Aresenn stood on the crest of the valley, hearing the echoes of his voice spill throughout the sound. The heat was oppressive, even here in the northern taiga, and he could see the harsh rays glinting off the slate faces of the cliffs. But it didn't deter him; in fact, he welcomed it - the sweltering sun was the perfect weather to test the mettle of those willing to show up. He watched as they gathered one by one, emerging from the cooling shadow of the cliffs or surfacing from dives in the inlet.

After enough had gathered around him, Aresenn rose to his full height, his red fur bristling like an inferno under the blazing sun. His voice resounding the space between them, "We stand here, not as individuals but as a unit, each relying on the other, for survival, for strength, for victory.” He paused, turning sharply to face them again, his black-marked eyes scanning each of his packmates with a critical gaze- specifically lingering on those of his kids who had answered his summons. "But if we rely on our capability to attack as individuals … well, the odds may be stacked against you. You must learn to strike with unified purpose, to flow as one entity on the battleground. Today, we are going to test that unity." And perhaps learn a thing or two along the way.

"Aresenn Praetor"

Okay, she had to admit, her dad's lessons were pretty cool. She'd at least only admit that to herself. There was no fucking way in hell she would ever let anyone know she liked anything. As far as anyone else was concerned, Xina hated everything, and everyone.

She meandered in more or less a straight line to her father's call and sat with the gathering crowd. Her little tail subtly wiggled back and forth unconsciously as she listened to him talk. A unit? She didn't need nobody! But If her dad was saying it was important then maybe she could give it a try.

Walking along the shore of the ocean inlet, Abyss was trying to escape the sweltering heat of the summer sun. Being in the North meant the heat wasn’t as intense as in the South- but it was still quite bothersome for the pup. Perhaps they could take a dip in the frigid ocean waters- or they could attend their Father’s summons, which just rung out within the domain. The latter seemed like more fun.

Arriving shortly after their sister, Abyss took a seat before their Father, and focused their attention on him. Today, he would be teaching them about unity- the ability to work together as a unit. Nodding, Abyss waits for more of his teachings.

"Speech"

Zagan had just finished a midday meal of deer leg, and was sharpening his claws on a pine tree stump, when Aresenn’s summons rang out across The Polar Sound. The young Saxe recognized the purpose of the call- he was summoning the younger members of the group together, to provide another lesson- as he often did, with Mother Absinth. After leaving a few more indents in the bark, Zagan felt satisfied with his claw sharpening, and followed the Aresenn’s scent to a clearing, where two of his siblings had already gathered. Glancing at them both, and allowing his gaze to linger on Xina a bit longer than Abyss, he acknowledges them before taking a seat in front of Aresenn.

Settling on his haunches, and wrapping his tail over his front paws. Zagan ponders the meaning behind the word unity. The ability to strike with unified purpose, as Aresenn described. Nodding, Zagan waits for the pack's Emir to continue his teachings.

"Zagan Saxe"

Celestia had been taking to her mother’s absence as a chance to slack off on her trainings. She knew eventually her mother would put her foot down and make her and her siblings kick their asses into gear so when a call summoned for a lesson she found herself rousing from her bed. Better to get ahead of the storm that was her mother’s bad mood than to wait for it to land at her feet.

Lazily she made her way to the call. And there she Found a man of fire. Whom she vaguely remembered was the father of her Aunt Sin’s children. But there were three other’s sitting in front of him and all three looked to be around her age.

She knew two of them at least were her Aunt’s children but the one of cool colors was new to her brain. Having made no real effort to socialize outside of her siblings till now, she didn’t know anyone’s names.

Quietly she took a seat and focused on the adult male who would be leading this lesson; Aresenn. She finally recalled his name. As she waited for him to continue his teachings.

Sericea had been standing at the edge of the dense forest, her russet cloak blending in with the surrounding foliage. She strained to hear her father's voice over the rustling leaves and chirping birds- but as always, the sound seemed to reverberate with an authority that commanded their attention, compelling them towards him to listen. She caught her father’s gaze, and she couldn’t help but instinctively stiffen. She never hesitated to follow his orders, even when they were harsh or critical. As she made her way towards him, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Her father's presence always commanded respect and attention from all those around him. With a calm expression, she confidently strode into the clearing and took a spot next to Zagan, ready to listen and progress.

