Fuel to the Flame

Aresenn continued his instructions, and Zagan absorbed his words, dissecting them until he felt confident in his role as the anchor. Triangle formation. Hold fast. Communicate, adapt, and protect each other. Show their enemies what true unity looks like. Nodding, the young Saxe shifted his gaze to Ludo and Xina, and gravitated toward them to stand as a single, unified force. Their opponents had left with Aresenn, and stood on the other side of the clearing now- waiting for his command to begin, which came in the bellowing form of a commanding growl.

Their enemy is coming now- a wave of pounding paws against the earth- a force that seemed to promise their downfall. But Zagan’s focus did not falter. He fell into his role effortlessly, his eyes narrowing at each individual rushing at them, scanning their movement as they pushed forward. Zagan was the line they would not cross- the line that must not be crossed. His breaths became slow and steady, a sharp contrast to the frenzied movements around him. There was no apprehension, no fear- only unwavering focus.

Xairo lunged at Xina, and for a moment, it seemed Sericea was targeting her too- but she suddenly veered past her sister, barreling straight toward him. The first enemy soldier had reached him. Zagan takes a step forward, but does not completely break their formation, grinding his paws into the dirt, as he morphs himself into an impenetrable wall of fur and muscle. He’s anticipating a clash of their bodies- the primal contest of dominance that would be cataclysmic. The feeling of her warm body squirming against his. He didn't show it on his face, but he was pleased that Sericea had decided to target him.

"Zagan Saxe"