Asch
Legacy Name: Asch

The guild is in Arctic Frost, searching for a reported ice monster seen by residents. However they are deep in the Polar Ice Fields, and night comes early as well as a blizzard. Lost in the snow and wind, the guild are struggling with the elements. Sven and Teba weaken first, before Hanji and Haluk start to slow down as well. Elfric, being a Glacier Kumos naturally, and Valtam, who is accustomed to this weather having lived on mountain ranges before, are managing to hang in there, but Val notices his companions faltering fast.

"Commander, we need to locate shelter, the others aren't going to make it," Val yelled loudly as the wind around the ram whipped fiercely. Elfric turned to face his lieutenant.

"I've been trying, we're heading for the mountain range. Out here in the field it is barren," Elfric hollered back. The blowing snow stung his eyes.

"Are you even sure of the direction we're going?"

"If we continue this way, we should be close to hitting the range and find shelter."

"If we continue this way, we will all die."

Elfric looked past Val. He could see Hanji bundled tightly in a blanket, on the back of Haluk, her normally jubilant energy frozen and worn down. Haluk's legs shook from fatigue. Sven and Teba lagged behind, leaning on each other for support, exhausted and hungry. Elfric was considering Val's words, and as he did so, he failed to notice an approaching shadow on his right side. Valtam however immediately noticed and sprang forward, past his commander, invigorated with the last of his energy to fight off the enemy.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, um, hi? I don't want to hurt you," the stranger stuttered as he backed up to avoid Valtam's razor-sharp horns. It may have been nighttime, and even with the snow and wind pricking everyone's eyes, they could make out the shape of the stranger. He was a feline, a rather large stocky fellow, with crystals around his eyes and poking out from his back. "Are you a Celinox?" Elfric questioned.

"Yes, I am! I've lived here in Ytiva my entire life. But in all my years I have never seen a group such as yourselves. I have a cave nearby and saw you traversing through this weather. You guys don't seem equipped to handle this type of storm in your current state. If you'd like, I would invite you to rest in my cave, warm up near a fire, eat and wait until morning," the Celinox offered.

Valtam warily eyed the big cat. "Commander, what is your decision?"

Elfric sighed. He had read about Celinoxes before, and while they were generally much smaller than the Tigrean, this one was abnormally large for its species. And he had saberteeth, also a feature not normally seen in the breed. In his mind, he knew how dangerous this potentially was, but his tired body shivered from the wind gusts, his face ached from being blasted by snow crystals, and his empty stomach growled impatiently.

"We shall follow you, we need the help," Elfric calmly accepted.

He would have to trust his remaining strength should this big cat turn on them. He knew he had at least Valtam to rely on as well for backup.

"Let's get going then! I'm Asch by the way."

"Elfric, and likewise, I'm worried about the youngsters back there," as the wolf pointed to the pair of brothers who weakly shivered, either from the frigid cold or the intimidation of the creature before them.

"I hunted earlier today and still have some meat leftover. It was a nice size antlephore and her twin fawns," Asch explained. Despite the noise of the wild wind around them, Valtam swore he heard Haluk gulp nervously.

The group struggle their way to Asch's cave, and when they get there, Asch immediately sets about stoking the flames of the small fire burning weakly after he left it unattended earlier. It isn't long before the cave is brightly illuminated with warmth. Elfric can't help but note how clean the place is. Despite the evidence of a fresh kill piled off to the side of the fire, it was relatively spotless. He could also see Asch more clearly now as well. He had a grey front and white stripes on his side that blended with the greys until turning into all white on his rear. He wore a necklace with multiple fangs hanging off of it. It was also notable that Asch was heavily scarred all over his body. Two jagged marks ran down his right shoulder, while his left side primarily seemed to be covered in claw marks. Were the fangs he wore around his neck the prizes of his victims?

"Oh...err, I'm sorry, I do not have anything acceptable for you," he nodded to Valtam before he looked to Haluk, "or for your horse." Haluk was settled with Hanji near the fire, but as close to the entrance as possible as well, ready to bolt if he felt he was in danger. Hanji sneezed as she shivered heavily, warmth finally coming back to her. She seemed indifferent to Asch otherwise, or she was too cold to say anything in protest. Sven and Teba were curled around each other, their backs to Asch, but were listening intently as their commander and one of their lieutenants conversed with the big cat."It's alright, we do have some food packed away for us, though it's probably completely iced over. Still, it will suffice," Valtam reassured. He kept his guard up but even he was beginning to relax as the heat from the fire soothed his joints. He hadn't realized how tired he had become after all.

"I will gather some old anyu pelts that you can use to bundle up under, they will protect you from the cold if the fire goes out. It's normally not this windy, I promise!" Asch lightly chuckled.

"That is very generous of you, Asch. We are grateful for your generosity overall," Elfric thanked. His stomach growled angrily.

