Ares stood by the Blood, his sharp gaze never leaving the healer’s frantic movements. The storm had begun to howl around the camp like a hungry beast, and though he felt the chill biting through his fur, his mind stayed focused on the task at hand.

Blood snapped at him to help, and Ares moved with a quick, no-nonsense efficiency. His paws were heavy with the weight of the storm pressing against them, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he stepped forward and grasped the carcass’s hide with his teeth, tugging gently but firmly as Blood worked the pelt away. Ares’ claws flexed against the stone floor of the den, his breath steady despite the cold seeping into his bones. He could hear Blood’s teeth grinding, feel his impatience radiating off him, but Ares was unmoved. He kept his focus sharp, ensuring that the skin would remain intact.

The blizzard roared, snow whipped through the cracks in the den, but the Crown’s mind remained locked on the task. He wasn’t here to talk, wasn’t here to comfort—only to help.

The scent of the storm lingered in the air, thick and heavy. The pack of cats that would soon be forced to shelter in the dens—Ares’ thoughts briefly flickered to them—needed every resource they could get. If the weather had any say in their fate, it would be another cruel reminder that nothing in their mountain home came easily.

His paws worked quickly, almost mechanically as he helped maneuver the heavy body. His muscles ached from the strain, but his focus never wavered.

When the task was nearly finished, Ares could hear Blood’s tremors. The healer had never been one for the cold, and it was clear the weather was taking its toll. But there was no time for weakness. There never was. The Atari needed every paw they could get, and if Ares had to drag Blood through the storm to make sure they had what they needed, then that’s what he’d do.


____________________________________

Ares stood tall, his sharp gaze scanning the camp. The wind had begun to settle, but the storm's damage was still visible all around them. The harsh winds had knocked down branches and scattered rubble throughout the camp’s clearing. His muscles ached from the tension, but the work was far from over.

"Listen up, ATARI," Ares barked, his voice carrying through the quiet aftermath of the storm. "The storm’s passed, but we’ve got damage to inspect. If you need rest or any medical help, stay behind. I don’t want any half-crippled cats out there risking more than they can handle." His eyes hardened, checking each cat in turn. He wasn’t asking for heroes today, he was asking for those who could contribute to the survival of the tribe. The storm was brutal, and if they weren’t careful, death would claim more of them.

He paused to let the weight of his words settle in, then he continued, his voice even, almost clinical. "We’re checking our territory first. See if prey is out, and we need to ensure the fake camps are still intact, or if there are any threats lurking in the damaged landscape."

Ares’s gaze hardened as he moved forward, quickly organizing the patrols. "Crimson," he called, his eyes flicking to the Claw. "Take Thistle and Gaia with you. Head out into the general territory and look for anything still breathing. You won’t find much, but we need to know what’s left after that storm. Catch anything your find, let me know if there’s anything at all"
( @Hex + @c1nder + @Beaan )

His gaze shifted toward Willow, already mentally checking the next patrol. "Willow, lead Cosmo to head out and do a short hunt as well. Take it easy. We need to check the immediate areas for any signs of danger. We can’t afford to have predators lurking in the wreckage."
( @/crow. + @/olliebones )

Ares didn’t wait for acknowledgment; he moved forward, eyes sharp. "Nephthys, Lightning, and Fossa," he called out, "Check the closer fake camps. I want those clear of any intruders seeking coverage. The snowstorm left plenty of hiding places for any rogue cats looking for shelter. There’s a couple of camps down the mountain too if you want a challenge. Be smart. If it’s too risky, don’t push it."
( @/Idiotic.Bean101 + @/Mr_Possessive + @/Dizerel )

Turning toward the other cats, Ares fixed his gaze on Rook. "Rook, take Blair and Jade. Check the trails n’ pathways around the mountain. See if any debris or tree’s n’ branches fell. Report any damage back to me"
( @/crow. + @/Ssaki + @/Craneflight )

He let the names settle in, his eyes scanning the cats before he added, "Start your patrols and report back to me when you're done. If you have any concerns or run into trouble, don’t wait. Call for backup." There was no room for mistakes. Ares’s eyes narrowed slightly as he stood at the center of camp, waiting for his cats to return with news. The Atari were strong—but they would need to stay strong to weather whatever came next.



DUE : MAY 10TH - there should be lots of damage, the few trees fallen, rubble around, minimal prey should be found! less then 2-3 pieces preferable!