What was left of the settlement of Oakridge was completely devastated. The fields of tall frost-born plants, which once allowed the area to prosper in the years since the frost began, were now trampled by the feet and paws of civilians and animals alike as they attempted to flee their impending demise. Whatever was left of the crops sagged into the frigid waters that resulted from the densely-packed melted snow. The tall and stout wall which ran along the perimeter of the settlement slowly crumbled inward. Pieces of rubble, large and small alike, fell into the water below like hail or sailed through the roofs of various buildings. Pillars of earth rose up from the water, some so tall they nearly seemed to rival the very walls in height. Crumpled, dead bodies of warriors, civilians, and animal floated among the debris in the knee-high waters.

This was what happened when you came across the great and powerful Colossi, the god-like creatures of stone that had come to terrorize the world ever since the eve of the eternal frost. To say the least, this was a common sight for many to witness. Death, destruction… complete devastation. All of which began with a repetitive set of actions on the Colossi's part, which did nothing to stave off the people who walked around like nothing was wrong.

For months there would be no sightings of the creatures. Then maybe one would shamble up, just close enough that the most eagle-eyed scout atop the walls could catch a glance at it before it disappeared from sight. As if it was simply a foul trick of the mind. And not too long later, maybe a month or two, when all in the settlement would perceive its sighting as false, they would appear again. The great stone monstrosities would let loose a wail or scream which was distorted and almost unrecognizable as something from an ordinary creature of this world. Just the destruction wrought by their voices would result in many deaths.

The warriors stationed throughout the settlements would fight to the best of their ability, however, it was always obvious that they were no match. The almost translucent magic harvested from small gems carried on their person would light the war-torn battlefield which had become of the settlement. Seemingly-strong-looking barriers deployed whenever one of the Colossi’s limbs came forward. However, the barriers were weak against the creatures and eventually gave way to the great beasts onslaught. The warriors’ bodies were thrown into various buildings where they still remained even at the end of the battle, groans and wails of pain escaped their lips as the healers attempted to patch up the wounded to the best of their ability.

All but one of the young warriors.

Hildr sighed as he clutched a bloody, light green gem to his side. Its pale glow illuminated the wound, which slowly brought the torn pieces of skin together and mended the wound enough that it no longer proved to be a danger. The wound was one he received from the creature who waded through the water at his side. The feline-like beast still followed him, whimpers and whines escaped its lips every so often.

However, the man couldn't blame the animal, after all, it only tore into him by accident when it went flying through the air, propelled by the roar of one of the two human-looking Colossi. In other words, his wounds were minimal compared to the others who likely wouldn't be so easily fixed by the magic within the crystal gems they carried.

The man stopped after a few moments, looking around him once again. The picture of the strange stone beasts still etched in his mind as he looked to the destroyed walls around the settlement. It was strange, or maybe terrifying, to him how their stone features looked so close to any women from his village. Right down to the ornate masks carved into their features. And their garbs seemed to be like a piece of fine cloth which was dropped over their bodies. All of it caused the male to wonder how stone creatures like that had an appearance that was almost too realistic to be stone.

But, at the same time, he had heard plenty of other descriptions of the creatures, from men with long fluffy beards to warrior-garbed men and women… even animals.

The male pushed the thought away as he witnessed a young woman near his age run past him. The girl, known only as Brigid, skidded to a stop near a large black lump of fur situated on a small slab of earth. Strange huff-like noises echoed from its mouth as she tried to heal its injuries. A few of the other healers only scowled or glared at her actions.

“We'll never win at this rate, we'll all just wind up dying. Even the poor animals. ” The male grumbled to himself, dropping the now dull gem into the water before he grabbed up the strange feline who had looked on at the situation with sadness. Its long, prehensile tail wrapping around his abdomen as he carried it towards the rear gate. Upon arriving at the girl's side he stopped. His gaze locked on the large water-bear as it made the funny huff noise. The gem in the hand of the red-headed female slowly grew dim. The bear rolled from its side and slowly staggered into a standing position. Its body more than likely to swore to bother fighting with the two as it made a splash into the water and made its way out of the settlement from the rear gateway.

The girl frowned as she watched it go, her bright green eyes shining brightly behind her bright white owl mask. “I hope he's alright from here,” She mused to herself.

“I'm sure he'll be alright, water-bears are strong and enduring creatures,” Hildr spoke. Brigid jumped at his voice, her hand on her chest as she looked up at the male with a small glare. The male simply gave a small half-hearted laugh before he looked towards the gate. “Brigid, watch out for the others and get these people back as soon as you can. You're in charge for the time being.”

“Me!?” Hildr gave a nod to her before he began to saunter off words the gates. “Hey, where in the name of the gods are you sneaking off to?”

The male never fully turned around, simply moved his head to look back towards her. Hildr's newly acquired companion looked between the two as if he wished to say something before placing his head on the male’s shoulder in defeat. “Going to report to Cerberus… he'll want to hear about what's happened.”

Once they neared the gates, he looked up to the massive gate that stood just a bit shorter than the wall itself. “I wonder if Cerberus will mind having you around. You don't look like you could survive long by yourself.” The man mused as he looked down to the young feline who purred as it snuggled into the male’s side.

…

The whole of the kingdom’s city, or what was left of it, stood in shocked speechlessness. A few mothers and sisters clutched their small children as they mourned the loved ones who had been confirmed dead. On the other hand, others looked to the man and feline with just the slightest inkling of curiosity, wondering what he had seen and where the creature had come from.

These both were scenes that Hildr had experienced himself. Mostly when it came to his sister and uncle. He could always remember how it felt to see that person come back and yet, he also knew that heavy feeling when someone you loved didn't come back. When comrades would come forward to inform the living of their dearly departed. It was something that Hildr wished would never happen to anyone else. Yet it was a constant scene to see in this world.

“Hildr,” A loud voice echoed through the crowd. A tall male walked up to him, his mask off for once, much like the others. “What happened?”

“I'm sorry to say, cousin,” Hildr sighed as he grabbed ahold of the king’s shoulder. Cerberus’ glowing, yellow eyes ablaze with anger, sorrow, and another emotion that Hildr hadn't ever seen before. “… King Cerberus, during the attack thirty of our people were killed or unaccounted for. Until we are able to send a recovery team to bring both our living and dead back, we cannot say how many we truly lost. Or who will soon be counted among them from their injuries.”

Cerberus took in the information, shaking his head. “I see,” The king grumbled, ushering Hildr towards the council's meeting area. Hildr easily able to understand his cousin was angry - unhappy to have lost yet another group of people. Cerberus gave the feline a strange look, but didn't bother to comment. Instead, he asked a young girl to walk the feline to one of the healers to be checked.

Hildr gave a small smile as he watched his cousin's rare act of caring. Something which seemed to be absent for so long.

When they entered the building, Cerberus took a seat at the front of the table, gesturing to the only remaining seat that wasn't taken by a member of his council. Each sheepish male offered a small hesitant greeting to Hildr, before their eyes snapped back to the king.  “In four years - Fourteen attacks. During the many battles, five-hundred and forty Soldiers died, and gods only know how many civilians.” He spoke up after a few moments. “What are we going to do, our magic isn't strong enough to withstand the Colossi.”