As Allura, Alterro, and Twitch stepped through the shimmering portal, they were met with a sudden, biting chill. The cold was sharp, but it wasn’t harsh—it was welcoming. At least, it was to the two winged snow leopards. The air smelled of snow and pine, crisp and clean; and as they emerged fully on the other side, the vast expanse of Pantheria stretched out before them.
They flew over the frozen landscape, the wind rushing past their fur and feathers. Below them, Pantheria glittered like a world pulled from the deepest winter dreams. The land was a vast canvas of white, the snow so pristine that it seemed to glow under the pale light of the sky. Rolling hills and tall, jagged mountains formed the backbone of the land. These mountains formed a natural border wall around the frozen lands of the winged snow leopards, each peak crowned with ice and snow. Frozen lakes, their surfaces smooth as glass, reflected the sky like scattered mirrors across the landscape. Here and there, the icy plains were broken up by vast evergreen forests, the trees standing tall and proud, their dark green branches heavy with snow. The forests were dense and silent, a stark contrast to the open, windswept plains.
Everywhere, there were signs of life. Snow leopards just like Allura and Alterro soared through the skies, their wings catching the currents with ease. Some glided gracefully between the towering cliffs, while others flew higher, playing in the winds or traveling toward the distant mountains. Below, more leopards prowled through the forests, their snowshoe-like paws leaving imprints in the snow. Many lived in vast networks of caverns in the bases of the mountains, while others lived in dens dug deep into the sides of hills. The entrances to these homes were surrounded by large, claw carved stones, a sign of Pantherian craftsmanship. Inside, the dens were filled with the smells of home—of herbs and pine resin and fresh meat.
It was a land of serene beauty, unapologetically icy in its nature, but thriving with life that had adapted to the cold, just as the snow leopards had. Allura’s heart stirred at the sight of it. Pantheria was a world where strength and fierceness went paw in paw with respect and survival, and it was home. Her home.
Twitch, perched on her back, leaned forward to get a better view of the landscape below. His ears twitched with excitement, his eyes wide as he took it all in. “Whoa… this place is…” His voice trailed off in awe. “I’m gonna like it here,” he finally declared, his grin spreading from ear to ear.
Allura's chest swelled with an emotion she hadn’t felt in years. She glanced at Alterro, who flew beside her, his wings cutting through the air with the grace of a creature born to rule the sky. He was watching her closely, his eyes soft with understanding.
They flew toward a familiar ridge on the edge of the mountain range, where large stones sat on either side of an inconspicuous opening. It was their old home, a cavern deep within the rock of the mountain. Evergreen trees surrounded the outside of their dwelling, their branches swaying gently in the cold wind, offering a sense of seclusion and peace. It had been years since Allura had last seen it, but it looked almost exactly as she remembered—except for the faint signs of wear from the years of abandonment.
The moment her paws touched down on the snow-covered ground, a wave of relief washed over her. Allura’s wings folded at her sides, and she took a deep breath, the cold air filling her lungs. She felt the weight of the years she’d spent away from this place fall away, leaving only the warmth of familiarity. She had finally come home.
Alterro landed beside her, his paws barely making a sound as they pressed into the snow. He gave her a knowing smile, one that carried the weight of their shared past. “Feels good, doesn’t it?” he said, his voice quiet but filled with meaning.
Allura nodded slowly, her eyes scanning the stone structure before them. “It does,” she whispered, her voice carrying a softness she didn’t often show. For a moment, she let herself simply stand there, soaking in the sight of her home, the smell of the snow and pine, the sound of the wind whispering through the trees. Everything about this place was a part of her—had always been a part of her, no matter how far she had wandered.
Twitch, ever the energetic one, leaped off Allura’s back and bounded through the snow, his paws sinking into it with soft thuds. He ran circles around them, kicking up snow in his wake, his usual chaotic energy returning now that they were on solid ground. “This place is awesome!” he exclaimed, hopping around excitedly. “I mean, look at those forests! And the mountains! And that cave looks way better than the one we holed up in back in Maretime Bay.”
Allura couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. As much as she tried to keep up her icy, composed demeanor, being back in Pantheria stirred something softer inside her. This place—this land—was hers. It was a land where she could be strong, where she could command respect and live in the comfort of knowing who she was. But there was also relief, knowing that she no longer had to fight tooth and claw for a place in the world. Here, in her homeland, she already had a place. She already belonged.