"Sericea Praetor-Inferos"

Xairo hadn’t really been one to seek out the company of others. Content on his own, it seemed that he was beginning to be content observing from a distance. But when Aresenn’s call echoed through the Polar Sound, he could not ignore it. He rose from his resting place, untamed azure coat glistening as the sun hit it, and left for the call.

As he neared, his eyes took in the sight before him. His father, an imposing figure of power and authority, was surrounded by his siblings for the most part. His eyes drifted over those who had assembled, landing on each one in turn. Each held a certain curiosity for their father's teachings, each with their own unique expressions. Xairo was no different. As much as he had always preferred solitude, there was an undeniable allure to the Emir’s lessons.

As Aresenn began to speak, every individual in the vicinity fell silent, fixating their undivided attention toward the towering figure. His voice echoed off the surrounding rock faces, adding a resonance that perfectly matched the gravity of his words.

"Xairo Saxe"

Ludovic stood among the others, feeling the oppressive heat wrap around him like a thick, suffocating cloak. But he was relaxed, his mind sharp, calculating. He could feel the eyes of the others around him, their energies and attention focused ahead. His father’s speech was a challenge, it required them to be more than the physical prowess of an individual. The idea of unity was hardly new, yet it was something some of them struggled to embody fully. Ludovic smirked, eyes catching the fiery pelt of his sister Araxina for a moment.

His muscles tensed slightly as he imagined the trial to come. They weren’t here just to be tested physically, but mentally—how they coordinated, how they communicated under pressure, how advantageous it was to strike as one. Testing the limits of loyalty. he mused, his tail giving a slow, thoughtful flick behind him.



"Ludovic Praetor-Inferos"

Ravana crouched low, her fur shimmering in the brutal sunlight, lavender accents flickering with her every subtle movement. The heat was intense, far worse than she was used to in her young northern life, but it had some interesting effects on her little projects. Blood flowed differently when it was hot and sticky after all. Her lilac eyes gleamed with curiosity as she listened to Aresenn's words, sharp ears twitching as she caught the nuances in his tone. From her throat came a trilling noise, an excitement to see where this lesson led.

Striking as one. She glanced at her packmates, her siblings mostly. The idea felt almost foreign to her. Ravana had always relied on herself, her cunning, her quick reflexes. But this—this was different. Her father’s challenge meant more than reliance; it was about trust, something she found hard to give. Trust, trust what? Why trust? Could she compromise and pretend instead?

The others would fall in line, she knew. Maybe not Xina. They would move as one, strike as one. But Ravana? She smirked, her eyes narrowing as she watched her father, knowing she could outwit and outmaneuver them if it came down to it. Let’s see how far unity can take them before she threw the rulebook out the window.


"Ravana Seraphim Saxe"

"When we attack," he continued, his voice dropping into a low growl, "it cannot be mere spouts of energy strewn about without thought. No—each movement must be deliberate and coordinated. If any one of us falters, we weaken the whole." He paced back and forth, his nails digging lightly into the dry earth beneath him. The scent of warm grass mixed with the lingering chill of the stone around them, creating an odd tension in the air that coaxed a thrill from every fiber of his being.

"The time may come where you are called upon to lead a charge," Aresenn instructed, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the faces before him. "You will in turn call upon your instincts, harness your energy, but it is teamwork that will guide your movements. Move as one.” He paused again, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "Do not be afraid to lead or to follow. Confidence must dwell within each of you." His voice rose, carrying an intensity meant to rouse them from any lingering hesitation.

Aresenn stopped pacing and faced them wholly, his towering presence demanding attention. "Now, let me break down our formation for today. We will adopt a triangular structure, three points of focus that should allow us to strike swiftly and effectively.” he directed, leaving an open invitation for any of those that may answer his beckon for the demonstration in a specific spot on the ground. “We will need a spearhead—swift, decisive- whose job it is to penetrate the enemy's line.” Aresenn paced towards another point of their imaginary triangle, “Then we will need an anchor for our left flank, strong and steady. This role is protection; ensure no one slips past you.”

