𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 [ʀᴡʙʏ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ ᴏᴄ]

Chapter 29

Flashback - Atlas Tundra

The frozen wind howled across the desolate tundra, a merciless expanse of ice and snow stretching endlessly under the dim glow of the shattered moon. Amidst the blizzard, a lone, hulking figure moved with predatory grace—massive paws leaving deep impressions in the snow, white fur blending seamlessly with the frozen wasteland.

It was the White Tiger.

Frost clung to its fur, ice crystals forming along its powerful limbs. Its breaths came out in heavy puffs of steam, the only sign of warmth in its otherwise cold, calculating existence. Hunger gnawed at its insides—not just for food, but for something deeper... something primal.

In the distance, the faint glow of floodlights pierced the snowy veil—a border outpost of the Atlas Military. A faint vibration under its paws hinted at moving vehicles, the promise of heat, of something alive.

The tiger's ears perked up, and with terrifying speed, it began its silent approach.

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Atlas Outpost - Perimeter Check

Soldier 1: "Command, this is Echo-3, perimeter sweep is clear—wait."

The soldier paused, narrowing his eyes through his snow goggles. A faint silhouette appeared just outside the perimeter, barely visible against the snow.

Soldier 1: "Is that... an animal?" he muttered, lowering his rifle for a better look.

Before he could react, the blizzard seemed to part for a brief moment, revealing gleaming, electric-blue eyes—cold, fierce, and inhuman.

CRASH!

The chain-link fence crumpled like paper as the beast lunged, snarling with savage fury. The alarm blared throughout the outpost as soldiers scrambled, shouting orders, weapons raised—but nothing could've prepared them for the feral onslaught that followed.

The White Tiger had arrived.

The chaos was deafening—shouts, gunfire, the blaring alarm mixing with the guttural roars of the White Tiger. Soldiers scattered, some retreating to defensive positions, others desperately firing at the beast, their bullets ricocheting harmlessly off its thick, dust-infused fur.

The tiger snarled, eyes blazing with untamed energy. Its claws ripped through barriers like paper, scattering men and machinery alike. It was an unstoppable force—until a sharp, distinct thwip cut through the pandemonium.

A single tranquilizer dart embedded itself deep into the tiger's shoulder. The beast roared in pain and rage, swiping wildly at its unseen attacker. Another thwip, then another—three more darts found their mark. Its movements slowed, limbs growing heavier as the tranquilizer took effect.

Operator: "Hold fire! Hold fire!" a commanding voice rang out through the radio.

The tiger staggered, shaking its head as though trying to resist the drug's pull. With a final, defiant snarl, it took one last step before its legs buckled beneath its massive frame. Its breathing slowed, shallow and ragged.

From the shadows, Ironwood emerged, flanked by a squad of elite operatives. His eyes narrowed as he studied the fallen creature with grim determination.

Iroonwood: "Secure the perimeter," he ordered coldly. "And prep the transport... We're taking it back to Atlas."

The beast lay still, snow gently covering its massive, unconscious form. The White Tiger's rampage had ended—for now.

Ironwood POV

The cold fluorescent lights of the Atlas Military Medical Facility flickered faintly as I stood outside the emergency room. The report on my scroll still read "Animal Attack", but the scene I witnessed hours earlier was anything but ordinary. What we brought back from the tundra wasn't just some wild beast—it was something... different.