Beginning of the competition
Many different beasts began to group together for survival while others joined one of the clans groups.
Since the major clans on the mountain always contributed more they always received most of the rewards while the other beasts had to fend for themselves or work under one of the clans orders to be able to receive benefits.
Unfortunately most of the resources in the deer family had been used to nurture Shadows siblings and with them being a newly emerging clan within the mountain they had very little to support outsiders.
The deer family stood at the path leading down the mountain, old grey stood proud and tall before his children and spoke resolutely. "Since you have decided to join this event I can only support you all since you have all outgrown my protection. Look out for each other and come back alive that is all I ask of you."
Their mother had a tear in her eyes as she lowered her head catching a few last glimpses of her children's faces before seeking old grey for comfort. "Just come back safely."
The brother looked at his father with determination and nodded. "I will make sure we come back in one piece."
The sister giggled mischievously. "No need to be so serious bro."
"Hmph" The brother snorted in embarrassment.
Close by Shadow smiled at her family members. "Don't worry about us, just make sure that we have somewhere to come back to."
The parents both nodded their heads and stood to watch the departing figures of their children with a hint of nostalgia in their eyes.
Not too long ago they gave birth to 3 children which came with hopes and fears.
After time passed they were overjoyed with the brother and sisters potential which meant that they would not have to rely on them for long, more time passed and they faced dangers and grew even stronger and protecting those on the mountain.
Sadly Shadow/little white did not seem to have the same fate as her brother and sister, she was destined to be protected and lacked the will to fight for survival like most beasts with her timid personality.
Growing up she became a little unusual and mischievous which caused friction between the other clans…
From there she was sent to daily life with the other beasts of the mountain during the daytime so that she would be out of trouble and make some friends.
Her family were filled with worry about her future until the day she suddenly became a spirit beast after her first life and death experience with the young wolf.
Strangely enough, her change not only brought about hope for her family but others around her and in the troubling times where the clans were showing discontent with the leadership she stood up and pushed herself beyond her limits daily to escape the current crisis.
Her father and mother began to take her very seriously, her knowledge and intelligence far surpassed them.
If they had to guess they could be sure that she was smarter than those devious foxes so they began to treat her as an equal within their family.
Meanwhile in the panther clan prepared to leave, they were sent off by their clan leader.
He stood before them proudly with his chin facing upwards. "All of you must not lose this opportunity to prove ourselves! Today is the day that the leadership of the mountain falls into our clans claws!"
All of the younger panthers stood before their leader displaying their undying loyalty. "Clan leader we will carve out a path for our future!"
"Yes father." The young genius of the panther clan looked at the others in contempt as he thought to himself. 'One day the clan will be passed to me once I surpass fathers strength and then you will all bow before me and all will belong to me!'
"Very well… When you arrive at the bottom of the mountain remember that there aren't any rules against killing other participants or stealing their spoils." The clan leaders gaze turned sharp and ruthless. "Go and show the strength of the mighty panther clan!"
The group of 20 panthers left as they followed behind their future clan leader, if someone was to get close to them they would be able to feel their strong murderous intent.
The clan leader stood waiting for the incoming good news as if he already was aware of the final outcome. 'Hmph, old monkey just you wait until I remove you from your position!'
The young fox sat before her mother with a pleading look in her eyes as she begged. "Please mom I really must go!"
"You aren't strong enough to go on your own child there are far too many dangers for you to face." The mother fox shook her head with a hint of sorrow.
"No! I want to be strong to protect mother from harm, I know the clan is mean to mother and you try to keep these things from me! I can't keep being protected by you forever." Tears began to fall from the little foxes eyes. "Mom I want friends! I want strength! I want to see new places! I want to find my father and beat him up for leaving us behind! Please I must go… Wu wu wu…"
The mother fox looked at her daughter who she raised alone and was filled with anxiety and defeat before she let out a sigh. "Fine. You may go but protect yourself and do not take any risks, try to find someone you can trust. Whatever decisions you may make I will respect it daughter so long as you come back to me alive."
"Thanks mom you are the best" The little fox quickly dived into her mothers embrace.
The mother fox looked lovingly at her daughter and gently stroked her head and then gave her light push to leave. "Go my child."
"En" the little fox nodded her head as she quickly left her mother.
The mother sat looking towards the sky lost in her memories. 'I wonder where you are now… Do you know she is just as adventurous and stubborn as you? I have tried my best to keep her out of the clans affairs for her own protection so that she does not suffer… But at the same time I have excluded her from the outside world and now she does not have a close friend to rely on.'
She let out a sigh. "Was I wrong?"
"No that does not matter now…" Her gaze turned ruthless. 'No matter what games the clan or anyone else have planned, if they try to harm my daughter I will slaughter them all!'