Over a small hill, Reigns noticed a group of creatures coming toward him. He sat up, sniffing the air. A wave of thankfulness wove over him; it was Flower and her group. They had gone scouting, in search for a new nest. Reigns ordered them; for the constant attacks were too much to bear.
Commander Reigns! Flower shouted. Reigns looked up, unsure of her state of panic. Flower raced over, tripping over stones and sticks. Commander Reigns, did you see that huge... thing?! she breathed.
I saw a large, grey object in the sky. Perhaps that was it? Reigns tilted his head.
Yes! It took Lily! she boasted. Reigns eyes widened. Lily; his own daughter! His stubby hands shook. Reigns looked down, ignoring the Pandemics around him. Flower turned around, watching the sky. Would this evil object ever come back, and return the poor creature?
Reigns are you okay? she spoke up.
If that thing ever comes back, I want all of our troops to track it down, and destroy it! Reigns hissed. Flower s eyes narrowed, That would result in our creatures dying. Who would look after the Nects? Alright, alright! I ll just forget about it and let it steal all of the other creatures, he snapped. Flower stepped forward, her large muzzle touching his. Listen, Reigns. I know she was your daughter, but why would we sacrifice a bunch, to save none? I ve heard the other creatures calling them Grox. Grox means death, if I m correct. So So what? There s still a chance Lily is alive. Honestly Grox?! What sort of object is named Death ? If it did kill, we wouldn t be here today! he growled. He stretched a claw forward, letting it meet Flower s scaly skin. Flower let out a hoarse whine, and teetered off in a weeping fit. The other Pandemics stared at him, wide-eyed. Reigns! Mentor Fang control your trainee, Reigns had ordered quickly. Mentor Fang glared at his trainee, silencing him with a quick hiss. Reigns stomped away from their nest, preparing his wings to fly. With a quick bundle of his knees, he jumped up, and flapped his wings repeatedly. Fang looked up, eyes clouded with worry.
Trainee Tar, fetch Bark for me will you? He asked gently. Tar nodded slightly, still shaken up by the recent drama.
Bark was already up and out. He heard their yelling and stomping. Fern and her Nects were upset by it, as was he. I m sure I know by now, but what in Spode s name has gone wrong now?! he spat.
Sir Bark. Reigns and Flower had a discussion, he started. Lily has been taken by the presumed Grox . Death? Uh, well. The creatures controlling the heavy metal objects are called the Grox, Fang explained. Bark nodded, Ah, I see. Where did Flower and Reigns stomp off to, by the way? Flower s hanging out with the Cromulus. Reigns is well, gone, I guess? I see, I see. Flower, Fang, you may take the rest of the day off. As for Tar, Jewel, and Dust, we ll arrange jobs, Bark insisted. Fang and Flower nodded happily, and walked off to their dens. Trainee Tar s strange, antenna-like ears went down as Bark gazed at him. Bark, do we have to gather food? he whined. Bark grinned, Jewel, I want you to teach Tar about the wonders of Planet Wonge. Dust, you ll come with me. We re going hunting, Bark nodded. Dust gave Tar a quick pat on the head, and skipped behind Bark. Jewel yawned, scratching her forehead. Okay, Tar. Let s get going!