(Private) The Five Demons of Sapphiria

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    A calmness spread across Aurora’s face. “She’s going to be fine. I got to her pretty quick before she lost too much blood. She had a mild fever but I’m hoping she will wake up in the next few days. It could be at any time.” Aurora said smiling. Her eyes caught the kunai with Apollo’s colors in beads on the nightstand. “Apollo holds himself accountable. He’s been here for hours each day.”


    The bark on a nearby tree began to shimmer and a hooded male figure stepped out. “Circumstance has kept me busy.” Icarus spoke drawing back his hood. “It’s an honor to see you again lady Zerra. I’ve remained in the shadows until it was absolutely necessary to make my presence known. The wolves are calling him to join the pack. I’ve come to take over King Apollo’s war and sage training effective immediately. I also bring information. The enemy has 9 generals known to me, I am fairly confident that is all there is. One has gone missing since a run in with Trax, I assume he retreated and was demoted or disposed of after showing weakness. Our very own Apollo defeated Samson, the general of Wrath. The unfortunate reality is the remaining generals all seem to exceed the power of Samson’s. Seeing as Apollo won that match out of sheer luck, it’s safe to say we are completely outmatched. I’m over hearing that he’s lost all contact with Krios as well. I think you know this Zerra but he won’t achieve what we need him to fighting amongst the front lines.” Icarus paused for a moment his eyes focusing in on Apollo and Zephyr. “Your commanders have just received word about the state of affairs in the other tribes. I will accompany Apollo and whomever joins him to the Crocodile and then he and I will set out from there. If we start now with my training. I could have him ready in only four years. Three if I don’t hold back.” Icarus added. His tone was respectful but strictly business. As the top agent of the pride he held many secrets and was always a hard person to be around with an air of mystery that followed him. His past is unknown except to only a small number of people still alive. “It seems this war is presenting challenges to us all. I never believed I would be teaching again.” Icarus said folding his arms, which were wrapped in cloth.

    “Sounds like him, those two grew close in the past month, she made a big impression on him.” Black commented as he glanced at the kunai, “I know I’d be pretty lost if something were to happen to you,... Or Triton... or Kiara.” He scrathed his head awkwardly, “Yeah...”


    Zerra nodded in agreement, “I’ve told him all that I can, the rest is up to him. You’ve really outdone yourself this time Icarus, all this intel will be vital in winning this War. However, I am uneasy, intel will only get us so far without the strength to match. These other Generals, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried, but I can’t be ignorant of the fact they have the power to go toe to toe with a Tribal Leader, even if it’s Apollo. I’m sure Titanus and Ajax will have their hands full up north, I don’t envy them one bit.” She spoke evenly, but her voice gave way to true concern for the future. This war will take many casualties, and leave deep scars.


    Zephyr paused in his meditation to look back, seeing Zerra and... Icarus? That would explain the small amount of sage chakra he’d been trying pin point for the last hour. Of course it’d be Him.


    Inside the Main Hall of the Lion Citadel, currently occupied by the Demon Army of SCAR, led by Kronos. The main hall had since be desecrated by the current occupants, tattered and unkept. Two females sat around, one kept a nonchalant attitude, while the other younger looking one tapped impatiently on the floor with her foot. The younger one was known as the General of Gluttony, Demeter, one the Nine Generals of Tartarus. She stands five feet tall with hungry green eyes and short brown hair, wearing just a simple green robe tied at the waist. The other, was known as the General of Violence, Rosemary, another General of Tartarus. She stands taller than Demeter with an elgant demeanor, wearing a sleek black dress with leather armor on her chest and limbs. “Please calm down Deary, the others will be here shortly, and you’re tapping is becoming slightly annoying.” Rosemary said smoothly with a slight bite to her tone. Demeter huffed and pouted into her chair, “They should have just ran the whole way like I did, bunch of slow pokes they, Jeez. Plus I’m really hungry and I can’t eat until we get this meeting over with!” She whined impatiently.

    Aurora stared long and hard at Black, emotions were not his strong suit so to let his guard down like this said more to her than his words ever could. The silence was broken with Aurora giggling at the sight of Kiara’s head popping up outside the window. It was impressive since they were on the second floor. “Come on, the nurses can take over for a little bit. Let’s go get some food!” Aurora said in joy, grabbing his hand to lead him out the door.


