Argo pressed deeper, weaving through the enemy outpost, nerves on edge, but he had no other choice; he had to fight for the only person who stuck by him. After five minutes, his gaze locked onto rusted cages at its heart, their bars imprisoning trembling figures. Before he could approach, a Urvak warrior loomed into his path.
His dagger flashed, plunging through the warrior's eye, and a squelch echoed out. He caught the body as it crumpled, easing the dead enemy to the ground.
[Experience Gained: 30]
[Beast Points Gained: 2]
Screams erupted from the camp's entrance, shattering the night and sending his pulse racing as he was spotted. More Urvak warriors charged in his direction after spotting him skulking about like a thief in the night. Argo cut down another, his blade fast, but not quick enough, as a heavy blow struck him from behind, dropping him to his knees.
[Experience Gained: 30]
[Beast Points Gained: 2]
'Fuck!' he thought when a foot slammed into his ribs, sending him skidding across the dirt.
''Varna meat!'' an Urvak warrior sneered.
He grunted as the cannibal lifted him by the neck. With a twist, he suddenly drove his dagger into the enemy's throat. Blood sprayed, coating him as the warrior collapsed.
[Experience Gained: 30]
[Beast Points Gained: 2]
Athena swooped down, talons ripping out another's eyes. A distant horn echoed through the chaos, signalling help's arrival. ''The Varna Warriors,'' he muttered, staggering toward the cages, head spinning and neck throbbing.
Following that, he gazed at the cages, where a dozen people were held captive, his mother among them, alongside a small group of humanoids from the Mountain Tribe, Hollowfolk, their small stature and earthy demeanor bringing back memories of Hobbits from a book he'd read back on Earth.
He shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. His mother beamed when seeing him, but soon her expression changed to one of horror. A presence loomed. Before Argo could react, a boot crashed into his face, sending him sprawling. He hit the ground hard but managed to retaliate with a wild slash, his weapon biting through the enemy's legs.
Athena struck again, talons shredding flesh, drawing a scream from the enemy. Fueled by pain, rage, and fear. Argo surged to his feet, driving his dagger into the warrior's stomach with a flurry of strikes, each punctuated by a roar. But three more Urvaks swarmed, overwhelming him.
[Experience Gained: 30]
[Beast Points Gained: 2]
Pinned to the ground, he glimpsed Morgana trying to free herself. Just then, one of the Neanderthals raised a spear to stab him, but something lunged out of the darkness, killing the cannibal before dealing with the other two. Moments later, he was shocked when the Ghost in the Darkness appeared, letting out a low growl at the remaining two warriors.
The enemies were scared senseless, but the American Lion lunged, biting down on one of their necks as the other tried to help its comrade, only to get blocked by Athena, who tore at the Urvak's face, talons ripping his eyes out, allowing Argo to rush in on shaky legs, stabbing the man through the back, piercing his lungs.
Just then, Varna warriors rushed in and circled him as the Neanderthal dropped dead in front of them. Argo was covered in blood, looking wild as Athena landed on his shoulder and the Ghost in the Darkness appeared beside him. They looked at him like he was a devil, but he ignored them as the lion nudged his back.
[Do you accept the American Lion's bond request?]
Argo's eyes widened as he turned to the beast, questioning. ''Are you sure about this, boy?''
The creature nodded, prompting him to accept as he felt a connection form between them as the lion's yellow eyes turned blue, showing their bond was completed. Afterward, it stepped forward, growling at the Spear Hand Koros appeared, an angry expression crossing his face when seeing the scene.
Argo watched the older man level his spear at him. ''What is a Forsaken brat doing in a Urvak camp?''
Moments later, the American Lion let out a deep growl, stopping the fighting and scaring the Varna into backing off as they feared it. The beast was a legend among the warriors; that's when one of the people whispered. ''Is Morgana's child the Beast Master?!'