With each point made, Aresenn could feel their anticipation bubble. He relished in the way his words ignited determination within them, fueling their desire to perform flawlessly. The heat of the day bore down relentlessly as he continued assigning roles, weaving in reminders about positioning and timing—a rhythm that should become instinctual. “Lastly,” he said, his voice booming as he addressed the pups with a fierce glare, “we will need someone to form our rear guard. Your responsibility is tactical observation; maintain vigilance. Spot any weaknesses in our formation and adapt accordingly. The rear guard is the eyes of the operation—those who can read an enemy’s movements before they even make a move." Aresenn paused, letting the words settle, watching the fire spark in their eyes.

"Remember," he said sharply, "the success of our strike hinges on communication. No one should act in isolation. Your actions should echo in harmony with those around you. When one of you sees an opportunity, you must share it; when one of you feels threatened, raise your voice! A successful strategy depends on a fluid exchange of information." The cicadas buzzed more loudly as if agreeing with his fervor, the heat wrapping around them like a heavy cloak. Aresenn focused on the sense of urgency that pulsed through them, willing them to internalize every lesson he imparted. "Think ahead! You’ll stand together or fall apart; there’s no middle ground in battle."

As he spoke, Aresenn's heart raced, an echo of the adrenaline that accompanied his steadfast focus. Each word was a stake driven deep into the ground, anchoring their resolve. It was a ritual he had performed countless times, yet the weight of each moment felt freshly magnified by the heat of summer swelling around them. “Now,” he declared, voice clearer and sharper, “I want you to visualize what this looks like in action.” He motioned to a nearby cluster of boulders, their jagged edges casting long shadows where the sun struggled to penetrate. “I need three volunteers to step forward—those willing to embody each point of our formation and show your pack that unity is strength.”

"Aresenn Praetor"

Her father commanded their attention with his very presence. The way he spoke, the way he walked, the way he breathed... She wanted to exude this level of confidence and charisma. If any of them falters, they weaken the whole... ohh... Like that wall on the outskirts! With the tumbly bits strewn through it!

Her brow furrowed slightly as he mentioned being called to lead, but not being afraid to follow. She found herself standing as he moved on to the physical part of the lesson. Her tail waving excitedly at the prospect of leading this charge! Despite the incessant cicadas and oppressive heat, she drank in his words like they were a fountain in a desert.

As soon as he finished speaking with his directions as to volunteers she bounded forward with a swift decision!

"Me! I wanna be the spearhead!" She exclaimed and stood proudly on the spot, her gaze landing on her siblings and the other as if to dare them to take it away from her. She knew where her strengths lay. Her eyes lingered on Zagan with a mischievous glint, she could lead a charge just as well as he could lead a retreat.

Ludovic’s ears perked, absorbing every ounce of his father’s command as if it were a tangible force. Hell, it could have been with the tone he was using. That rigid cadence to Aresenn’s words, one that scraped against any lingering resistance, challenging each of them to heed or fall behind. His father’s description of their formation painted vivid images in Ludovic’s mind—a calculated image of precision, piece after piece. He felt a heat rise at his nape. Perhaps indignation, or shame for being less than what he could have been.

He felt his muscles tense slightly, not from nerves but anticipation. This wasn’t just instruction; it was a call to arms. He imagined the rush of a unified strike, surging through any defense in perfect sync. The thought stirred his blood, he wondered how it could look in play.

As Aresenn continued, a low hum of energy swelled within Ludovic. His gaze flickered toward the boulders, then to his packmates and siblings, his mind already whirring with strategies, imagining where his own strengths would serve best. Of course Xina stepped up first for the spearhead—she was a cone head after all. A faint smirk crept onto his face; he would step forward, ready to embody the rear guard with his quick observations. “I’ll be the eyes.” He knew he could do it.

"Ludovic Praetor-Inferos"

Ravana’s mind processed her father’s words with razor-sharp focus, every instruction he laid out sparking thoughts of strategy, weakness, and opportunity. His voice rolled through the heat, each word a meant strike on the importance of precision and trust. But Ravana knew that unity and trust were fragile things, like bones and meat and organs. Anything would fall apart–or be flayed away. She couldn’t deny the allure of mastering the coordinated strikes he described, a way to amplify her own skills by manipulating the flow of their collective energy. Still, a flicker of suspicion lingered, a quiet understanding that this exercise wasn’t solely about teamwork; there would be a test—a reckoning for any who faltered.

But who will be attacking? Ravana’s gaze narrowed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. The roles he outlined, the strength required at each point… She had no doubt that once the volunteers stepped forward, the rest of them would turn as one, a wave aimed to test. An example of his teachings come to life.

