Bark was scenting the air; it was close to dusk; the creatures were all retreating to their nests. Bark tapped Dust on the shoulder; I smell something new! I smell chicken! he groped. Dust s mouth watered. You smell chicken?! L-like the birdies or uh chicks?! he laughed, eyes shut tight. Bark whacked his feathers. Shush! They re very, very close. Both the Pandemics waited in silence as a horde of black, tiny birds seemed to show up. Bark licked his muzzle, eyes wide. He swiftly turned around at the sound of grass crunching. It was Jewel, Mentor Fang, and Trainee Tar, and Flower! He grinned, welcoming them over.
The birds went into the water one by one, getting their feathers wet and sticky. Bark spat his tongue out, and looked back at his group. We must take their giant feathers back as a trophy; I have a great plan, he explained. Jewel nodded, and looked at Mentor Fang. Have any plans? she asked briefly. Hey, hey; plans are in my head! I m the Sir, not any of you, Bark called back egotistically. Now, Fang, take Tar and go to the other set of flora. We ll need three for backup, three for the front. You may choose whoever you d like to help you out. Okay then; I ll choose Dust. Also, how about we chase them towards the huge dip in the mountains; then attacking them will be easy and promising? I like your style, Fang! Move out! Bark called, swishing his horn-tail. Fang, Tar, and Dust ran out into another set of bushes that wasn t far off. Bark waited patiently with Flower and Jewel.
The war cry of the Pandemics sounded; the three were up and about. Fang spew poison at the Alpha, being sure to get it in his face. The Alpha let out a worried quack, and shielded his eyes with his large wings. Bark s eyes widened.
Fang, get out of there! he called. Fang, unable to hear over the loud squawking, dug his teeth into the Alpha s belly. Dust followed in not too long after, while Tar stayed back in fear. He knew what would happen. Fang, Dust! Bark shrieked. The birds moved in, their feathers lifting up to reveal a whole society of weapons. They had long parts with razor endings that could simply rip you apart. They were done for. Jewel jumped from the bushes, racing towards the fight. Bark, now upset, had shut his eyes and leaned on a bush. We re all screwed! he snapped. Flower shook her head slightly. Jewel went to get Tar; I think she knows we can t save Fang or Dust Flower explained; her body was now cold with sadness. Pained screams came from the cluster of war. The birds all crowed in victory at their kill, and ran away, leaving the bodies fresh and wasted. Bark turned to Jewel, not knowing what to say. Tar was scarred for life at the creatures. Bark frowned, What sort of Deathtrap was this?! he snapped. I ve never seen a creature like that before. Not to mention how tasty it looked he grumbled. Snapping out of his mind, he turned to his comrades. Help me bring their bodies back. I want Reigns to know they died a heroic death.