Epimethius moved across the ground, going to investigate the lands nearby Insomnia. He stuck close by because of Genesis and Enyo, never going too far. His eyes find the oasis that he knew was hidden away here, he moved eagerly over to the water. He was not quite taking in his entire surroundings, which was mistake number one. He quickly lapped up the pool, the fresh water soothing his throat and he let out a satisfied grumble in return. And then his head is turning as he hears the crumpling of sand, and the rustle of the sparse grass. His eyes landed on the animal that caused it. Epimethius's eyes open wide as he comes face to face with a FUCKING LION?? And it wasn't like the one that had helped them when they had hunted the musk ox, this one seemed keen on spilling his blood. He launched himself at the creature, barely having time to fluff up his fur. Snarl ripped through his face as he lunged with wide open jaws at the lion's side, ready to rip and tear into the creature. "Talk"

It wasn't often that Ursus found himself south of the Northern lands. He much preferred the confines of the pine forests. Shadows and dense prey systems were his preference. From time to time, he enjoyed a journey out to the coast where the balmy weather warmed his permanently chilled bones. Crossing the sands wasn't easy compared to dense dirt and compact leaf litter, but he managed. His sights were set on the glimmering pool of water just on the other side of the dune he had just crested.

Intent on reaching his destination, he almost didn't notice the two sandy colored figures beginning to clash. If it weren't for the guttural roar rumbling from the large feline, Ursus would've passed them by. Whipping his head to look, he sees the smaller canine tangoing with the cat. Gods above. Ursus thinks the two words just as his bear-like paws push into movement and head down the dune straight for the pair.

Avoiding the sharper front end of the lion, Ursus charges for the lion's rear legs. Launching in the air, he wraps legs around the lion's hips and sinks down into the sand. His teeth latch onto silky fur and thin skin, blood already welling up in his mouth.

"speech"

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Epimethius could feel the cat trying to turn to tear into him with its claws, and each time he felt its muscles coil he would move his rear. Keeping it just out of the reach of the lion, teeth continue to reach into the side of the lion. The taste of metallic blood was strong in his mouth. And then another wolf is entering the fray, and without letting his mouth leave his opponent he offers a grin and a wink. The more the merrier right? Then his focus is back on the lion, risking damage from the cat as he turns his head to grab ahold of its throat, ripping out his mane as he tries to get a good hold of its throat. Digging his teeth in, and then he feels blood begin to flood into his mouth. And he did his best to ignore the tickle of the lion's mane against his nose. He could feel the lion weakening, but as it thrashed its head trying to shake the mutt off he knew the fight was not yet over. "Talk"

Quickly, the lion realizes its outmatched. Its fierce and pained roars echo over the sand. Critters and reptiles alike go slithering into whatever holes they can find. Away from the violence that now stains the desert. As the other wolfdog struggles around the mane, Ursus catches the wink and it nearly distracts him. Who winks in the middle of a life or death scenario? A psychopath, that's who! Just the kind of canines he liked (considering he had been raised by a certifiably crazy lady).

Keeping hold of the lion was all Ursus could do to prevent it from absolutely mauling the smaller canine. His muscles strained, adrenaline supporting him in his efforts. The lion, in its struggle, kicked a paw at his shin. Ursus grunts, but hangs on. His teeth bite, over and over, trying to find the weak spot along the spine to hopefully cripple their opponent.

"speech"

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pixel by moon810801

Epimethius feels their opponent buckle, his eyes sliding down its body to find the reason. Ah yes, smart. His new friend had crippled the lion, the rest now would be easy. He tore into its mane, shredding through the mass of muscles and fur. Shaking his head like an animal gone crazy. The blood gushing into his maw and splattering against his chest, the gore did not appall the male. He pulled back as he looked at his comrade, offering a nod. Telling him in a silent way to take the killing blow. Epimethius let his tongue snake out from his mouth as he cleared the gore from his lips. "Talk"

With the beast sufficiently crippled, its back end sinking into a bloody heap against the sand, Ursus releases his hold. Spitting gore and sinew from his mouth off to the side, he gives the wolfdog a moment to relish in tearing the lion apart. The feline has since given up, its dying mewls hoping for death as it began to stare into oblivion.

Most would think these methods to be cruel, but Ursus saw it as survival. Plus, once it was skinned, he could have his companions feast and forage for some worthy bones to keep. Maybe even a tooth. Those large, sharp canines were looking awfully beautiful from where he could see as he began to circle around toward the lion’s face. With the wolfdog finished and nodding toward him, Ursus lifted a paw and used a sharp claw to slice the lion’s throat and finally bring it peace.

Exhaling sharply as he stepped back, adrenaline draining from him body, he turns to the wolfdog. “I do not need much from this creature. You may have as much as you wish,” he rumbles, a smirk lingering on his charcoal lips.

"speech"

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pixel by moon810801