    A Cheetah tribe messenger made his way up to Icarus and Zerra. “Lady Zerra, your presence has been requested as well as Zephyr and King Apollo. Trax and Triton have received a status report of the other tribes. I was told to relay this message with urgency.” The messenger delivered the news glancing awkwardly at Icarus throughout his speech not sure of what to make of the unknown warrior having a casual audience with the tribal leader. “I must notify the King.” He said turning only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for your message, I will notify our King.” Icarus said cooly giving a polite nod to Zerra and walking off toward the two in meditation.


    Apollo had made progress in the few hours of meditation. He was now able to sense basic chakras like insects and small game animals up to about 100 yards in every direction. Humans were a little more difficult due to different chakra natures. Suddenly a dark chakra appeared and his eyes burst open. “Zephyr do you sense that?” Apollo asked curiously. A sigh came from behind him causing him alarm. “Seems we have a tough road ahead of us, still sensing me a foot away is better than not sensing me at all I suppose. Zephyr, his training is behind schedule. No matter, I’m sure you’ve done all you can all things considered. It is good to see both of you again.” Icarus said in his strictly business tone. A wave of emotion spread over Apollo as he hadn’t seen Icarus since before his father died. “You’re here? What about your mission?” Apollo asked as the details came back to his mind. “I received word from Atlas that it was not a priority to the alliance anymore and received a new mission. Which is why I’m here now, but we can talk about that later since we have somewhere to be.” Icarus relayed calmly as his gaze settled on Zephyr. Thinking back to when he came to the Lion tribe as a young boy. Icarus has been assigned to watch him the first year due to his affinity to sage jutsu. He had grown into a fine young man.


    The generals of heresy and lust, Hyperion and Aphrodite entered the room next. Hyperion was a tall fit man with long jet black hair and purple eyes. His body radiated heat as if a flame were lit in his chest. “Now now little one, business before pleasure.” He said mockingly to Demeter before coming to a stop to lean up against the wall. “Honey you should know that if I were to run the whole way it would be an absolute disaster getting my hair back to this perfect state.” Aphrodite said with worry. Aphrodite was drop dead gorgeous with a pinkish blonde hair that flowed down her back. Her eyes were an alluring pink that hid mischief behind a warm inviting color.

    Black tensed up at her touch but his feet moved to follow, “Alright yeah! Sounds fun!” He said nervously.


    Zerra dipped her head in thanks to the messenger, sending him off to rest. “Back to the Grind I suppose.” She sighed reluctantly.


    Zephyr stood up, dipping his head to Icarus respectfully, “Helping him unlock the gate was as far as I could with him, You’re better suited to than I am for his next step.” He responded simply. “I take it there has been a development in the Warfront?”


    Rosemary scoffed at Aphrodite’s remark, true beauty requires the least amount of effort. Demeter scrunched up pouting, “Humph, fine.”

    “Greetings all, I have arrived, you can be at ease now.” The smooth silvery voice came from the shadows as a tall and handsome young man strode out, his messy blonde complimenting his blood red eyes. Ceasar, the General of Greed, perhaps the most prideful one as well.

    Icarus simply nodded before turning and walking off gesturing with his hand to follow. “Apollo you have a few decisions to make before we head out.” Icarus said smoothly. “Icarus I’m thrilled that your here and alive but I don’t know where you think we are going. I can’t just abandon the tribes-“ Apollo began until being cut off by Icarus. “Apollo, that’s enough. You are not the strongest on our side, you’re not even top five yet. We are not abandoning anyone. You will come back the strongest and lead like the King you are this alliance to victory. Wars are always about the big picture, the endgame move. None of us can stand against Kronos. Let everyone do their part so that you can do yours and save them all.” For the rest of the walk the group walked in silence as Apollo let the words of the mysterious Icarus set in. The reality of saying goodbye to his friends with the possibility of never seeing them again as well as putting his Clear Sky mission on hold was crushing him.