“There’s a lot to catch up on,” Alterro said, his tone light but serious enough to catch Allura’s attention, “Pantheria has changed some since you left.”
Allura turned to him, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Changed how?”
Alterro looked out over the landscape, his gaze distant but a smile still on his face. "You’ll need to be brought up to speed," he said as he swung his tail so it brushed against her side, "But it's nothing we can't handle."
Allura frowned at first. She’d only just returned home, and already, the world demanded more of her. But she wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge. If Pantheria needed her strength, her cunning, she would give it. This was her land, her home, and she didn’t spend years trying to return to it for nothing.
Then the warmth of her brother's touch came through, and she was once again smiling. "Of course, we’ll deal with it,” she said, her voice smugly confident, “Together.”
Alterro nodded, his smile broadening as nuzzled his sister. “Together.”
The night settled quietly over Pantheria, the thick stone walls of the old home holding in a comfortable warmth that contrasted against the icy chill of Allura's homeworld, which felt almost unfamiliar to her after so many years in Equestria’s milder climes. As the last remnants of light faded from the sky, Allura and Alterro settled down close together on a large patch of soft furs, curling their tails around themselves in the familiar comfort of home. It had been years since Allura had felt the grounding presence of her brother beside her as she drifted off to sleep. Just the steady rise and fall of his breathing was enough to ease her mind, making her feel more at peace than she’d felt in a long time. As the night deepened, the silence of Pantheria’s night surrounded them. The stone walls of their old home felt cold but comforting, familiar in a way only years of memories could make them. It felt almost surreal for Allura to be here, lying beside her brother after so long, the icy air wrapping around them, and the soft crackling of frost settling into the night outside.
Nearby, Twitch lingered, glancing between the two snow leopards. He hadn’t said anything, but a strange feeling prickled at his chest—like he was suddenly an outsider in this quiet world of snowy mountains and ancient evergreen forests. In Equestria, he’d been Allura’s constant companion, her partner in crime, her only friend who went wherever she went. But here, with her brother back by her side, he felt a little…extra. Like the little critter who had followed her home only to realize he was surrounded by giant, majestic beings he could never quite match.
But as he watched Allura’s tail curl around her in its long, bushy glory, a familiar coziness tugged at his heart. After a second of hesitation, he scurried over and burrowed into the curve of her tail. The warmth and the soft rhythm of her breathing lulled him almost instantly, and whatever doubts he’d had melted away as he curled up, small but content, within the safety of Allura’s fur. As long as he was by her side, he’d be fine. His eyes drifted shut, and soon, all three were fast asleep.
Hours passed in tranquil silence. Alterro woke first, blinking slowly as he adjusted to the dim light filtering in through the entrance to their den. Allura and Twitch lay fast asleep, their breaths steady and soft. He smiled, feeling a warmth he hadn’t experienced in years—contentment, peace. He looked over at Allura, still soundly asleep, her tail wrapped protectively around Twitch’s tiny form. She looked so peaceful that he hesitated to wake her. She needed this rest—especially after everything she’d been through.
Alterro quietly rose to his paws, moving with practiced silence. He glanced around their den, noting the bare shelves and nearly empty food stores. In his relentless search for Allura, he’d neglected the basics. They had nothing here but a few scraps. He sighed, deciding he’d bring back something hearty to fill their bellies when they awoke.
Slipping out of the den, Alterro took a deep breath, the chill of the mountain air filling his lungs. The morning was fresh, the snow beneath him powdery and soft. He padded silently through the snow, his paws leaving faint prints as he wandered toward the forests, hoping to catch some small game or gather a few roots.
But as he scanned the snow, his eyes narrowed, catching sight of something peculiar: paw prints. They were large, unmistakably feline, but they weren’t ordinary tracks. The snow around each print was melted, leaving the faint outline of clawed paws surrounded by pools of slush. Alterro’s stomach twisted with a growing sense of dread. He knew those prints. The melted snow, the shape of those claws… Only one creature could leave tracks like that. His voice came out as barely a whisper, as if speaking the name too loud would bring the danger right to him.
“Jacko.”