"Would you like to eat? Your stomach could rival the sound of my roar," Asch teased. Elfric felt the last of his tension subside as he smiled in response, nodding more eagerly than he intended too. If Asch had intended to eat them, he would have done so by now, and not continue to make light conversation and crack a joke here and there. Elfric had not met many felines around Subeta, except maybe a snooty Feli here or there. Asch had made a good first impression, and the wolf felt they were safe for the night with this friendly cat.

The group settles in for the night, finally warm, bellies full and begin to open up to Asch. Soon, everyone begins to fall sleepy, and Asch excuses himself to the cave entrance. Valtam and Elfric exchange looks of confusion, but Elfric decides he will talk a little bit longer with Asch, while Val gets some much needed rest. He stays alert though in case of trouble. The ram had sharp reflexes.

"Thank you again, Asch, for allowing us to stay here," Elfric began, as Asch laid down.

"Hey no problem! It's not often I get visitors, if at all to be honest. I had no idea what a Neela was. He's a very cool guy. But I uh...need to sleep here though. It's better if you guys stay near the fire too. You know, cause it will shield the flames from the wind out here!" Asch explained, though Elfric could sense rising nervousness from the cat. It caused his own uncertainty to seep through his own body, but he hid it well he hoped.

"Yes, the wind is rather wicked. Stay warm as well," Elfric wished the big cat, and turned back towards his guildmates. He laid near Haluk, close to the bag that held his weapon set, should he need to use it.

The night progresses quietly, and soon the fire slowly begins to die out. Everyone is in a deep sleep. Meanwhile, Asch is awake, uneasy as he stares out into the fields below. He perks up suddenly, seeing two approaching figures coming closer. Asch stands, tail tucking in between his legs. No..., he thinks to himself, not tonight, please.

He slowly walks down from his perch to meet these two visitors. They are also Celinox, bigger than even Asch. They're also heavily scarred.

"So Ass, did you finally find a lover after all these years? You never light your cave's fire this late," one Celinox, reddish in colouration with green crystals, spoke.

"Ridge, Cliff, this uh...well, I uh...." Asch sputtered anxiously. He couldn't find the words he wanted.

"Hahahaha, it must be, Ridge, poor asshole's practically speechless! So who is the lucky lady? Do we get to meet her?" Cliff, a darker grey than Asch and with black crystals, sneered. Ridge grinned as well. Asch lowered his head, ears pinned, trying his best to be intimidating.

"I...I have to a-ask you to leave. It's none of your business tonight," he growled weakly. Ridge and Cliff laughed.

"Well, Cliff, do you feel like this is now our business?" Ridge stepped forward confidently.

"Yes, I think we DO need to make it our business," Cliff agreed, standing much taller, towering over Asch's smaller figure. Asch backed up, growling as aggressively as he could sound, but the two invaders did not back down. Asch swatted at them, but Cliff dodged and pounced to pin down Asch. Ridge roared defiantly at the smaller cat.

The sounds wake up Elfric and the others sleeping in the cave. Val immediately readies himself and El grabs his Cronus Blade out of the bag. Elfric motions to Hanji to move herself and the others to the back of the cave and wait. The four of them are still weakened, so she does not argue with the decision. The wolf and ram wait and watch.

Outside, the three cats are in a scuffle. Asch is caught in the middle as the two larger Celinox swipe at him and grab at him with their fangs. It isn't long before Asch is bloodied and covered in gashes while the other two remain in good condition. In order to try and regain some ground, Asch manages to escape the two's encirclement and heads back to the cave. The intruders are quick though and catch up to continue to beat down on him. Ridge has Asch pinned down again, while Cliff stops and sniffs.

"I smell a lady but it's not of our kind. smells like a pipsqueak in fact," he exclaims and looks inward to the cave. He steps forward, curious.

"NO! Don't go in there! Leave them alone!" Asch cried out, as Ridge bites down on his scruff and yanks him back.

"Them? Mmmmm so it's a feast instead," Cliff darkly chuckles, claws ready to sink into the flesh of whatever Asch was guarding. a glint of silver flashes towards Cliff though, careening into him with so much force, he suddenly finds himself pinned against the cave wall with the air knocked out of his lungs.

"Cliff?!" Ridge calls out, letting go of Asch's neck. The grey cat limply falls to the ground, alive, but badly injured from the assault. He can't believe his eyes though, and wonders if he's dreaming. Valtam has Cliff pinned to the wall just by his strangely shaped horns, a hoof on the cat's chest to hold him in place. Ridge roars and runs toward Val, ready to pounce, but Asch sees the ram calmly stay put. A blur of white leaps forward and swiftly knocks Ridge off his feet with the swipe of a jagged blade. Elfric is there with the blade pressed deeply into Ridge's neck, threatening to slice off his head in one swift motion.

"Val, you're strong enough to handle yours right?" Elfric snarls, as Ridge lays there, stunned and afraid to move as he can feel the blade's teeth pierce his hide. Blood pours out immediately.

"Plenty, commander," the ram confirms as he pulls back his head to remove his horns from the wall and proceeded to stab Cliff through the chest. The terrified cat splutters blood and gasps for air.

