Alaric stay to the forest that lined the fjord. He dared not venture out further closer the edge due to the steep rocky Cliff side. It would be a death wish and he was not going to tempt death anymore than he had too. That was, until the white wolf caught glimpse of a angry bear. A bear that seemed far behind on the calories it was packing for winter. A winter that would, in desperation, target a line wolf for a meal. Alaric softened in his place, his tail raise to the sky. He let out a warning snarl and the bear returned the gesture. Alaric knew there be no way out without a fight. "Fuck it." He whispered under his breath and went charging towards the bear. His black maws splayed open as the bear raised itself to its hind leg. Alaric attempted to swerve to the side and catch it in the ribs. His maws locked down onto its target successfully, Knocking the bear back on its balance. He was playing dirty. He wasn't sure if anyone would come to his aid.

A lone wolf, against a lone bear. Sounds fair, if not for the size and weight differences. Aristaios sees this as an opportunity to prove himself in this unfamiliar territory, to show that he is not one to be underestimated. He is no stranger to unpredictability. He wears his impulsivity on his sleeves, if he had any.

Quickly, he assesses the situation, and then seamlessly integrates himself into the fight. Aristaios wastes no time in springing into action, with a confident stride and a glint of mischief in his eyes, he lunges forward, aiming to throw his hefty weight into the bear’s other side, snapping at its ribs in tandem. With a low growl that carries both warning and reassurance, he begins shredding its flesh before it has the chance to turn on him.

""

Before Alaric could realize, assistance had shown up. He could only glance at the male briefly to see who it was, a stranger he did not know, before the bear's front paw went to swipe at him. Alaric released his grasp but not in vain, a chunk of flesh went with him, as he pulled away to avoid being hit by the bear. He spat out the chunk of flesh and charged back into the fray. His maws and chest covered in, Alaric lunges forwards and aimed for the bear's hind leg. Right where the Achilles heel was located. He wanted to slice the heel and immobilize the bear now that help was here. He could only hope the bear was distracted enough for him to pull this off.

Aristaios could feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins as he engaged the bear. There was no time for introductions or pleasantries – only the immediate need to overcome their opponent. And for Aristo, the thrill of the fight.

As Alaric changed his tactic to target the bear’s flank, Aristaios continued his onslaught on the bear’s ribs. Of course it swapped at him, but his skin and bones were strong. He was pushed, scratched, but given his vantage the bear was hard pressed to land a proper hit. So Aristo kept pushing it, trying to force it down between the two of them. His jaws shaking and crunching down into the bear’s side. With every ounce of strength he possessed, he channeled his hefty weight and resolve into the strike, hoping to unbalance the beast – or better yet, tire it out by holding it in place.

""

Alaric's attack was successful in landing on the bear's Achilles heel. His fangs sunk deep into the tender spot and he shook his head violently. That's when he felt a sudden jerk forwards from the bear. It was attempting to flee the battle while it still had the energy left and wasn't too badly injured. Alaric gave one last shake of his head, deepening his fangs before releasing the bear. "Should we let it run?" He called out to the stranger. He would go either way, depending on what this stranger had in mind. They were victorious whether or not the bear was dead or alive.

Aristaios, still grappling with the bear, felt its sudden lurch forward, a desperate attempt to escape the clutches of the battle. His grip tightened instinctively, but the bear’s strength was waning, its movements becoming erratic and weaker. He let go, his mind set on readjusting his hold as the other brute’s question cut through the chaos, Aristaios took a moment to steady himself, the adrenaline still surging through his veins.

“No.” Aristaios replied, his voice a low timbre, but full of confidence. He turned to give the man a quick glance, a fierce glint in his eyes, the thrill of the fight still lingering in his stance. “I wasn’t raised to be a quitter.” He grinned, refocusing his sight on the bear as it huffed and attempted to escape, but he would not allow it. Instead the brute barreled forward, a renewed effort to kill as he latched on the bear’s neck; creating deep lacerations as he shook and twisted with teeth meant to crush bone.

""

Alaric listened as the stranger gave his answer. No, they would not quit. Alaric gave the man a sharp nod before running up to the front of the bear, on the other side where the stranger was not. The stranger had already sunk his fangs into the throat of the bear. Alaric was going to help in that. He latched his own maws onto the other free side of the bear's throat. With two wolves tearing away at its throat, Alaric knew the bear would be done for. Alaric's teeths ripped and tore at the thick hide of the bear as he went for the vitals hidden within the thickness of the bear. It would be over soon for it, that he knew.

The other man mirrored his own actions, fangs sinking into the thick hide of the bear's throat. Aristaios tightened his grip, feeling the bear's roars turn into gurgles, its struggle weakening with every second. Blood flowed freely now, the vital points being relentlessly attacked by the two wolves.
As the bear's resistance waned, Aristaios could feel the end nearing. He didn't relent, knowing their combined effort would bring a swift and decisive end to the beast. With one final, powerful shake, Aristaios felt the life drain from the bear's body, its movements ceasing altogether.
He released his grip, stepping back with heavy breaths, blood dripping from his maw. Turning to the other brute, he gave a nod, acknowledging the crucial assistance. “Well done.” He said, his voice still carrying the adrenaline of the fight.

""