For a few seconds, the only sound that dared to exist within the meadow was the soft, crackling of the azure flames that lingered on the blackened grass. Not a single hint of the once mighty 'Apex predator' remained in the blackened region, even it's ashes were quick to billow away, as if their continued existence was an affront to the mighty Wyvern that had created them.

Soon, the silence was shattered to pieces as Omelette lifted his head high and let out an earth trembling roar, as if he was challenging the heavens to judge his actions. No such judgement came, however.

Lowering his gaze to the rest of the ambushing pack, he let out a huff of smoke from his nostrils in a clear statement that transcended species. A message of two simple words.

"Who's next?"

The ambushing pack trembled under his gaze. Legs shook, tails were firmly tucked between their legs and hairs stood up on the back of their necks. None dared to move, remaining like so until the Werewolf spoke once more. It's voice trembling and meek, not even daring to look Omelette in the eyes when it addressed him.

"B-brother, wh-what are you doing? We are here to free you the oppressors. Why do you attack us?"

{BROTHER?! You are no Brother of mine Mongrel! I have many Brothers, and many more to come. But you? You are NOTHING compared to them you mangy, flea ridden welp!}

Omelette roared back, causing the Werewolf to cower once more like a terrified puppy, his body trembling as if he was a Chihuahua instead of a Wolf. Although the Werewolf spoke English, Omelette instead spoke the language of the beasts. A shared language that was used by all beasts, regardless of their species or perceived intelligence.

Much like the weaver bird had the genetic memory and instincts on how to construct its nest, the language of the beasts came naturally to every beast, whether born or transformed, in this wondrous new world. For them it was as natural

It was mostly composed of a series of grunts, chirps, growls and various other subtle non-verbal signals that were beyond human detection range. Thankfully, the humans didn't need to pick up on these signals and struggle to translate them, or lament that they never chose the communication gift. For those bonded to beasts had the translations automatically streamed into their minds by their faithful companions.

Those without bonded beasts of their own simply had to rely on one of their comrades repeating what was being said, like an odd game of telephone.

This handy communication service was something that Seth seriously wished he knew was possible when he wanted to communicate with the fish people, which he had met when he was locked in that time warping pocket dimension.

Honestly, when he had returned to the city accompanied by that group of fish men, his mind had been massively overwhelmed by the events that had transpired, and everything that he needed to do, that their existence simply slipped his mind. Perhaps he would need to pay them a visit once more... Even if he didn't have Omelette, he still had his own translator on hand now that he had busted his personal spectre.

"I-I apologise if I offended you Bro- My friend, but did our brother deserve to die for such a mild offence? Surely you see this is for your best interest."

{My best interest? MY BEST INTEREST?! This man has raised me since I was a hatchling. He has raised me as his own, cared for me, fed me when he was starving and allowed me to taste so many delicious meats.

This man, is my Father. A man far beyond you and your kind, and that cat tried to kill him. I am the Roaming Shadow of Death You tried to kill MY FATHER, and you DARE to say that this is in my best interest?!}

Stepping over Seth, Omelette's claws dug into the ground and his footsteps rumbled the earth with every step as he made his way slowly over to the cowering Werewolf, none of the other beasts daring to stop his advance, lest they become the new targets of his ire.

The air around him shimmered with a soft heat haze, as if his entire body was ready to ignite in sheer rage.

Leaning down, he loomed his head over the shivering Werewolf, looking deep into its eyes as smoke billowed from his nostrils and curled around the wolves feet.

{So tell me, why should the next meat I taste not be yours? And choose your words very carefully, because they may be your last.}

{We come on orders of the Alpha!}

Omelette let out a rumbling growl, whipping his head to the side towards the beast that had dared to speak. It was not the Werewolf, who was closer to peeing itself rather than talking, but one of the Lioness' with the shimmering fur.

Astra's two headed wolf lunged forward, tackling the lioness off of its feet with a well placed shoulder barge, before placing a paw on the lioness' throat. One head glared down at the impudent lioness, while the other kept an eye on the surrounding beasts to make sure they didn't get any funny ideas.

{He wasn't speaking to you cat. Remember your place and wait your turn, we care nothing for your 'Alpha'}

However, these words weren't as true as the two headed wolf believed them to be. It took a few seconds for the translations to be passed around the group, but one voice quickly spoke up when they finally heard the subject of the discussion.

It was Juniper, Alfie's new 'companion', for lack of a better term.

"Alpha? Alpha?! They said they were from the Alpha? Wait wait wait, Don't kill them!"

She hurried forwards, pawing at Astra's Orthrus1 in a futile attempt to pull it off of the lioness. Without her 'masters' command, this was the most she was able to muster and unfortunately her quite literal twig arms were not strong enough to contest with a truck sized Orthrus like this.

Sensing the tension of the situation only growing instead of reducing, Juniper quickly turned her attention to Astra as she continued to pull at the fluffy body of the Orthrus, even as the foliage on her arms was slowly covered in a creeping frost.

"The Alpha is what they call their Elder, their King. He's their leader, the one my people have been working with in an attempt to bring down the Human God. He can help us."

Astra narrowed her eyes, scrutonising the wooden womans face before snapping her fingers.

"Snowball, release."

As soon as the order was given, the Orthrus immediately stopped growling and lifted its foot from the lioness' throat before padding over to Astra to beg for some well deserved scratches and pets.

Seeing the fearsome beast act so submissive and... loving towards the human oppressors, the beasts felt a mixture of emotions. But most of all, they were confused. Why were they being spared? Why did their brothers and sisters care so much about these humans and more surprisingly, why did the humans treat the beasts so well?

Every encounter they had with the pack of the Human God resulted in nothing but bloodshed and death, if they were lucky. Those unfortunate enough to be captured were beaten and broken, worked to the bone until they died. It was a horrible fate, especially for proud beasts such as them.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Juniper crouched down in front of the Lioness and gave her a warm smile. At least, as warm as she could make it since her wooden face would crack if she shifted it too much.

With Snowball the Orthrus translating for her, she spoke in a flowery and reassuring voice.

"I am Juniper, of the Bo'Garen forest. You may not have heard of me but I am your ally, as are these humans. They do not follow the Human God. I believe... they are here to kill him."

She glanced nervously over her shoulder, checking for any reaction or admonishment for such a statement. When none came, meaning that such words were most likely true, she let out a soft sigh of relief before continuing,

"I'm sorry about your companion, but I can assure you that we don't want anymore unnecessary bloodshed between us."

{You expect to kill the Human God, with this force? It is powerful, but far too small. No... This pack is not here to kill, but you are not with the Human God either. This much is clear.

You are here for a different purpose.}

Astra stepped beside Juniper, placing a hand on the Dryad's shoulder, as she chuckled softly. She looked down at the Lioness with an amused expression, although with her face it seemed more contemptible and haughty, as if she was looking down on it in more than one way.

"You're a clever one, aren't you? You're right, we do have another purpose. Tell me, have your people ever heard of Dragons?"

Mythological name for a two headed dog.