    The group arrived to the war tent where everyone waited for them. Triton stepped forward to read the updates of the other Tribes. The rhino and elephant tribes were managing to hold their line. The two have joined forces and held the entire northern border. They needed help but it wasn’t the priority. The crocodile tribe was nearly overrun and their leader gravely injured. They would not last on their own and needed immediate assistance. Apollo was the first to speak. “I will take Aurora, Kiara, Black, and Zephyr with me to the Crocodile tribe and help them establish some sort of command. Zephyr will be taking the lead once we get there. Triton I want you to stay here with Lady Zerra and Trax and maintain this border. Triton will also be the acting leader of the Lion Tribe in my absence. He is my trusted advisor and as you have all seen he is a brilliant strategist. He will not let you down... I will be going away to train. There are many things that I need to learn or improve before we can hope for a chance against this enemy. I’m trusting all of you to fight with all your heart to keep Sapphiria alive. I will not let you down. Thank you.” Apollo bowed his head politely to his people before taking a step back leaving the floor open. Triton was trying to process everything that was just said. ‘Apollo is leaving? And leaving me in charge?’ The questions replayed over and over in his mind.


    Aphrodite strode up to Caesar tracing her fingers down his arm. “Hey sweetie when are we going to finally do this thing between us. Think of all we could accomplish with a man that looks like you and well, sweet little me.” She taunted basically throwing herself at him but the sinister smile she had was enough to cause uneasiness.

    Zerra folded her arms, “Then it’s settled, Apollo will take his group and head south, the Crocodile Tribes survival takes priority. Trax and Triton will devise a strategy for us to combine our efforts into surrounding the Lion Territory, we’re going to corner them, but we must be on guard at all times. My King,” She paused to look at Apollo sternly, “Get yourselves ready, and fast, Trax will take you as far as the southern border. Everyone else, you are dismissed, For Sapphiria!”

    “For Sapphiria!” Everyone in the tent sounded off in response. Zerra was about to leave when Zephyr took her hand, holding it on his chest, “Thank you, I trust we can continue things when I return?” He asked with a serious face. Zerra stared blankly into his eyes for a second, then went wide in a shocked blush, “Eh?....” Shaking her head to coear the shock, “Ahem um yes,... I look forward to it.” She exclaimed nervously as her voice cracked a few times. Zephyr smiled slightly and dipped his head to her before moving to stand with Apollo and the others. Zerra remained still, and a nearby female Warrior waved her hand in front of her face in confusion, “Um, Lady Zerra?”


    Ceasar chuckled, brushing her off, “Please, we are all very well aware of how you ‘do’ things Aphrodite. Besides, when it comes to beauty on the inside, we’re all Hideous.” He said shamelessly. Demeter giggled and Rosemary rolled her eyes, Ceasar glanced at Hyperion about to speak, when the air suddenly changed. Demeter silenced herself quickly and stood up at attention, Rosemary stood up reluctantly, her laid back attitude vanishing. From down the hall, two men walked towards them, carrying themselves with an overwhelming dignity about them. The one in front, was Lucifer, the General of Treachery. Tall and athletically fit, his short pitch black hair spiked up in the front, and his eyes a daring dark blue. He wore and elegant black robe over a dark grey shirt, his baggy black pants made no noise as he walked with such discipline. “As soon as we are finished here, return to You’re posts, we still have a War to finish. Hyperion, Demeter, the Crocodile Tribe must be settled within the week, Samson’s loss has put us behind schedule.” Lucifer’s words came with a chilling shiver, to him it was all business, but outside it seemed overly commanding.


    Half an hour later, Apollo and his small group flickered in at the border between the Cheetah and Crocodile Tribes. The area was beginning to change into a thick marsh, from the Cheetah’s golden plains. Trax dipped his head to them before flickering off, Zephyr looked in the direction of the Crocodile territory, sensing the movements of different chakras, “Looks like the Enemy is amassing a sizable force, I recommend steady pace, so we’re not drained before we arrive. Also, I’ve pinpointed Crimson, He is not doing well.” He reported evenly. Black scratched Kiara’s head, “Out of the frying pan, and into the stone oven.”

