Sleepy Fox Hollow Run for your life, little girl
actually john lennon
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#1

The trio had trailed over their first mountains recently, fortunately they were much smaller than most filling the Sunspire. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as hostile as Lennon had expected. For in the past he encountered much more of an obstacle crossing mountains in the winter. In fact, he was so stunned with how unchallenging it had been he wouldn’t stop telling Korei about how lucky they’d been. Talking her ear off more than usual, especially with the absence of Alarian who was likely off searching for another treasure hunt. 

Large was the irony, as the small group would soon realize their worries were wasted on the expedition over the mountains, when directly on the other side was a grave danger. Stalking the two was a starving cougar that found no food upon the parched mountains, and resorted to the Hollow for small, insufficient meals. It was older, not as sprite and healthy as a young mountain lion, but not as feeble as an elder either. It’s hunger filled gaze locked on the easier of the two: Korei. 

In in the middle of their one sided chat, Lennon was interrupted by the sudden odor of the feline. He stopped in his tracks, ears perked and on guard for the source. ”Korei - don’t move.” He continued to search for the creature, before his eyes caught a copper pelted cat, attempting to hide from them. Realizing it’s been seen, the feline instantly began bounding toward the pair.

Lennon barked in panic, leaping in front of his companion. ”Run!” He urged, lowering himself as he attempted to prepare for whatever the creature had in store.
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Korei had not been favorable of going over the mountains at first, as she knew how dangerous they could be. But she was convinced, and she smiled at every time Lennon talked about how lucky they were. She enjoyed his presence more and more, though was a little saddened by Alarian disappearing. She wanted both of them to be nearby.

Korei Julia froze when told to, but she didn't know why. That was what struck her with fear, the fear in Lennon's voice and how suddenly he had said it. "Lennon? What is-" 

She spotted it at the same time as Lennon had, but when told to run, she froze for a second too long. Fear froze her, and by the time she started to move, it was close enough that running wouldn't help, if it got past Lennon.
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The lion screeched as it noticed Lennon’s sudden position of defense. For a split second he glanced to see how far Korei had run, only to see her frozen. Fear struck his chest, ”Run!” Before he had time to notice, the creature pounced forward trying to pin down either one of the two. It succeeded in merely tripping Lennon’s back legs for a split second before he got back up and his entire demeanor had morphed. His hair flared out on his neck, ebony teeth barred paired with a monstrous  growl. Instinct had completely taken over, his mind taken to a primitive level. 

The usually long and silky tail stood directly up, ears pulled to the back of his head as he snarled in resilience. The cougar was hardly phased and only growled in response. It made another move, claws exposed swiping at its mahogany opposite. Managing to strike blood on the males shoulder, to which he took the opportunity to try and grip its throat. He managed to at first, but his hold was weak and only hindered the cat slightly.
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Korei Julia backed away as the lion took down Lennon, pouncing upon him. She watched in fear, her heart beating rapidly and her eyes wanting to close, to wish away this nightmare. But it was no nightmare. She was only watching as a friend was getting attacked by a larger animal, backing away slowly unti lshe could go no further, rear against a tree.
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When they began crossing the mountains, Alarian had been quick to wander off exploring. It was a bit of a surprise to him, actually, when the first pangs of loneliness started not too long after he had left the two.
At first he carried on, ignoring the feeling-- but that didn't last long. The boy turned around suddenly, at first walking slowly, but he found his pace picking up soon enough. A strange feeling was lurking in the shadows of his mind, a mixture of apprehension and urgency. He wasn't sure why, but he felt that if he didn't move faster, something bad would happen.

The boy was almost at a run when he had tracked his companions' scents far enough to catch sight of them. He froze at what he saw.

Alarian was approaching from the side, and he had a clear view of the situation; Lennon was being overwhelmed, attacked-- killed?-- but no, he was alive. And so was the mountain lion on top of him.
The boy's heart was instantly in his throat, breath catching, and for a moment he knew not what he would do. Run? He couldn't. The thought was dismissed instantly with a glance at tiny, terrified Korei, and before he could think any further and ruin his own resolve he moved.
Ali was a gray blur for a moment, streaking towards the cat with as deep a growl as he could manage. Then he made contact, slamming into the cougar's side and grasping with fangs and claws. He tore the beast off his friend with the impact, and it began to writhe and screech, sending them both rolling slightly away from Lennon.
The victory was short lived-- the boy was quickly becoming overwhelmed, tangled with the cat and fighting a losing battle. The cougar was eager to prove it had its own teeth and claws, raking easily through Ali's thin pelt and leaving deep marks down his side. He felt teeth sink into his jaw and whined, pulling away sharply and responding by clamping his jaws down on the cat's ear and ripping it away.
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While pinned, Lennon continued to bite against cat’s throat, and often failing because he was dodging it’s own attack’s. The second between being overpowered by the cougar, and it being off him was short and confusing. It didn’t take long for him to see the lion now conquering his other companion. The protective feeling he had gotten when the cat first arrived doubled seeing it actually assault one of his friends. 

