Fate Weaver's convergence

C68 Opening breeze, fading flowers 14 2/2

"Our best chances are staying on the defense. Granted if they all decide to move at once, we're done for anyway. But that'll come at the cost of probably one... no, two of them being lost."

Vaughn gulped at my assessment.

"How are you feeling, Kiyomi?"

Beryl asked, possibly checking on my condition after just nearly passing out.

"Better, thanks to you Ber'..."

It was silent between the three of us for but a moment before I thought it best to get a thought off of my chest. In case the worst outcome came to pass.

Unknowingly, but I lured these two out here... they wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for me.

"Hey, uh... Beryl."

"Y-yeah?"

Beryl responded, looking over her shoulder for a moment.

"Sorry... about the garden... I just wanted to cheer you up... I can't say much to how you really feel... but-"

Beryl nudged back at my shoulder as she looked back to her lane of Wolverines.

"No, I'm sorry. You were just trying to help... I was still shaken over the thing with the Bulette."

Beryl's voice sounded like it would crack if she continued speaking without pausing.

"It was nice, we should go back when we're home. Y'know, after your Mamma lets you see the light of day again after this."

Beryl joked, attempting to alleviate the mood. A first for her, but it was welcome as Vaughn let out a soft chuckle. As we all had our small laugh, one of the Wolverines lurched forward, attempting to find an opening. With all three of us startled and bringing our guards up in response, the pack restrained itself. With our guard now up, I nudged Beryl.

"Think you can manage some kind of magic?"

"Mn-mm. I can try, but no guarantees. But-"

Beryl shifted her tail, her form moving to that of a rattlesnake warning a predator.

"I can hit the hell out of them with my tail. It'll just hurt really bad... and it's risky."

"Hm hm, try your best to only do so if I or Vaughn are compromised. The last thing I want is you getting mauled cause I slipped up."

Each of us stared at our respective Wolverine, eyeing them for any sign of movement.

Think, if we can't sit here all day... we need to dupe them... but-

I looked to the alpha that slowly wandered around us until it was in m periphery.

I need to make sure that one doesn't get close. I may have a chance, but they won't.

"Hey, Kiyomi."

"Hmm?"

Vaughn grabbed my attention.

"I think I have a plan, how's your throw?"

Vaughn asked, looking to me over his shoulder.

"What do you mean?"

Vaughn nodded to the ground. Looking down, he nudged a rock towards my front with his heel.

"You should be strong enough to plant that right between the eyes on one, right? Maybe wing it at least?"

He wants me to- I might be able.

Taking my sword by its grip into my right hand, I slowly knelt down without breaking eye contact with my Wolverine. Picking up the rock, I got a feel for its size as my fingers curled around it.