So she remained silent, suppressing the smirk that tugged at the corner of her mouth, holding herself in perfect stillness as her father’s eyes roamed across them, lingering on the expectant faces awaiting his command. She watched and waited, her own anticipation mounting as each breath brought them closer to the moment she would see how far this lesson of unity would go—before the inevitable chaos broke free.


"Ravana Seraphim Saxe"

Abyss listened intently as their father spoke, each of his words punctuated by the importance of his lesson. They replayed his words in their mind, focusing on key points, and saving the information to utilize later. They must work in unison- each attack must be deliberate, and coordinated. Not opposing forces, only unity- that’s how they would gain an upper paw on the battlefield. Soon, they would be expected to help their superiors in battle. They would be old enough to raid soon. They needed the confidence to lead and follow- and Abyss felt comfortable in either role.

Switching gears, Aresenn takes a paws-on approach. Their groups will need three participants- a spearhead, an anchor, and a rear guard. Xina and Ludo were quick to volunteer for roles, which wasn’t surprising to Abyss. They chose to remain silent, wanting to practice working as a team, as opposed to taking on a leadership role. They could do that in another training session.

"Speech"

With the rest of his siblings filtering in, Aresenn was quick to expand on his notion of unity. Zagan’s long ears were swiveled in his direction, listening intently as Aresenn spoke, absorbing every word. His voice was deep and steady, each word measured and deliberate, as he carefully chose how to explain the importance of working as a team.

Zagan felt the weight of the lesson sink into his bones- he’d attended many of Aresenn’s lessons- but this time, something was different. There was an urgency in his voice, an underlying sense that this moment was important. This knowledge could shape their future. They were almost old enough to help their superiors in raids, and protect their home from intruders. Maybe Aresenn was trying to express the importance of that.

Nodding, Zagan tucked away the information for later. The lesson switched gears, and Aresenn proposed a paws-on approach. Three leaders, and an unknown attacker. Xina and Ludo were quick to claim their roles as leaders, leaving one spot left. Zagan’s bi-colored gaze swept across his siblings' faces, ushering a silent warning. He would be taking the final role.

Then, he stepped forward, standing beside Xina and Ludo to stake his claim over the role of anchor. “I will be the protector.” He says, before glancing toward Xina, who is already staring at him with a mischievous grin plastered on her face. He shot her a knowing grin back, a single brow raising in her direction. You really think you can lead a charge?

"Zagan Saxe"

Celestia listened intently as Aresenn spoke. Taking mental notes on his words, things she might need to practice later on by herself. She wasn’t used to the idea of teamwork, of moving in unison like a part of a much larger living organism. Mama didn’t push that on her or her siblings. They were all individuals, independent entities. So it was odd to picture herself acting as one with a bunch of strangers. But she kept her mind open to the idea.

Follow? That wasn’t exactly her forte but she supposed even her mama knew how to follow, after all they all followed the Sultan. This had to be a similar idea. Flickering her eyes around at the other pups, she tried to decide which of the bulk were going to push to be leaders and which would wish to follow.

Her attention was drawn back towards her teacher as he spoke of a formation of three, A triangle. She listened as he broke down each job of the triangle and tried to decide which job would suit her best in this type of formation. Was she more swift and decisive or strong and steady.

She listened as he continued their lesson about the need to communicate with your team as a whole no matter what, because if one fall they’d all fall.

She took a tentative step forward to volunteer herself as the anchor when someone beat her to it. Taking her step back she sat back down and remained silent.

Xairo's ears twitched with irritation as he surveyed the scene, feeling every inch of envy swell within him. His father's commanding presence amplified the weight of his disappointment. Why had he hesitated? He could have jumped in, claimed a role before anyone else! Instead, he sat watching as Ludo, Xina, and Zagan were swept up in the excitement, taking positions that should have been his. The low rumble of Aresenn's voice droned on, but Xairo barely heard it; his thoughts spiraled through a haze of frustration and longing for recognition.

He shifted restlessly on the grass, muscles coiled tight beneath his curly coat. Xairo watched his siblings with envious eyes, their self-assured movements marking an unspoken hierarchy that left him feeling isolated. A fire raged within him, igniting each pulse of his heart as he fought to suppress the urge to bark out his intentions, to assert himself in front of everyone else. But by the mercy of an unknown god, he kept his mouth shut. Barely. Waiting for further instruction with a sullen shadow casted across his features.

