Under The Mistletoe (Christmas DNF)

Chapter 12 - Beasts

Dream and George rode together as they felt an eerie chill. From the cold and from being watched

"It's starting to set," Dream said as he noticed the sun was setting. They were already away from the village, and going back will be harder

"Let's just...rest here," George shuddered as he looked to see there was no cave nor nothing. Just trees and flat land with some snow

Dream slipped down from Spirit as he patted her side. She lied down as Dream smiled, "We could use them for now."

George did the same thing as Chocolate laid beside Spirit. Both horses closed their eyes as Dream and George cuddled close

They used their coats as blankets and George cuddled closer to the blonde. "I'm cold," he whined as Dream hugged him tight

They felt cold wind hit them as they shivered and cuddled deeper. If it were colder, they'd have a frostbite by now

The next morning, both heard a panicked whinny from the horses. They both stood up as they noticed wolves surrounding them

"Gray wolves," George said as he drew his bow out. Dream took his sword out as both princes noticed they were surrounded by a pack of 8

"We're screwed," George mumbled as Dream growled, "We're not!" He charged at a wolf as he slashed at its muzzle

It whimpered as George aimed and took his shot. He hit straight on the wolf's side as it whimpered and limped away

The other wolves snarled as Dream swung around, keeping the wolves away. The horses stood on their hind legs and stomped the ground, keeping the wolves away from them

George heard a roar as he noticed a white giant cat jump over him and land onto the wolf. It bit into its neck as the other wolves charged at the cat

"No way!" George said as the cat growled and pounced on the wolves, dodging their attacks as it attacked them at the same time

It hissed as the wolves fled. The cat turned to look at George as it growled, walking slowly towards him

"Easy there," George said as he took out one hand and backed away slowly. The cat sniffed and looked at the human. It purred and let him pet it

"George! You alright?" Dream asked as he noticed the cat on top of George, licking him as George was laughing

"I made a new friend!" he said gleefully as the cat sat up. "A snow leopard?! I thought they're extinct!" Dream exclaimed as George giggled, "I know! Isn't she adorable?"

The leopard purred as it circled George, rubbing its head on him. "I will name you Winter!" George said as the leopard purred

Dream: Now we have a new companion!

George: And I can understand it!

Dream: What?

George: The necklace I gave you and the one Sophie gave me have a bit of magic! It gives us the ability to talk to animals!

Dream: Let's see. Nice to meet you, Winter!

Winter: Pleasure to meet you

Dream gasped as he laughed, "Wow! You talk!" Winter purred, "I could, or would you rather hear me growl?"

George petted her, "Talking is better." Winter sighed, "But only you two can understand me. The other humans will only see us as if we were meowing, growling, hissing, and so on."

Dream: So what's with the wolves?

Winter: You are on their lands

George: And we were their meal?

Winter: Of course! I noticed you two and thought of saving you. Though my first plan was to hunt you both, but then I noticed the collars you were wearing

George: They're necklaces, and thanks

Dream: How did you know it had magic?

Winter: Thanks to him

She looked at the mini hill, where a white wolf stood. Its fur was in the purest of white, blending in very well with the snow

It howled as Dream walked forward. The wolf hopped down and walked towards him. "I sense you're trying to get to that mountain," the wolf nudged up

Dream looked to see the mountain they were headed to. "We are, and would you like to help us?"

The wolf bowed, "I will, but only for you." Dream smiled, "I will name you North!" The wolf bowed, "Thank you for the name."

North followed Dream as both met George. "I have a pet wolf! An arctic wolf!" Dream exclaimed as he bent down and hugged the wolf's neck

It nuzzled with Dream as George smiled, "We must go to the next village, can you lead us the way?" 

North and Winter walked in front of them. "Get on your horses and we'll take you," Winter said as North howled

The horses sprinted behind the giant dog and cat as they dashed and swerved the forest. They finally slowed down as George smiled, "Dream! We're here!"

Dream slid down as both walked towards the village. North and Winter stayed close to their owner as they tied their reins to a fence

"Do you hear that?" North asked as his ears twitched. The princes could hear people singing. It was December, but not Christmas

"Singing?" George asked as he heard the melody crescendo. "Let's check it out! And get some collars for them," Dream said as he pointed at their beasts