Argo watched the Nightclaw stare at him, amber eyes full of curiosity as it nodded. 'Okay, I shall join you, Beast Master,' her voice echoed in his mind.
A smile crossed his face as the giant leopard stepped forward, resting her forehead against his own as the skill activated, bonding the two, her gaze turning into the same blue, mirroring his own. Moments later, he felt her emotions, which were chaotic as the beast shivered when feeling the pain that washed across his body as he slumped down, causing it to support him.
[Quest Complete: 10 Beast Points + Healing Touch + Mana Atrribue]
When Argo saw this, his blue eyes widened as he pulled up the skill to read its description before he collapsed.
[Healing Touch: Uses points to heal the target - Cost: 4]
'How many Beast Points do I have,' he mused, causing the notification to pop up.
[Beat Points: 10]
Argo activated the skill and felt the serious injuries close, forcing him to let out a sigh as it hurt. Seconds later, he looked at Aslan and Athena, who appeared nearby, looking concerned as the Nightclaw began nudging her head against him, and now he noticed she had dark brown fur, speckled with blue thanks to their bond.
''Looks at you, girl, you look beautiful,'' he praised the leopard, who let out a purr that rumbled through his chest.
''Let me give you a name,'' Argo said, rubbing her fluffy ear. ''Artemis, the Nightclaw.''
When those words left his lips, her now blue eyes lit up as she suddenly licked his face, making him laugh. Following that, Argo stood up, stretching his sore limbs that snapped, but the cuts were gone, leaving behind a scar that impressed him. He glanced at Artemis. ''Damn girl, that hurt, but your claws are sharp.''
The leopard was happy. Just then, a jealous rumble echoed from behind him, causing Argo to turn to Aslan and wave him over. ''Come here,'' he said.
He pampered the two cats before standing up, rubbing their ears. ''Come on, I need to find some Skysilk Thread for the cord and maybe some Cavebat Wings, they are strong enough for the pouch.''
When the beasts heard this, Aethna was the first to speak, landing next to them. 'Those are from Storm Moths corrects?'
''They're,'' he answered, remembering what his mother told him over the years, drilling the words into his brain. ''I'll need to climb up one of the southern mountains before a storm starts.''
'I can climb with you, Ar,' Artemis suddenly offered.
Argo's head snapped toward the leopard and nodded. ''That would be good, those mountains are dangerous. Mother nearly died when a Storm Eagle swooped down on her, causing her to slip down the side of a drop, but she caught her footing.''
'You've been doing here in previous years?' Athena questioned, a curious park in her blue eyes.
''Yes, we were bothered when the Varna saw us, unlike the other parts of the valley,'' he revealed. ''It was hard for years, but once I grew up and could help her? And now she taught me everything before going to live her life.''
'I hope she's fine,' the Grey Owl replied, letting out a hoot and taking off.
Following that, Argo, Aslan, and Artemis continued through the forest as the two big cats flanked him, keeping away the other creatures. While trekking through the underbrush, the Nightclaw appeared, dropping a Bristlehare at his feet. He was surprised at the one-foot-long rabbit but thanked her.
''Thanks, girl,'' he praised.
Aslan huffed, causing Argo to glance at the lion and speak. ''Get me a Hog or something, I need to make new boots and a cloak.''
Hearing this, the American Lion's eyes lit up with excitement. It bounded forward, leaping over a stream with a flourish that drew chuckles from the others. Catching Artemis's gaze, he noticed her playful stance, her hindquarters swaying. With a pounce, she tackled him to the ground, licking his face as he clung to the rabbit, defenseless against her ambush.
''This isn't the time, girl!'' he exclaimed, pushing the big cat off him. ''What if a beast is nearby, ready to attack?''
'There isn't,' Athena suddenly spoke, voice laced with amusement.
Following that, Argo continued through the forest heading for the grasslands of the Southern Shores. While traveling through it, Aslan reappeared, carrying a massive Hog in his mouth as he spoke. ''Carry it until we find a place to camp, it's going to be night soon, and I don't want to face a group of Night Dogs.''