Alterro’s hackles rose. It was hard to tell how long the tracks had been here, but if Jacko was nearby… it could only mean trouble. His mind raced, torn between racing back to warn Allura and continuing to gather supplies, just in case Jacko was far enough away not to be an immediate threat. But before he could decide, something barreled into him from behind, knocking him off his paws.
He thrashed, instincts screaming at him to break free. His mind flashed to the worst—he was caught, he was too late. But then he noticed something odd: no heat, no searing pain. The touch wasn’t hot or burning—it was soft, familiar.
“Allura?” Alterro turned his head, relief flooding through him as he met his sister’s wide, frightened eyes. She was panting, looking more vulnerable than he’d ever seen her, her pupils dilated and her voice barely a whisper.
“Don’t leave me alone,” she murmured, her usual stoic expression crumbling for a fleeting second. Her tone was raw, as though the years of separation and the sudden return to their homeland had broken through her hard exterior, leaving only her fears exposed. "I woke up and you were gone."
Alterro’s gaze softened, and he placed a reassuring paw on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Allura. I just… wanted to get us some food before you woke up.”
Allura blinked, her moment of vulnerability quickly hidden behind a proud tilt of her head. “I’m perfectly capable of hunting for food myself,” she said, trying to sound as if she hadn’t just pleaded for him to stay by her side. “We can hunt together if you think I’m out of practice.”
But Alterro shook his head, his face suddenly serious. “Allura… there’s danger nearby. It’s not safe.”
Her face fell slightly, her eyes narrowing as she took in the intensity of his tone. But before either of them could speak again, a shrill voice pierced the morning air, frantic and terrified.
“Help! Help! I need an adult!”
The sound of Twitch’s desperate shout echoed through the trees, and Allura’s heart seized in her chest. Every muscle tensed, her fur bristling as her instincts took over. “Twitch!” she gasped, her voice breaking with a rare fear. She spun, her paws digging into the snow as she bounded toward the sound, her every thought consumed with the need to protect him.
“Allura, wait!” Alterro called after her, his voice filled with urgency. “You don’t understand what we’re up against!”
But she didn’t listen, her determination blazing as fiercely. Twitch was her responsibility, her friend, and nothing in this world—no danger, no shadow—would keep her from him.
"I don’t care!" she snarled, her eyes blazing. "I’m not about to let him face something alone!"
Alterro caught up to her, and he met her gaze, a mix of frustration and concern in his eyes. "Then stay close and let me lead. This isn’t some petty Equestrian squabble. This is Pantheria, and we’re dealing with someone not to be underestimated."
A silence hung between them, each sibling holding the weight of the moment. Finally, Allura nodded, though reluctantly, her eyes fixed on the trees where Twitch’s cries had come from. They fell into a silent but swift rhythm, moving as one through the snow and shadows, their senses sharp, alert to every rustle and whisper around them.
Allura and Alterro skidded to a stop at the edge of a snowy clearing, their fur blending seamlessly with the frost-dusted foliage as they crouched low. Alterro extended a wing, gently nudging Allura back and pressing a paw to his lips, urging silence. His ears were flat, eyes narrowed with an intensity that sent a chill through Allura’s spine. She peered around his shoulder, her breath catching at the sight of the creature that lay within the clearing.
There, standing in stark contrast to the snow, was Jacko—a formidable figure. His coat was a deep, almost blood-red hue, patterned with black rosettes that seemed to absorb the light around them. The jaguar-like body was massive, muscular, and stockier than any snow leopard Allura had ever seen. His powerful legs, coiled with strength, were dotted with smaller, decorative feathers that resembled tufts of flames, running from his haunches to his paws and fanning out at the tip of his tail. But it was his wings that truly commanded attention—immense, radiant, macaw-like wings that seemed to pulse with latent fire magic, each feather a vibrant shade of scarlet, orange, and yellow. When he shifted, his feathers caught the faintest glint of sunlight, like embers stirring within a blaze.
Allura felt her jaw tighten as she took in the look in his eye—a hungry, predatory gleam. Twitch was pinned under Jacko's massive paw, his tiny form barely visible against the snow, save for his wide, terrified eyes darting around desperately.