    The General If Fraud stepped forward next, Herakles. He had a very similar build to Lucifer except he was about an inch shorter. He wore an elegant black leather armor set with a dull silver trim. His hair was a medium length and a spiky red. “You’re all aware of what Lord Kronos did to Tracker, Samson was weak and lost control of his wrath exhausting himself allowing the lion brat to evade us. Weakness will not be tolerated, do not come back until you succeed.” He said monotonously, his completely silver eyes staring down at them. Aphrodite shifted uneasily. Hyperion stood solidly unmoving. Herakles and Lucifer glanced at each other as if having a silent conversation with each other in a single glance. “The crocodile is on the brink of collapse and is crucial ground to gain if we are to continue our claim on Sapphiria. We will push through and proceed on to wiping out the Rhino and Elephant as well. After that we will have the Cheetah completely surrounded and will starve them if we need to. They have established an impressive command force that will hold. Any capture of a VIP is to be commended as well. You are dismissed. Hyperion, Demeter, leave immediately.” Herakles finished without an ounce of emotion. Hyperion herded Demeter out the door immediately.


    Apollo stepped out ahead of the group his eyes in the direction of the crocodile tribe. “I agree, we may have to immediately step in.” Apollo said seriously and confidently. “We don’t have Triton to watch our backs so remember that. We are the only help this tribe is getting. But a small pack of lion’s is a terrifying force, let’s hunt.” He added before starting off in a casual sprint. Icarus followed The corner of His mouth twitched slightly in amusement. Seeing signs of a young Anduin in Apollo. “I’ll catch up. I need to send a message. I’ll rejoin you before you arrive at the battlefield.” Icarus then broke off and disappeared into the marsh. Aurora and Kiara ran on both sides of Black and the three were behind Apollo and Zephyr who were running side by side. They were all geared for war.

    Demeter scuddled out with Hyperion willingly, not wanting to stay in that room another second. Caesar cautiously took a bow before flickering out. Rosemary eyed the two Dignified Generals curiously, “If the Crocodile Tribe manages push them back, how would that effect the End as a whole?” She asked evenly, choosing her words wisely. Lucifer closed his eyes, exhaling through his nose softly, then opening his eyes again with a reverse sharingan. “Then we will start our final Contingency Plan.”


    Zephyr kept his focus on Crimson, who was now in combat against the enemy soldiers, Crooked Maw was close by and in better condition. “Crooked’s holding the line, but it last long against one of their Generals.” He reported before he felt the vibrationa almost immediately, “Two of them, from the north, and honing in fast.” He added in sternly. Black winced, “You give the worst news.”

    Icarus had broken off the second he could sense the generals on their way, counting on Zephyr to alert the group when they got a little closer. He landed in a clearing amidst the marshy trees. Biting his thumb drawing blood he thrust his hand to the ground in a summoning jutsu. If a cloud of smoke appearing before him sat an adult wolf with a blue eye and a brown eye. The wolf had a scar across its face but was muscular and clearly a fighter. “Fenrir, I have the King under my care. We have some business to finish up with the crocodile. Remain hidden on stand by under I call you. We may need an immediate evacuation.” Icarus said rushed as he could feel the generals approaching faster than anticipated. “Sure thing, Icarus boy. I shall await your call.” Fenrir spoke evenly with a tone of respect before turning and disappearing into the thick marsh. Icarus frowned in the direction of the crocodile before flickering off again.


    Hyperion flickered in with Demeter on the enemy front line. “Well Demeter, at least you get your meal now. Come we better not waste any time or we will never hear the end of it from those two emotionless statues that bark orders at us.” Hyperion began to make his way through the demon army soldiers who immediately parted as the two proceeded towards the the crocodiles defense. “Now now, who is that warrior that stands between us and our goal?” Hyperion asked Demeter.