Once Argo finished speaking, he crested the final rise of the forest, his boots sinking into the soft earth as the dense canopy gave way to the sprawling savannah beyond. The Great Sea's briny scent lingered faintly, now mingling with the dry, sun-warmed aroma of tall grasses stretching endlessly before him.
Golden blades swayed under a restless breeze, their tips glinting like polished bronze beneath the late afternoon sun. Far on the horizon, the southern mountains loomed, their jagged peaks shrouded in storm clouds that flickered with distant lightning, a reminder of the perilous climb ahead.
Artemis padded silently at his side, her dark brown fur speckled as she scanned the land, eyes sharp with curiosity. Aslan flanked his other side, the lion's massive paws leaving shallow imprints in the dirt, his black mane ruffling as he let out a low huff. Above, Athena glided in lazy circles, her keen eyes scouted the savannah for threats.
He paused, throwing the rabbit from his shoulder to adjust its weight, its soft fur brushing against his neck. The savannah was alive, crickets chirring in the grass, the bellow of a grazing beast, the faint rustle of something small darting through the undergrowth. Argo's blue eyes narrowed as he studied the terrain, his mother's warnings echoing in his mind.
'The savannah hides its claws, Argo. Move carefully, or it'll swallow you whole,' she said many times throughout his childhood.
''Stay sharp, you two,'' he murmured to Artemis and Aslan, his voice low but firm.
The Nightclaw's ears flicked, and she pressed her flank against his leg, a soft purr vibrating through her. Aslan gave a playful nudge to his hip, nearly knocking him off balance. ''Easy, big guy,'' he chuckled, scratching the lion's mane. ''Save that energy for the Storm Moths.''
Athena's voice cut through his mind, crisp and laced with amusement. 'No moths yet, but there's movement to the west. Something fast, maybe a Grassfang.'
Argo's hand instinctively drifted to the dagger at his belt, its handle familiar under his calloused fingers. "Grassfang, huh? Hope it's not in the mood for a fight."
He glanced at Artemis, whose tail twitched with anticipation, her claws flexing into the earth. ''You ready, girl?''
The leopard's blue eyes gleamed, and her voice echoed in his mind, playful yet eager. 'Born ready, Ar.'
He grinned, then gestured toward a lone acacia tree in the distance, its branches casting a jagged shadow across the grass. ''We'll head for that tree, make camp before nightfall. Night Dogs roam these plains, and I'd rather not tangle with a pack.''
Aslan let out a grunt of agreement, his massive head swinging toward the tree as if already mapping the path while holding the Hog. Argo took a deep breath, the heat settling into his lungs, and stepped forward, the grass parting around him. ''Let's move,'' he said.
Following that, Argo's feet pounded against the dry earth, tall grasses whipping against his legs as he sprinted toward the tree. The sun hung low, urging him to reach shelter before nightfall. The big cats kept pace, their powerful strides easy compared to his own, while Athena's shadow flickered overhead, her wings slicing through the cooling air.
The trees grew closer, their sprawling branches promising shade and a moment's rest. As they neared, Argo's heart lurched, a sharp, guttural snarl split the air. His eyes snapped to Artemis, who had veered to the left, her blue-speckled fur bristling as she faced a smaller, wiry leopard.
The Grassfang's tawny coat blended into the savannah, its green eyes glinting. It lunged, claws flashing, but Artemis was faster. With a twist, she dodged its strike and countered, her massive jaws clamping around the Grassfang's neck. A sickening crack echoed across the plain as she snapped its spine with terrifying ease.
Argo skidded to a halt, his breath ragged, hand gripping his dagger. ''Artemis!'' he called, but the Nightclaw was already dragging the limp Grassfang toward him, its body leaving a faint trail in the grass.
Her blue eyes met his as her voice resonated in his mind. 'A snack for us beasts,' she explained, her tone almost casual, though a hint of pride lingered.
Aslan let out a low, approving rumble, his black mane catching the dying light as he sniffed the air, clearly delighted by the fresh kill. Athena swooped down, landing lightly on a low branch. 'Efficient,' she remarked, her voice dry but amused. 'Though you could've shared the fun.'