An ear piercing bark left Lennon’s jaws as he jumped forward onto the cat. Sinking his canines into the neck of the lion, his back legs keeping him upright while the front were supported by the animal itself. He tugged on the flesh of his enemy, until it finally came free from it’s body. The cougar screamed in pain, a blood curdling sound that traveled far beyond just the trio’s ears. 

At this point he was pumped full of adrenaline and continued, his teeth digging into the feline’s throat once again, this time getting a strong grip. In response, the cat swiped at him trying to get him to release his hold and run off.
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Korei watched as the cat had Lennon pinned, afraid to do anything. She got down to the ground, starting to cry out of fear and shaking with her paws over her eyes and ears. She didn't want to see or hear what would happen next.

You can skip Korei till the cat is gone
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Alarian was in a pain-filled haze, but he registered it when the cat loosened its grip on him and took the opportunity to wrench away. He was going to run, trail his blood along the mountains until he found a place to lay and lick his wounds-- but then he was reminded of the reason he had thrown himself into this mess.
More reluctantly than he had ever done anything, the boy turned around, blood welling thickly on his side and soaking through his jaw and neck fur. He looked feral, dangerous-- both things he actually was not at the moment.
But the sight of him seemed to intimidate the cat, from the brief look he got at its expression before he ripped into its underbelly, exposed by the struggle with Lennon. He would have been content to let the cat run away, but his companion was still firmly latched to it. Ali was determined to end the fight quickly either way. The last thing he wanted was more injuries for any of them.
So he dug into the soft flesh, grimacing at the metallic taste as he ripped through the cat's belly and let its intestines spill out. The boy did not stop tearing and biting, each time in a new place on its underside, until the cat's movements slowed. When he finally pulled away the cat's blood had mixed with his own, and he stood shakily for a moment before collapsing, conscious but exhausted.
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The ruby stained fur covered Lennon, still not realizing the bleeding wounds on his shoulder and back leg. Releasing the carcass, he suddenly felt extremely heavy, his breaths were a struggle, but he forced himself to pause to spit out whatever flesh lingered on his teeth. His fur was gnarly and rough, and despite wanting to collapse he needed to make sure Korei was alright. 

Taking his first step it suddenly came to his attention the deep gashes in his thigh, for it hurt wildly to walk on. He lifted his leg, applying as little pressure possible as he inched towards the young girl. He cleared his throat, gaze heavy and growing heavier. ”Korei, it’s over.” He muttered, wanting to be more comforting but finding little energy in shifting the tone of his usual cheery voice. ”It’s dead, you’re okay.” Although he wasn’t sure if Alarian was - not himself. That was beside his point for now, though.
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Korei whimpered and whined until she heard nothing. No more struggling. It made her cry more, thinking Lennon was no more, and that she would be the next to fall. It wasn't until she heard Lennon's voice. It sounded different, a different tone, bu nonetheless she removed her paws. 

She gasped at seeing what she saw. Not only the dead cat, but also Alarian and Lennon, and their wounds. She got up and ran straight over to Lennon, putting herself against his fur. She had been so worried to lose him, the one who protected her. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" she repeated, thinking she was at fault for not running, or helping.
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Lennon flinched at the sudden impact, even though rather gentle. He wasn’t expecting it all, he’d thought he was much more appreciative of Korei than vice versa, but it seemed now his judgement was wrong. He exhaled through his nose in a tired manner, allowing her body to rest his heavy head on, and a tired smile managed to play out on his bloody maw. 

”It’s alright then, love.” He encouraged - though he didn’t know if that were true at all. For the moment though, he was perfectly alright having her pushed against himself. ”Don’t be sorry, I’m sorry it happened at all, if I weren’t distracting us I would’ve noticed it much earlier.”
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There it was again, him calling her love. She still didn't get why he did, but she didn't care. Korei kept herself against Lennon, only until did she spot Alarian, lying there. She suspected the worst, and froze. 