"Xairo Saxe"

Sericea stood at the edge of the gathered pups, her heart thrumming with excitement and a touch of anxiety. Aresenn’s voice, robust and commanding, wrapped around her- engulfing her like a cloak. She soaked in every word, each one hanging heavy with the promise of impending action. Despite the flurry of movement and the easy camaraderie evident among her siblings, Sericea felt an undercurrent of pressure coiling within her. The notion of working as a cohesive unit excited her; it was an alluring challenge that teased at the edges of her potential.

Yet, as she observed the animated exchanges between Xina, Ludo, and Zagan, a knot of uncertainty twisted in her stomach. Why was it so easy for them to step forward and claim their roles? The thought simmered in her mind as she remained slightly apart, her vibrant coat a contrast to the hues of autumn surrounding them. Would they see her as just another shadow lurking at the fringes?

"Sericea Praetor-Inferos"

Aresenn nodded approvingly as Xina, Ludovic, and Zagan stepped forward to claim their roles. Their eagerness and confidence were palpable, a testament to the fiery spirit he aimed to nurture within each of them. He could see the determination etched into their features, the way their muscles tensed with anticipation. Good. They would need that resolve for what was to come.

His gaze swept over the remaining pups, noting the mix of emotions that played across their faces - excitement, uncertainty, envy. He could practically taste the tension crackling in the air, a heady blend of youthful energy and the primal desire to prove oneself. Aresenn allowed the silence to stretch for a moment, letting them stew in their own thoughts before he spoke again.

"As for the rest of you," he rumbled, his voice cutting through the oppressive heat like a blade, "your role is no less vital. You will be the force that tests their unity, the chaos that challenges their coordination." Aresenn's eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity as he scanned the faces of the remaining pups. "You will attack as individuals, but with a shared purpose - to find the weaknesses in their formation, to exploit any gaps in their defense. Show them the consequences of faltering." He began to pace again, his movements deliberate and predatory. "When I give the signal, you will surge forward. Strike hard, strike fast, and do not hold back. They must learn to adapt, to communicate, to trust in each other's strengths."

Aresenn paused, his gaze locking with each of the remaining pups in turn - Abyss, Celestia, Ravana, Sericea, Xairo. He could see the anticipation simmering beneath the surface, the way their muscles coiled tight, ready to spring into action. "Remember," he growled, his voice low and intense, "this is not about individual glory. Your purpose is to provide a relentless assault, to push them to their limits. Work together, even as you strike independently. Overwhelm them, and force them to rely on each other."

Aresenn turned his attention back to Xina, Ludo, and Zagan, who stood poised at their designated points. "And you three," he rumbled, "your task is to hold fast. Communicate, adapt, protect each other's flanks. You’re out numbered. Show the others what true unity looks like in the face of adversity."

The russet-furred Emir stepped back, his piercing gaze sweeping over the assembled pups one last time. The air crackled with tension, heavy with the weight of expectation. “Independent fighters, this way.” He said sharply, commanding the five to a part of the clearing a good distance away. Once he had them positioned with many strides between them- he turned to face the open field. He would have hoped that the other three would take that time to prepare themselves.

And once he was out of the line of fire … he signaled the charge. “Begin!”

"Aresenn Praetor"

Ludovic’s stance was firm, paws rooted into the earth as he braced for the inevitable onslaught. His tail flicked, a restless motion to his otherwise composed demeanor, betraying the rush of anticipation building within him. The moment Aresenn had called them to stand as one, that weight of expectation had settled on his shoulders, a pressure he welcomed but didn’t take lightly.

He glanced sideways, at Zagan and then Xina, how they were prepared for their respective roles. Good, he thought, lips twitching into a faint, approving smirk. We’re ready.

“They’ll be out to split us up, but I bet they won’t use any handy dandy teamwork to do it since they have numbers. Let's use that.” he muttered quietly, jerking his chin slightly to signal how spread out the opponents were. He gave a short, firm nod to his team, knowing they’d keep their formation strong if they took that advantage and ran with it.

With a final steadying breath, he lowered his stance, shoulders rolling back, gaze fierce and unblinking as he locked onto the clearing as a whole. Ready for movement. Hold fast.


"Ludovic Praetor-Inferos"