    Apollo and his group had covered about half the distance they needed to when Icarus flickered back in bringing up the rear in their formation. “The longer I can keep my Justu’s secret the better chance Apollo and I will have on our upcoming mission. I will assist the ground troops and only step in if absolutely necessary. I feel I must mention as well that our mission takes priority over any mission or directive right now so if circumstance calls for it I will take the King and leave immediately leaving the rest of you to fend for yourselves... it is the warrior code you all learn in school so I’m sure you all understand.” Icarus explained back to his strictly business mentality. Apollo downed at the thought of abandoning his friends but knew it was out of his hands. “I see why you work alone. With that said, all is understood. I shall follow your orders.” Aurora nodded in agreement her face turning grim and serious getting ready for the mess they were about to enter. “Their generals have engaged, get yourselves ready.” Icarus relayed Unsheathing a similar kukri the the one Apollo carried passed down from Anduin. Apollo activated his sharingan in response, he also reached his mind out trying sense any sort of response from Krios. No answer came, he was on his own. Aurora leapt into Kiara’s back and began harnessing her chakra. “I’ll clear out the wounded upon arrival.”

    Zephyr nodded simply, fully aware of the risks, He’d do the exact same in a worst case scenario... Well, except He’d be the only one staying beind. Black sighed but nodded, “Understood, I’ll create a new line of defense once our heavy hitters clear the way.”


    Several Soldiers were carried off their feet and sent flying over the heads of the Generals, Crooked took a stand as he stuck his warhammer into the ground, cracking his neck side to side. Demeter smirked wildly, her eyes growing insanly large, “I agree... I am extremely Famished!”


    Crimson threw a dead soldier away then went to the knee, looking up he saw a horrific sight. A warhammer broken in two, Crooked stood firm with a dark face, his body and armor bloody and broken. Crimson grit his teeth and looked away, “You fought well Crooked, and died standing up for your Tribe...” He said before looking back up, seeing two pairs of glowing eyes pacing towards him, “Curse you Demons, how dare you push me to go to such lengths... Dammît...” He cused under his breath as he prepared to unlock his Animal Demon, to give it full control of his body, preparing to accept the consequences for it after. Suddenly a giant slash of light blue chakra cut the battlefield in half, the two Generals backing up quickly, Crimson froze up in surprise. Then two figures landed side by side, in front of him, their cloaks falling slowly. Crimson couldn’t even feel anger at this point, the exhaustion of the last month and the lose of so many of his Warriors. “My King... Thank You...” He whispered breathlessly as tears swelled up in his eyes. Apollo and Zephyr stood up simultaneously, standing firm as the light blue chakra slash fell away, revealing themselves to the enemy.

    “You all have fought valiantly Crimson, leave this to us.” Apollo commended respectfully before turning back to the generals. “This land is protected by the Five tribes, you are trespassing. Unless you wish to end up like Samson, I’d suggest you retreat.” Apollo demanded his sharingan eyes burning into them. The sound of a single person clapping echoed across the battlefield. “Wow! What an entrance. Now I should warn you. Demeter here really doesn’t like being interrupted when she’s playing with her food.” Hyperion said slyly. He spread his arms out wide and started turning his bossy as he spoke addressing the entire battlefield. “The mighty tribal lands of Sapphiria! Where all men and women are equal and have the same opportunities each other! Ha! The truth is hidden by those lies. You all open your doors to warriors with dreams but dare keep all the power to yourselves. Tribal members of the crocodile, look around at the bodies laying across the battle ground. Tell me, is it your commanders and leaders littering the ground? Why no, it is one man who failed to hold his own against us and hundreds of your ‘mighty’ warriors. Now if all of you had power would the two of us be standing here right now? Of course not. Join us and achieve great power or continue to follow these selfish rulers who keep all the power for themselves and their pets.” He said pointing a nasty finger at Zephyr. A deafening silence fell over the battlefield as everyone stood their ground. “No?” Hyperion said feigning disappointment before turning to Demeter. “Well then dear, it’s time to play, I do hope these two allow us more fun than the two pathetic lizards. I’ll take the one who made the flashy entrance, his chakra interests me. You take the lion.” He said, his face eager with bloodlust.


    Aurora landed next to Crimson putting his arm around hers. “My lord, you need treatment, let’s get you to safety.” She said urgently before jumping away with him. Kiara was filtering through the bodies on the battlefield signaling the crocodile medics to those still alive.


    Icarus mixed in with the crowds of warriors taking care to mask his chakras and observe from a distance.

    Crimson nodded reluctantly, “So be it.” Letting himself be taken away, the battle was in capable hands now.


    Demeter giggled sadistically before taking off, rounding around the battlefield before charging Apollo, “Feed Me!” Zephyr tapped Apollo’s shoulder lightly, then zipped away towards Hyperion, forming a chakra feather blade in his right hand. “A Warrior chooses their fate on the Battlefield, Fighting for the People of their Tribe. You and Kronos, are Cowards in comparison to them!” Zephyr spoke sternly as he swung his feather blade at Hyperion.


    Black landed in as the Soldiers started charging again, “Ice Style: Artic Wall!” Performing his handsigns quickly, then slamming them on the ground. The Soldiers slid to a halt as massive ice wall rose up in front of them, spanning the battlefield. Suddenly Crocodile Warriors appeared on the top, throwing down kunai and long range jutsu’s.

    “Oh sure I’ll take the insane one.” Apollo said under his breath after Zephyr engaged the man. Apollo went on the defensive, dodging and parrying to analyze her fighting style with his visual prowess. When he saw his opening he struck at her chest. “Chidori!” Blue lightning exploded out surrounding his hand as he struck.


    Hyperion bent back unnaturally as the blade passed over his face. Tearing back he planted a kick to Zephyrs chest sending him flying backwards. “Quicker than I thought you pest.” Hyperion growled as he let his arms fall to his sides. Flames began to form coating his hands up to his elbows. Twisting around he send a spiraling ring of Fire directly at Zephyr.


    Aurora landed back on the front lines next to Black. “I stabilized Crimson and passed him off to the healers to keep up basic treatment. I’ll help the medics here, keep it up B!” She yelled as she disappeared back into the crowds.

    Zephyr slid to halt, performaning several handsigns, “Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!” Water swirled around him, forming a large dragon head, and crashing into the firey ring. Following up with his counter, Zephyr formed sage chakra around his arms, matching Hyperion. Clashing with the General in hand to hand.


    Demeter watched the strike close in on her, but she just kept moving in. Suddenly she opened her mouth, closing her lips around Apollo’s wrist, barely biting down. The lightning disappeared instantly, and chakra was being consumed from Apollo at a fast rate.


    Black nodded, “Alrighty, next step.” Weaving more handsigns, Black placed his hands on the ice wall, causing the wall to advance on the Soldiers with spikes forming at the base.

    Hyperion engaged with Zephyr matching his speed. He grabbed Zephyrs right wrist holding it up to his face, catching his left fist with his other hand. “Interesting chakra.” He commented analyzing his arm. Not pressing his luck Hyperion pushes away from Zephyr creating distance. “Cowards in comparison to them, Eh? Interesting how you defend them and fight with them but do not include yourself as one of them.” Hyperion prodded, planting the seed of doubt. “You intrigue me. For that I’ll show you my Dragons!” The flames on his arms burned bright and expanding forming two sergeant like Dragons from the blaze. They reared back and launched at Zephyr twisting and spiraling with massive jaws ready to strike.


    “What the hell?!” Apollo said dumbfounded as he pulled his hand from Demeter’s mouth. ‘She ate my chakra? That’s not good... ugh what would Triton do?’ Apollo thought to himself frantically having to readjust his entire offensive. With a smile an idea clicked. “Alright you freak, let’s do this!” Apollo yelled throwing a flurry of kunai and unsheathing his kukri. Apollo twirled his kukri in his hand, his blade gleaming as it spun.

    Zephyr punched the first fire dragon away from him, then braced himself as he caught the second fire dragon with his hands, holding its mouth back. Taking a firm stand, Zephyr’s face contorted with anger as he ripped apart the dragon in half, “Oops, I broke one.” He said darkly.


    Demeter’s eyes flashed as she backed up in a cartwheel, dodging the kunai, then springing back at Apollo with a wide grin.

    Hyperion smiled wickedly at the change in Zephyrs composure. Seeing anger break through his normal emotionless attitude fired Hyperion up. The area around Hyperion began to shimmer as the temperature rose. “This is going to be fun-“ Hyperion’s speech cut off as he noticed Demeter and Apollo. Apollo had her. Demeter was swinging wildly at the air due to Apollo’s genjutsu. The kukri was the initial distraction followed up by the twirling of his kukri to seal the jutsu. Apollo pulled his chakra threads bringing the kunai he initially threw hurtling back towards Demeter. Hyperion cursed under his breath flickering in between the kunai and Demeter easily deflecting them. He put a hand on her shoulder and two fingers in front of his face. “Release.” He said using his chakra to break her from the genjutsu. “Come now Demeter the risk is too high now. Let’s regroup and formulate a better plan.” Hyperion instructed before flickering out with her. The demon soldiers began to retreat with the departure of their generals.


    Apollo made his way over to Zephyr. Looking slightly annoyed by the interference of Hyperion and the escape of the generals. “We won the day but I’m not excited for what’s to come...” Apollo paused awkwardly clearly wanting to say more. “You are one of us by the way. I am King and my word is law. Aside from that though, you’re my brother and there’s no one I’d rather have fighting by my side.”

    Zephyr sighed, “Thank you, as ever you’re words of encouragement are appreciated.” He thanked him with a nod.


    Regrouping at the Crocodile Tribes capital, Crimson breifed them in detail about what’s happened in the last month. After returning to their Capital, Crimson was still wounded and exhausted from his fight with Apollo. The Enemy never let up their random attacks, Crimson was unable to recover fully. Not a day went by where the Demon Soldiers didn’t try something at the Crocodile Tribe. With Crooked’s death, and Crimson on bed rest till he fully recovers, the Crocodile Tribe is in a dire situation.


    Crimson groaned as he clenched his fist, feeling the pain of his sorr muscles, “I let my people down, and Crooked... I let him down. I let my arrogance get the better of me.” He said shakily. Apollo and his group stood in the bed chamber of Crimsons room, within his Citadel. The Citadel was their largest building by far in the Capital, the interior was all stone and similar floor plan to the Lions Citadel. The exterior however, made it look like a massive stick and mud hut. Matching the rest of the city, the Crocodile Tribe seemed primitive in their building, but this was their tradition. The Capital city was on a flat dry bed of land, with marshes and lakes scattered around it, along with thick jungles and groves. Legend has it, the Black Snake Sage dwelled within the deepest jungle of the Crocodile Land.

    Aurora continued to treat Crimskn as Apollo approached the bedside. “Kronos watched our fight, he knew you would be an easier target to keep a constant attack on. Especially since all the other tribes are dealing with their own battles... which means no reinforcements. Crooked was a brave warrior who will go down in history for his final stand.” Apollo paused thinking about the lives lost so far including the unknown fate of his entire tribe. “We will emerge united and victorious, the path there will be filled with sorrow though. We’ve had our differences in the past but know you are not alone.” Apollo spoke evenly and respectfully trying to begin to mend the bad blood between the two tribes that has been going on for years.


    Icarus crouched at the top of the citadel in meditation taking care not to be the center of attention. Atlas had passed on a lot of information in his initial message but had also said more would be coming on the status of the lion tribe warriors. It would be foolish to keep them all in the Capital. Having worked against organizations with similars mindsets in the past he assumed they would all be split up and put to work to keep them from conspiring and constantly tired. His responsibilities were to get Apollo to his potential and track the movements of the lion tribe citizens. He thought to the other four Pride members that were out on missions the same time as him wondering what task was given to them.

    Crimson let himself relax as he lay back on the bed, most of his wounds were just now getting serious. Zephyr guessed if he had let the Demon Animal free, it would have killed him, tearing his body to shreds in the process. “I am grateful My King, I will... make it... “ Crimson drifted off into a deep sleep as exhaustion took over him again. Zephyr glanced over at the body under a white blanket, Crooked Maw fought till the very end, and died standing. For a man of few words, He made a final stand that would echo through all Five Tribes. “Black’s assisting with what remains of any able bodied Warriors left, in creating a defensive line. The medical wing is filled up with injured Warriors, and are seriously under staffed. The situation here is dire, and I doubt those Generals will let us break long enough to recover much. I fear this may take longer than it did with the Cheetah Tribe.” He cautioned evenly to Apollo.