"A...Alarian?" She spoke up, looking over him. She didn't want to get close, thinking back to Galaxy. She didn't want to know if he was still alive, or dead. "Is...Is Alarian okay?" she asked to Lennon, not taking her eyes off of the lying wolf.
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He grumbled slightly, knowing he was going to take the energy to lift his head again, but when realizing the sudden potential of Alarian- no, he couldn’t even think of it. He jerked his head to the limp body, his head pounded at the sudden movement but he left Korei’s side anyway to inspect his friend. 

His heart began to beat quickly, so much so it hurt his chest. Fortunately, Alarian was breathing rather hard and that made it quite obvious he was still alive. A wave of relief washed over the young wolf as he inches closer, seeing the blood covered gashes, one particularly large on his jaw from where the lion had bit him. He hesitated a moment before gently pressed his nose agaisnt Alarian’s fur, attempting to wake him up. ”He’s alive,” He informed Korei, knowing she, too, would be very relieved.
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Alarian was barely present, but he was awake enough that the nudge startled him. His eyes opened, and for a moment he bared his teeth at Lennon.
Then he whined, long and low. He couldn't find the energy to move, still losing blood from the gashes on his side. They were deep, the cougar's claws having sliced through his flesh as if it were butter.

His timely intervention had not been without cost. Alarian lifted his head slightly, eyes searching Lennon and Korei. When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse with pain. Thought that cougar was gonna eat me.
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Korei left Lennon's side for a moment, as she stepped away from Alarian's body. She sighed with relief, smiling with gladness to hear his voice. She then ran up to him and put her head against him, this time being careful for his wounds. "I can't lose either of you..." She didn't know anything for medicine to heal wounds, but she did her best to attempt ot clean them with tender licks.
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Lennon clenched his jaw when he heard Ali’s voice, his words stinging his already aching chest. The idea of him feeling such fear was unnerving, so in an attempt to help he licked his around his muzzle, trying to clean whatever blood he could before shaking his head. ”I would never let you get killed.” He muttered, before laying down himself, suddenly overwhelmed with exhaustion.

”Neither you.” Lennon whispered before shutting his eyes, and resting.
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Alarian couldn't keep track of all the hurt he was feeling right now; he was an aching mass of pain, intensified when both of the others began to lick his wounds. But he didn't make any sound of protest. The boy pressed his nose first to Korei's cheek, then Lennon's.
I'm sorry I left. He rasped, tone full of regret. Maybe this wouldn't have happened if I...
Ali paused, swallowing hard and then gasping slightly at the pain in his side from the movement. Any movement of his chest, including breathing and talking, made the wounds feel on fire.
I won't leave again. The boy asserted, curling closer to Lennon (but making sure to avoid both their wounds).
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Korei Julia folded her legs underneath herself in front of Alarian and Lennon, doing her best to clean at their wounds and clean off blood. Occasionally she whined as Lennon went to resting, and she thought Alarian would soon. Then she would be left alone, awake next to them. Fearing for her life.
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He felt himself slipping into sleep, but the quiet whines from Korei woke him up completely. His eyes wide and head lifted, despite it pounding with pain. Rest would do little for him, he needed to keep himself busy. So, he pulled himself up and began pacing with his three good legs. ”It’s no ones fault,” He insisted, though in the back of his mind guilt threatened to place the fault on him. 

”We need to find help soon,” There’s was no chance they could heal these effectively alone, especially with the growing possibility of infection. He was about to offer himself to find a possible medic, but there was no way he could leave Alarian alone, especially with his only protection being Korei. Neither could he leave Korei defenseless, they’re only chance for help was to continue their travels together.
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#20
Archiving!
Reluctantly, Alarian pulled himself to his feet when Lennon did. You're right. We have to keep going.
He felt as if walking would tear his side open more than it already was, so he moved slowly, keeping his head down. The boy couldn't help trying to lighten the mood as the trio began to walk once more. You know, I never liked cats-- especially not now. He dramatically put a paw to his jaw, near his wound but not touching it. Now I'm even uglier!
It was slightly unique in that it was a statement without a trace of self-pity; he was genuinely trying to draw a laugh from his companions. Hopefully it would work, and maybe the journey ahead wouldn't be quite so bad.