Redrum had convinced Cadaver to venture into the forest, hopefully to try his hand at helping the younger boy take on bigger prey. It would be fun, wouldn’t it? The air was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife as they embarked on their hunt. Cadaver followed closely at Redrum's side, crimson and monochrome side by side as they prowled the undergrowth. It started off like a normal day, a normal excursion, really.

However, as they delved deeper into the forest, a strange stillness descended on their surroundings. The usual symphony of nature fell silent, and an eerie tension hung in the air, palpable and unsettling. Huh? Redrum paused, his senses tingling with a sense of foreboding. Something was… off. The forest seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for some unseen danger to reveal itself. Redrum hadn’t had something like this happen before, so immediately the boy turned to look at KD, eyes wide. It was only then that the soft grunting came, somewhere to their right. Foliage shifted, leaves rustling at the movement of something big moving through them.

""

The forest fell into a sudden, eerie stillness, sending a shiver down Cadaver's spine and causing his fur to stand on end. He locked eyes with Redrum, the both of them exchanging silent glances of unease. The soft grunting that echoed through the trees was accompanied by the rustling of leaves, making Cadaver's heart race with apprehension. What could be lurking out there in the shadows, hidden from view? Every nerve in Cadaver's body was on high alert as he strained to listen for any sign of danger. The silence was deafening and seemed to stretch on for an eternity, until finally a twig snapped in the distance and they both jumped in surprise. Whatever was out there was getting closer, and it was only a matter of time before they would have to face whatever awaited them in the depths of the forest.

Without a word, Cadaver crouched low, his muscles tensed and ready for action. His mismatched eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of danger. The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs alerted him to the presence of a creature approaching them. Instinctively, he braced himself for what was to come. As the foliage parted, revealing a massive silhouette, Cadaver's senses were on high alert. It was a bear, a grizzly, its hulking form looming over them like a giant in the night. Its fur was thick and matted, blending into the shadows cast by the moonlight filtering through the dense canopy above.

Redrum's gaze met his again, and Cadaver knew they had to act fast. With a silent nod, he signaled to Redrum, immediately aware of the silent plan that had formed in seconds. They would need to work together to kill such a formidable foe. As the bear drew closer, Cadaver darted forward, making a threatening display of himself to draw attention. Hackles raised and shoulder hunched as he posted up, preparing for the first exchange of blows.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

The sight of the massive grizzly bear looming in the darkness sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through Redrum's veins. His blood ran cold as he watched Cadaver spring into action, too quickly for him to warn his younger friend that it was a fools fight! They couldn't beat a grizzly bear! Not alone! Not as pups! They had to confuse it, and then run! His own muscles sprung into action, unwilling to leave Cadaver to the bear alone. Redrum may have been scared, but he was not so cowardly to leave a fight! His instincts screamed at him to protect, to shield.

“KD-! We. Have- to-Run!” The vermillion boy barked out as the bear’s sights set upon Cadaver, a roar coming from it’s huge maw. It lumbered forward, thinking it would be getting an easy meal of the pup that was running up to it. Redrum moved swiftly to flank the bear, barking and snarling to split its attention between the two of them, his agile form moving with precision and desperation.

Suddenly, the bear lunged forward, its massive claws swiping through the air with deadly intent. Redrum reacted instinctively, yelling for Cadaver to dodge the attack. As Redrum seized an opportunity, launching himself at the beast's exposed flank with all the force he could muster. His claws sank deep into the bear's fur, drawing a roar of pain and rage from the creature.

""

Cadaver's heart hammered against his ribcage like a war drum, each beat echoing the urgency of Redrum's demand. They had to run. If there had been time to argue, he certainly would have. This was their moment to prove themselves! They couldn’t just let this beast walk away- to allow it to keep its life. The world seemed to slow down around him, every movement magnified by the fear and adrenaline coursing through his veins. He could almost feel the hot breath of the beast on his skin as it lunged towards him, its powerful claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. With a swift motion, Cadaver ducked under the attack, his heart still thundering in his chest as he prepared for the next move.

His mind raced as he watched Redrum leap onto the bear's flank, burying his claws deep into its thick coat. Cadaver knew they had only seconds before the beast would retaliate. With a feral snarl, Cadaver charged at the bear head on, his mismatched eyes blazing with determination. He nipped and clawed at the bear’s legs, hoping to unbalance the massive creature. A powerful roar echoed through the forest as the bear swung its massive paw, attempting to shake Redrum off its back. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through Cadaver's side, sending him flying into a nearby tree trunk. The world spun around him as he hit the ground, struggling to regain his footing. With his muscles already screaming at him, he hauled himself back up on his paws- his mind reeling on how to make his next advance.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

As he clung desperately to the bear's flank, his claws sinking into the beast's fur and his teeth firmly sunk into it’s thick hide, Redrum gritted his teeth and held on, his muscles straining against the massive creature's thrashing. With every ounce of strength he possessed, he sought to keep the bear distracted, buying precious moments for Cadaver to strike.

But the forest floor trembled beneath them as the bear unleashed its furious roars, its powerful paws swinging dangerously close. Redrum's heart pounded in his chest as he fought to maintain his grip, knowing that any misstep could spell disaster. But suddenly, Cadaver was sent crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening thud. Redrum's golden eyes widened in alarm as he watched his friend tumble to the ground. NO!

Without hesitation, Redrum sprang into action, releasing his hold and darting towards Cadaver's side. His instincts screamed at him to protect his friend, to drive back the looming threat of the bear. But as he faced the snarling beast, his young mind raced with possibilities. With Cadaver injured, they were at a disadvantage, but Redrum refused to yield to despair. He knew they had to run, now, more than ever. But he would have to take the most risk here. So as his ears flattened against his skull, and his lips peeled back dangerously, the vermillion boy yelled over his shoulder at Cavader. “KD. Run. RUN! Red will- distract!” With a fierce growl, Redrum squared his shoulders and met the bear's gaze head-on. Every fiber of his being was focused on the task at hand: to protect Cadaver, no matter the cost.  He charged it, mentally willing Cadaver to run away as he kept it’s attention for the moment – his goal to flee as well after he was certain Cadaver was a safe enough distance away.

""