Chaos of Elements

Beyond The Ice

Rosalie's POV

As we made a run for it, my paws throbbed with exhaustion. Running at full speed was challenging as the wind slashed against my fur. The fear brewed within me, whispering doubts about my survival. Yet, when Yuna's voice pierced through the chaos, commanding us to jump, a surge of determination coursed through my veins.

I summoned every ounce of strength as I launched myself into the air, mimicking the graceful arc of the others. For a fleeting moment, I felt weightless, as if I were flying. However, reality swiftly intervened when only half of me cleared the gaping chasm, resulting in a brutal impact on the other side.

Gasping for air, I clung desperately to the edge, my lungs burning with the effort. Glancing back, I saw the impending doom creeping closer, swallowing the path we traversed. Panic gnawed at me, a desperate yelp escaping, seeking salvation. In my darkest moment, Yuna turned back, defying the encroaching chaos to offer her aid. As he pulled me to safety, I couldn't help but feel so ever grateful to her. 

As we both turned our heads, the chaos got closer and closer.

Yuna insisted that I go on to catch up with the pack. With concentration, she summoned er power and used her strength to safeguard them from the encroaching avalanche. She selflessly chose to stay behind, sacrificing herself for the greater good. The realization of her action soon weighed heavily on us, as we realized she was about to be swallowed by it. But, that gaze... it was something I've never seen before till now.

She had this unexplainable look, something that tells you that everything, no matter how dangerous or bad it gets, things would be alright. It was also a look of trust. Something that was so hard to even find in this harsh world.

Looking down in the abyss where she had fallen below, all of us were in complete shock and panic began to surge within us. Shadow, whose ominous presence loomed over us, exuded a malevolence gaze that set my fur on end. Yet, Sage and Sparrow, formed a protective shield around me, thwarting his sinister intentions.

Despite the bleakness of our situation, a flicker of hope ignited within us. We couldn't allow despair to take hold; we needed to hold onto the belief that Yuna was out there, alive, waiting to be found.

Our journey continued, fraught with uncertainty and peril. With each step taken, we vowed to find her, to reunite our shattered pack and restore light to a world drowning in shadows.

                                                                                               ***

Slowly waking up, Yuna's senses came back to her in a haze. The unfamiliar atmosphere gave her a jolt when a circle of wolves greeted her with intense stares. Their eyes held a frigid intensity, making her shiver despite the warmth of the soft animal skin blanket enveloping her.

Missing her trusted big leaf, a surge of panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she managed to compose herself and politely addressed them. "Who are you? And what happened to my big leaf?", she questioned in a worried yet polite tone. The wolves exchanged glances before they stepped forward, introducing themselves, followed by Kita, Bohdi, Eira, and Zev, collectively known as the Ice Element.

Still puzzled by the situation, she inquired about her whereabouts, prompting Kita to explain. Hunger abruptly gnawed at her stomach, her dilemma became evident, earning sympathy from the wolves who offered to find her something to eat.

Zev entered the dank cave, carrying a few pieces of fish. "Here. Not sure if you'll like them but go ahead and give it a try. It's all we have for now," he moved the fish in front of her. Taking a bite, she quickly devoured it within seconds. She was famished. "Sorry, I haven't eaten much during my time here. I've noticed food is very scarce. I don't know how you guys survive," Yuna expressed her concern, her eyes pleading for understanding.

"We have our ways," Kita replied cryptically, her gaze fixed on her. "Do you have any more food to spare? I want to make sure my pack gets fed too," she asked, her thoughts already drifting to her fellow wolves. "Yes, we do. Hopefully, it's enough to fill them up," Kita assured her. A glimmer of relief crossing her features. "If I may ask, are there more wolves out there?" she wondered, her curiosity piqued by the number of their pack.

"They're here, but not in large numbers. Some have separated to find another place to settle and try to decrease the strain on our resources," Kita explained sympathetically, her tone soft yet imbued with the weight of their struggles. "It's been tough for all of us."

Her ears drooped sadly. "How many are left in the clan?", she asked. "About twenty," Kita answered, with a tinge of tension, knowing their element was close to extinction. "I'm sorry," Yuna whispered, her empathy reaching out to these wolves who welcomed her despite the inherent risks.

"Don't be. Besides, it's best to just keep moving forward. Also, here's your leaf, just what you had asked for earlier," she motioned one of her fellow wolves to place the leaf on the ground near her. A momentary warmth softened the atmosphere, when a sudden loud, deep howl was heard.