"That's him," Alterro whispered, his voice low and tense. "Jacko. A jaquin—half jaguar, half macaw, and all trouble. He’s got fire magic. And he’s not just stronger; he’s built for power in ways we aren’t."
Allura’s eyes narrowed, her protective instincts roaring to life. Twitch needed her, and she was not about to let this arrogant creature harm him. Without a moment’s hesitation, she stepped out of the shadows, her presence defiant and commanding.
"Allura, wait!" Alterro hissed, but Allura wasn't about to back down with Twitch currently on the menu.
“Let him go,” she growled, her voice ringing through the clearing, cold and sharp as the mountain air.
Jacko’s ears flicked at the sound of her voice. He tilted his head, a slow, amused smile spreading across his face as he regarded her with a dismissive chuckle. “Oh, what’s this?” he sneered, his voice smooth and dripping with arrogance. “Do you have any idea who you’re talking to, little snow leopard?”
Allura held her ground, her piercing gaze unwavering. She wouldn’t dignify his arrogance with a response. Instead, she drew herself up, muscles tensing as frost began to gather around her paws, tendrils of ice spiraling up her legs and crackling with a soft, eerie glow.
Unfazed, Jacko spread his magnificent wings, each feather rippling as he channeled his fiery magic. He reared up, his paw lifting from Twitch just long enough to summon a swirling ball of flame that hovered between his wings. With a mocking grin, he hurled the fire straight at her, the flames roaring as they tore through the air, eager to consume.
But Allura was ready. She met his fire with her own elemental magic, summoning a powerful blast of ice that shot forward like a spear of pure winter. The two forces collided, creating a brilliant, crackling clash of red and blue in mid-air. For a heartbeat, it seemed they were evenly matched—fire pressing against ice in a blazing standoff.
Then, with a shattering crash, a thunderous boom made from the collision of heat and cold, Allura’s ice surged forward, swallowing the fire in an instant. The ice caused the fireball to burst, blasting Jacko backward. He tumbled, sprawling across the snow, his fur made soggy and his wings disheveled, his smug expression replaced by shock and anger.
He scrambled back to his feet, baring his teeth in a furious snarl. “Caught me on an off day, did you?” he spat, his pride clearly wounded. “Don’t think for a moment that this is over.”
Before Allura could respond, Jacko spread his wings wide and, with a powerful downbeat, lifted himself into the air. The snow scattered beneath him as he climbed higher, his form soon disappearing into the clouds, but not without a final, menacing glare cast over his shoulder.
As silence returned to the clearing, Twitch darted from his spot on the ground, his eyes wide with awe and relief. He ran to Allura, throwing his tiny arms around her foreleg in a grateful hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I thought I was done for!”
Allura let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her tense muscles relaxing as she nudged Twitch gently with her muzzle. “You’re safe now, Twitch,” she murmured, her voice gentle but still tinged with lingering adrenaline. “He won’t hurt you. Not while I’m around.”
Alterro stepped forward, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and surprise. “Allura… I didn’t know you could do that,” he admitted, his voice almost reverent.
Allura raised an eyebrow at her brother. "What? We all have ice magic."
“Yes, but we all don't have that much magic," Alterro said, his voice becoming that of pride and admiration for his sister, "Jacko is a terror around here. His fire magic just melts away the icy powers of most snow leopards. No one stands up to him and wins."
Allura gave a small, self-assured smile, glancing back toward the sky where Jacko had vanished. “He underestimated me. That’s his mistake.”
Alterro’s expression shifted, a shadow of worry clouding his gaze. “Maybe so, but Jacko never stays down for long. He’s the type to nurse a grudge, and he’ll be back. He always comes back.”
Allura merely grinned and walked by her brother, brushing her tail against him. "Don't worry, I'll protect you from him. But right now, weren't we looking for food? I'm starving."
"Me too! Feed me, please!" Twitch chimed in.
Alterro couldn't help but smile. Sure, Jacko was a threat, but how could he feel bad now? His sister was back in his life, so how could anything ever be wrong again?
He laughed and said, "Sure, Allura. Just like old times."
And with that, they were off.
I think this is alright so far. Did notice what I think is a typo in the description though-
Should that be a creature OF searing heat? Or am I just being silly?
Also:
I'm sorry, but whenever I see the words "able" and "willing" in the same sentence, this is all I can think of: