The next morning when Fenrir woke up he did a morning routine, pushups, sit-ups, and a run around the perimeter of the combined camps. When he finished his workout and arrived back at his tent he saw a Vulpo with blonde short length hair and green eyes waiting for him. As he approached, the man waved to him.
"Yo! I heard from a few others that you're Fenrir right?" Giving the blonde a curt nod Fenrir entered his tent to freshen up as much as he could before continuing the conversation, thankfully the stranger had the decency to wait for him.
"I am Fenrir, might I ask who you are?" Doing one last stretch Fenrir stood straight and asked, walking out of his tent.
"Great! Oh, I'm Alex, by the way, and I wanted to talk to you about the future relations between the Yetis and Reunion. More specifically getting a team together to start good relations." Alex began as the two walked around the camp, giving greetings to anyone else awake this early.
"What would this team's main objective be? I'm only good at stealth and combat so that limits my choices." At Fenrir's admittance Alex's face began to shine.
"Well look at that, that just so happens to be what I'm searching for. You see I wanted to create a larger scouting party for the Yetis but never had the time to train them. But with you guys here we now have a larger selection pool to choose from and while I'm gone you can be here training the newbies and vice versa." Stopping to turn to the Lupo, Alex puts his hand out. "So how about it, partner?"
Seeing no reason not to accept, Fenrir shakes the Vulpo's hand, "Why not, partner." The two smile at each other before spending the day talking about their new reconnaissance team.
In the following weeks, Fenrir and Alex got to work recruiting and training recruits, with the two having named their squad "Snowstorm". The training mostly consisted of how to keep a low profile and how to pay attention to even the smallest of details. It was hard training for the recruits who weren't used to the stress of potentially being caught and punished or missing something that could potentially bring harm to Reunion and the Yeti Squadron.
Of course there were times when either Alex or Fenrir weren't available, being the only two specialized scouts of their groups meant a lot of their time was spent out in the field and most of that time was also spent getting experience for their squad. After three months of training and gathering experience, Snowstorm had become a prominent subgroup within Reunion and the Yeti Squadron, the Guerillas on the other hand, were a much harder crowd to please.
Much to Alex's dismay and Fenrir's amusement, they now had more free time, but for the Vulpo this was no laughing matter. It just so happens that after coming back from a weeklong reconnaissance, FrostNova was waiting for them.
"Alex, you're finally back." The white haired Cautus smiled at the pair's return causing the blonde Vulpo to get shivers down his spine. "I assume that the two of you are free now?"
"I-uh, I'm not-" His attempt at denial was met with an even fiercer smile, "I-ah, I-mean, y-yes, yes I'm free." Hastily, Alex nods his head.
"Sorry FrostNova, but I have to give my report first. Talulah doesn't like it when I wait to do my reports." Quietly Fenrir excuses himself, leaving the blonde all on his lonesome and at the Cautus's mercy, too afraid to even glare at his partner who left him to his fate.
A short while later the squeals of Alex could be heard by all while Fenrir was giving his report to Talulah.
"Talulah." The Lupo stood outside the Draco's tent, waiting for a response.
"Come in." Heading inside Fenrir saw Talulah standing over multiple documents.
"I've come in with my report." Standing at attention he waited for her confirmation to begin.
Nodding her head she turned to give him her attention, "During my week in the tundra I've discovered numerous infected hideouts, most of them were burnt to the ground but from the few survivors I questioned they told me that the Patrol Unit has stepped up their game. It would appear that Reunion and the Yeti Squadron combining forces is giving them a scare, so now they're cracking down harder on any infected they find as well as increasing their efforts to wipe us out." Sifting through his jacket the scout takes out multiple small pieces of paper and hands them to his leader.
"These are the coordinates of where the survivors are currently hiding. I wanted to bring them directly here but having to move fifty people without being spotted is hard, even for me. Besides that though, I've found another garrison of the Patrol Unit to the southeast. I spotted roughly a hundred men and further southeast two smaller camps. I suspect that they're trying to delve deeper into the tundra and are creating a supply line for their garrison."
Taking a minute to absorb the information Talulah nods her head, "Good work, Fenrir. I expect your written report at dawn and I'll set up a meeting with FrostNova. Take some time to rest before writing, dismissed." Saluting his leader Fenrir leaves to find somewhere to relax.
Now alone Talulah goes over the notes the Lupo gave her, cross referencing them with a map they took from a camp of Patrol Units. The coordinates Fenrir gave her takes her into a set of mountains in the Ursus tundra, a good place to hide but hard to gather supplies. She supposed it was the best he could do considering the surrounding area was nothing but a desolate wasteland. But that got her thinking. If the surrounding area was just a large open area, why hide in the mountains? Strategically speaking, that would be the first place someone would look when searching for people with this terrain. Had Fenrir set up the survivors for failure? At first she thought so, but something within her told her that it was just a coincidence. After all, even if they were caught it was a good place to fight off the Patrol Units, giving them the natural high ground. It honestly reminded her of this one Columbian film, something about a chosen one bringing balance to the galaxy.
Regardless she decided to trust Fenrir, they had known each other for nearly two years now, and after countless life and death battles it was hard not to grow a sense of comradery, no matter how much of a weird feeling she got from the Lupo.
But once again, it felt contradictory. She knew it wasn't this easy to trust someone, hell, it took her three years to fully trust Alina with her past and yet she shared it with someone she barely knew for a few months. Gritting her teeth Talulah held her head with one hand. This had to be Kashchey's fault, she just knew it.
In the end she decided to ignore this issue, so long as Fenrir was working alongside her and towards her goals then she was fine with giving him some leeway and trust. She just hoped this didn't come back to bite her in the future.
Standing at the edge of Reunion's camp, Fenrir stood atop a hill, looking into the cloudy sky. "Clouds from the southwest… Perhaps this will be the chance needed for us to move those survivors…" Talking to himself the purple haired Lupo began to feel distant, something about the this mission was affecting him and he wasn't sure what or why. Did he perhaps become something he wasn't intended to become? He was supposed to be the assassin of the Deathless Black Snake, yet why did he feel some sort of connection with his target? Had he become compromised? Would he have to return to the lab so that the scientists could fix him? No, he couldn't risk that, with his constant reports to his superiors the Ursus military was slowly gearing up to force the Black Snake out of hiding. But that begged the question, how were they supposed to drag it out of the shadows? Once again, his own voice spoke to him.
"Stay focused, continue to gain the host's trust, there has been some slight distancing in your relationship and she no longer sees you as a fully trustworthy friend. You must work harder." This had been happening slightly more frequently since those few months ago and he was thankful for it. He needed to stay focused, and while he may not be a soldier, he would certainly follow orders.
"Of course, perhaps I've taken too many liberties in sabotaging their operations. I'll need to reevaluate my plans." Closing his eyes Fenrir took a deep breath.
When the young child opened his eyes he was staring out into the Ursus tundra, it was snowing outside the laboratory as the child tilted his head, curiously staring at his first view of the outside world. Hearing footsteps behind him the child did nothing, continuing to stare outside the window.
"A beautiful view isn't it, Fenrir?" Doctor Carnelus asked, and though the child could not see it the older Lupo was smiling. Gently the older man placed his hand on the young boy's head, giving it a soft rub. The child does not respond to the affection.
"You know, in a few years, once you're eight, the higher ups are planning to let you out on your first mission. Isn't that exciting?" This time the child responded, turning upwards to look at the doctor, his eyes holding a slight gleam of excitement.
"Really?" Though his voice was quiet, the child's caretaker could tell how enthusiastic the subject was at the chance to explore the world.
"Of course." The man smiled, "I'll be there to guide you until you get used to the outside." A few moments later a black raven lands on the young child's shoulder, gently rubbing against his cheek. "And Hel. She'll always be there as your trustworthy companion." All of a sudden an alarm begins to go off, it's Carnelus's watch.
"Ah, that's unfortunate. Sorry Fenrir, but I have to take you back to your room now." The subject did nothing other than nod, accepting his time of admiration had ended. Taking one last look at the snowy tundra the child instilled this moment into his consciousness before closing his eyes.
When the Lupo opens his eyes he gives a soft smile, staring off at the now falling snow as Hel lands on his shoulder. "I think that's enough of a break, I'd rather not make Talulah wait." Doing some stretches he begins to walk back to his tent.
While walking back he sees Alina, she's playing with some of the young children Patriot's Guerrillas managed to save from an Originium mine. Having noticed his stare the Elafia turns to him and waves him over. Seeing no reason to refuse he begins to walk closer.
"Good morning, Fenrir."
"Good morning, Alina."
Sharing a curt greeting, Alina motions for him to sit next to her, once again the Lupo obliges her request.
"How was your week in the tundra?" She curiously asks.
"It wasn't much, standard reconnaissance. But I did find a couple infected hideouts burnt to the ground, luckily there were some survivors and I managed to redirect them to a safe place until we could rescue them." Lightly sighing, the scout shifts in his seat, getting into a comfortable position. "How about you? How was your week? I hope Talulah wasn't causing you too much of a headache."
"Not at all, Talulah's been trying her best to improve the relations with the Yeti Squadron." She stops to admonish one of the children for going too far from her sight. "Though it doesn't seem like much has worked other than Snowstorm."
"I guess it makes sense, Snowstorm is mainly a joint task force between Reunion and the Yetis, so I guess it's only natural for them to feel more comfortable around each other. Especially since it revolves around work for both groups and constantly being out in the field." Turning his head to face her, Fenrir sees Alina's slightly confused face. "Oh-right, uh… joint task force is a fancy word for combined effort." Alina gives an 'oooh' of understanding.
"But other than that my week has been well. The children Patriot saved from the mines have been living peacefully here, though their trauma still haunts them they're slowly getting over it." Her eyes become downcast as her shoulders slump slightly.
Placing a hand on the Elafia's shoulder, Fenrir reassures her, "Don't let it get to you, you're doing great as a role model. Heck, I think you're the best role model for the children. And there's no one better suited to teaching the children than you. After all, you have to deal with Talulah and I on a near daily basis." He gives a small smirk as she quietly giggles.
"I suppose I'm the role model for all of Reunion then."
"Of course-"But before they could continue their conversation a voice calls out to the Lupo.
"Fenrir." At the call of his name the pair can feel the already cold tundra's temperature grow colder. Already knowing who it is, the Lupo stands and faces the voice.
"FrostNova." He responds.
"Now that you're free it's your turn to spar." Nodding his head he and Alina say their goodbyes to each other before he follows the Yeti Princess to her training area.
The two walk to the outer edges of the Yeti Squadron's camp where the rest of FrostNova's siblings are waiting. They all trade short greetings before tending to the shellshocked Alex who is currently sitting on the snow.
Standing fifteen paces away from each other the two lock eyes. Off to the side the Yeti Siblings are watching with interest, it had been a while since they got to see the two fight and they all wondered who would come out on top.
"May I ask how large our fighting space is?" Fenrir asks. He wants to make sure that he doesn't make improper use of his Arts and injure the surrounding Yetis. It was hard enough to focus his Arts on a single person, let alone during one on one combat. Especially one as powerful as the Yeti Princess.
"The empty space between the camp and the forest." Was her short response.
"A good distance." He thought. It gave the two just enough room to use their Arts to their full capabilities without risk while also not allowing for either to lead the other into a trap within the forest, a perfect open battle. Not something suited for the Lupo. "Thank you, whenever you're ready to start." Taking one last breath he unsheathes his twin swords, holding them in a backwards grip and close to his chest like a boxer's stance.
Seeing her opponent ready his weapons, FrostNova manifests four black ice crystals above and behind her back while unsheathing her dagger and wand, holding them both in her left hand.
Seeing the two duelists ready, Petrova raises her hand in the air, "Begin." and swipes down, signifying the battle has started.
Immediately FrostNova creates a large ice crystal beneath Fenrir's feet, but at the same time he dashes forward, almost becoming a blur to the onlookers. The large crystal erupts from the ground but misses its target as the Lupo tries to blitz the Cautus, having already crossed ten paces and nearing eleven. Just as she attempts to fire ice at her approaching attacker she chokes, causing her to stagger and stop her attack, instead choosing to hold her breath and swinging her dagger at the approaching sword.
Two blades clash against each other, however despite being far more powerful physically, Fenrir's attack doesn't hold as much power as it should. His focus is split between keeping his Arts focused on FrostNova and striking at her. Seeing this issue he swings his leg out and kicks her away while at the same time expanding his Arts' range and massively reducing the focus needed to maintain it, but this forces him to hold his breath as well. Knowing he doesn't have much time until she takes over the battlefield he readies the blade in his left hand to be thrown and begins running.
Being pushed back gives the Cautus enough space to shoot shards of ice while backpedaling to generate more space, but before she does that she has to think of a plan. Knowing her opponent is going to continue rushing at her she prepares to cover the ground with ice, hoping that will shake up his balance. Once she was pushed far enough she began to continuously fire at him while preparing to enact her plan.
A single black blade tears through multiple small ice shards and with immense precision and skill, the sword's handle slams into FrostNova's shoulder, causing her to stagger once more and immediately encase the snow with ice. But just as the blade flies through the air, ice begins pelting at Fenrir's person as he skids along the ice floor putting a stop to his future assault while also putting him on the defensive, forcing him to use his remaining sword to cut down as many shards as he can before they inevitably hit him.
Seeing her opportunity to strike the caster begins to shoot out more ice, though it takes a toll on her focus, almost causing her to choke for air but she manages to stay on the offensive. Using her Arts to turn her dagger into a sword, the Cautus rushes at the approaching Lupo, her ice sword held up in the air and swinging down diagonally at his shoulder. But just in case he manages to dash away she prepares for a wall of ice to erupt behind him, hopefully allowing her to win this duel.
Seeing that his current usage of his Arts doesn't help his current situation, Fenrir focuses it on himself. His breathing becomes more stable and time slowly begins to slow down, not to the point of stopping time, but just enough to gauge his opponent's next move and prepare his. Seeing FrostNova's sword coming down at him from his left he prepares to dash towards it and deflect it, he knows she can't get in with this close without stopping her ranged assault so he takes the gamble, releasing his Arts time begins to speed back to normal.
Just as FrostNova's sword comes down on Fenrir's shoulder he dashes into the attack, leaning his body to the left and pushing off his legs, swiftly bringing up his sword to deflect the oncoming attack as a wall of ice erupts behind the two. Hearing the ice erupt the Lupo quickly disarms the Cautus of her weapon and with his free hand grabs onto her collar, shoving her into the wall behind him. But before her body makes contact with the wall it breaks into multiple tiny crystals, letting the two of them fall onto the floor instead.
With a loud crack the ice that encased the snow below them vanishes and the Yeti's body crashes into the soft snow with the scout quickly placing a knee on her on her back and placing the blunt side of his sword next to her neck.
"Do you yield?" His eyes are focused and his breathing slightly heavy as he asks.
"Yield." That was what she responded with, taking a look around Fenrir sees the four black crystals at the back of his neck. That was all that needed to be said as Fenrir takes a step back, placing his sword into its sheath and lending out a hand to the downed Yelena.
Taking his hand Yelena is pulled up and stands straight. She gives a soft smirk as the victor before walking away, but not before saying something. "Snowstorm shall continue their work." The words about expecting greater results were left unsaid, but everyone present understood that.
A whistle is heard as Fenrir sheathes his thrown sword, it's Petrova. "I know it's been a while but, seeing you almost being able to take down Sister is still crazy."
"Why can't Brother Alex be more like you?" This time it was young Sergei who spoke, causing the voice of Alex to cry out in pain.
"Now, now, Sergei, Alex isn't like me because I'm not him, nor is he me." The phrasing of his sentence causes the young Urus to tilt his head, trying to understand the Lupo's words. "What I mean is that Alex can't be me because we aren't similar. We're unique, all of us are. Even down to something as simple as fighting."
"Besides, even if Alex was as great as Fenrir at fighting he doesn't have the pure skill or Arts to be able to handle Sister's." Shrugging her shoulders Petrova ruffles the little Ursus's hair, "But don't feel bad Sergei, who knows? Maybe after another few months Alex could be at Fenrir's level."
"Ugh… Please, could we not do a bashing session of my combat skills?" With a groan of discomfort Alex walks over to the trio. "Besides, you gotta remember little guy, I'm more stealth based than mister silent footsteps over here." His finger does a circular rotation as it points to Fenrir.
"Indeed, your Arts are more focused on stealth than my own skills can provide and that alone gives you the advantage already. But Sergei, what I'm trying to say is that everyone has their role to fill, no matter how insignificant it may look on the outside." Having stayed silent for the majority of the conversation, Sergei ponders his thoughts before nodding his head.
"I think I get it, thank you Fenrir." He smiles before turning to Alex and bowing to him. "And I'm sorry Brother, for speaking bad about you."
The older Vulpo smiles, ruffling the younger Ursus's hair and messing it up. The three siblings talk amongst each other as Fenrir leaves.
Now he can finally write his written report to Talulah.
And that's a wrap for this chapter of The Red Winter, I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did writing it. Of course any criticism or feedback is welcomed.
I really do wonder what you guys think about my story.