After hearing that, the crowd's noise swelled, a chaotic hum of gossip and gasps, but Koros cut through it with a sharp wave of his hand, his glare hushing them. Argo stepped toward the cage, his boots scuffing the dirt, the weight of every eye on him. His dagger flashed as he pried the lock apart, the wood groaning before it gave way.
The door creaked open, and his mother lunged forward, arms wrapping him in a desperate, bone-tight hug. Her face was a mess of worry, her breath hitching as she clung to him. But Argo froze, not knowing how to react in front of so many people. He hugged her back, only for her to step back seconds later.
Then, movement in the cage's shadow caught his eye. Someone else stepped out, slow and deliberate, a girl with wild red hair that burned like a sunset. Her emerald eyes hit him like a spark, bright. She dipped her head, a quick, respectful bow, and her voice came steady, cutting through the tense air.
''You saved us,'' she said, her words full of genuine gratitude. ''Those Urvak bastards were gonna gut us, but you and your beasts, you stopped 'em cold.''
Athena let out a sharp, proud hoot from his shoulder with a bright glint in her blue eyes. The lion grunted, shoving his massive head against his side, nearly knocking him off balance. Argo's hand dropped to the beast's thick black fur, fingers digging into the softness, and Kael answered with a purr that shook through his ribs.
Argo cleared his throat, the weight of the moment pressing against his chest. He stepped back, gently disentangling himself from his mother, and faced the redheaded girl. ''I'm Argo,'' he said, giving her a charming smile. ''I'm a part of the Forsaken.''
The words hung heavy, and a ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, their eyes widening at the name. It was a title steeped in whispers and fear, one that marked him as both outcast and legend. The girl's lips parted slightly, but her gaze didn't waver. She straightened, her chin lifting with a quiet pride.
''I'm Valka,'' she introduced herself, cutting through the crowd's stirring. ''Daughter of Nivara, Leader of the Varna Tribe.''
Gasps erupted around them, the Varna onlookers exchanging stunned glances. Valka ignored them, her emerald eyes locked on him. ''You didn't just save me, you saved some important elders today. Thank you, Argo.''
The gratitude in her voice hit harder than he expected, and Argo shifted, uncomfortable under the weight of her words. The crowd's noise grew louder, a mix of awe and disbelief, but Spear Hands Koros's sharp voice sliced through it all. ''Enough!'' he barked, stepping forward, his broad frame casting a shadow.
His eyes burned with something dark, jealousy, maybe, or suspicion. ''You've done your part, boy. Take your mother and go. Now.''
Argo's jaw tightened, but his mother's hand gripped his arm, her touch urgent. ''My son, please," she whispered, knowing they were outnumbered.
He turned, guiding her away from the cage, her steps unsteady but quick beside him. The crowd parted, their whispers trailing after them like ghosts. The American Lion lingered, his massive body rooted to the spot. His blue eyes fixed on Koros, a low growl rumbling deep in his throat, a warning that vibrated through the air.
The sound sent a shiver through the crowd, and even Koros faltered, his scowl wavering for a heartbeat. Only then did the beast turn, his tail flicking as he followed Argo and his mother into the shadows, his presence a silent promise that no one would dare pursue. When far enough away, Morgana turned to him.
''Where did the Ghost come from?'' she questioned, a curious glint in her eyes.
Argo chuckled, answering. ''I found him in the Swamps, he was injured, and I helped him using the Yellowtips like you taught me.''
The older woman laughed and ruffled his hair. ''Come on, let's get home. It's been a long day.''
Following that, the duo made their way home as Athena flew above and the lion stalked them from the shadows. Once he reached the little house built on the cliff, he sent the creatures back to the Beast Realm. They vanished, spooking his mother, but he ignored the questioning look she gave him and stepped inside.
The place was basic but enough for them, drying racks for meat lined one side with a pelt wall on the other. Their beds were separated by another skin. Argo approached it and slumped down, letting out a sigh of relief just as Morgana shouted. ''Thanks for the rabbit! I'll make us a stew for the morning!''