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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.