"Wait! Please, we'll leave, and never come back. W-we want nothing to do with you!" Ridge pleads. The Cronus blade seems to growl with impatience with its master hesitating.

"With your friend's wounds, you will never come back is right. I shall spare your life, and let the storm claim you both," Elfric growled lowly, gently lifting the blade off Ridge's neck. Val complies with his commander's wishes, and drops Cliff to the ground. The two cats quickly scramble to their feet, with Cliff still gasping for breath, and the two disappear into the blinding snow as promised.

Val turns his horns to Asch. "Sir, with all due respect, I believe we have been led into a trap," he starts, glaring at injured Celinox.

"No...I-I was trying t-to stop th-them...they w-w-were going to eat you," Asch breathed out erratically. There's movement in the back of the cave, and Hanji rushes out, Haluk, Sven and Teba carefully maintaining distance, but armed and ready as well.

"Commander, do you believe him?" Hanji spits hotly, glaring at Valtam. "Asch has been nothing but kind. You heard him: 'leave them alone' he said. Does that sound like someone who intended to trap and kill us?!" she exclaimed. Val clicked his tongue, but turned his head away from Asch.

Elfric considered, before looking to Haluk. He motioned for the bag near the now burnt out fire. Haluk hesitated, but gave in. He hooked the bag to his antler and handed it to his brother. Elfric digs around before finding a flask of healing potion. He pours it into Asch's mouth, urging him to swallow it. Warmth floods the cat's body and he gasps fresh air, shocked and blinking wildly in confusion. The wounds dissipate from his body, closing immediately, leaving only blood stains behind. He sat up, taken aback.

"They'll come back. They'll come back to kill me if you leave," he shudders, terrified as he glances around to everyone.

"Pfft, that one cat'll bite the dust considering our lieutenant impaled him pretty good, probably right through the lungs," scoffs Sven as he steps closer, patting Val on the back. The ram ignores the gesture, but can't help but beam with pride at the praise.

"Even if he did, Sven, the other only has a cut on his neck. Asch is right, the one named Ridge will certainly come back for retaliation," Teba argued, as he sat back comfortably. The tension in the air was disappearing.

"We can't stay here. We've had no luck in finding that snowbeast the locals were frightened about, and still have to keep looking," Val explained to the cream kumos. Teba sighed and nodded in agreement.

"What snowbeast?" Asch questioned with a head tilt.

"It's called Frystgaard, supposedly a creature seldom seen, but has been seen most recently around a small village. They do not know if the beast is truly dangerous and have asked us to look into whether it is or not," the Jollin shared. Hanji had pulled out her notebook with a crude drawing of the snowbeast mentioned and showed it to Asch. He studied it carefully.

"That old guy? Yeah, he's around these parts. In fact this storm is probably his doing. He makes blizzards appear suddenly and tries to disorient his victims so that they freeze to death. Then he consumes them. But if you possess fire, he will stay away. It's one reason we light fires in our caves among my kind, to ward off Frystgaard."

"But why would he be approaching villages?" asked Elfric.

"That is unusual. There's old magic in place to keep Fryst from bothering the natives, but it could be wearing off, or Fryst is growing in strength. We would need to find him and weaken him. We cannot kill him though because he maintains the temperature as well. Without Fryst, the land would melt and probably dry up into an arid desert," Asch explained further.
"I could help you find him, but I'm afraid I'd be of no use otherwise. I'm...not a battler. I know how you guys looked at my scars, probably wondering how many warriors I've fought against and killed. The answer is none. I'm the one the warriors will pick on. I am their punching bag. I am a shameful member among my kind," the big sadly lamented. Everyone looked to one another, Hanji silently pleading to Elfric.

"Then after you help us find Frystgaard, you should come back with us and join our guild," Elfric offered. Val rolled his eyes up to the ceiling, while Teba and Sven perked up with interest. Hanji smiled greatly, and Haluk flicked his ears as if he were fidgeting nervously where he stood.

"Really? What could i do with your guild?" Asch wondered.

"We could help with training you to be much stronger. And you could probably provide skills none of us are capable of. You'd also be safe from being picked on by your own species," Hanji encouraged. "5 bucks foxface tries to run science experiments on him," muttered Sven to Teba, quietly so he was unheard. Teba shoved him in the shoulder playfully but also firmly to remind Sven to not say such things.

"I would like that. I would like that a lot. I've never had friends. You'd all be my actual firsts!" Tears welled up in Asch's eyes. He had truly been alone for years on the mountain. As much as he loved his home, he could not keep living with fear of rival Celinox and other monsters that roamed. Large packs of Telenines have been known to kill a Celinox even.

"Then you're coming with us!" Hanji cheered.

"Right after he helps us track down the abominable snowbeast," Sven laughed. Everyone laughed as well in agreement, even Haluk, despite his reservations, could not help himself.

Ref sheet, lines by kique7 on Deviantart

By Kajirra on Deviantart!