Mini-Grand 5113 (Round 1: Chateau Securise!)

As the waiter walked away, Alpha sent out a communication.

Stuck at table, they're onto me. Horde of rabbits brought to table, come take rabbits and go, one at a time.

It was demeaning to accept the offer of prey, but they were having a hard time finding prey before coming to the battle. They had overhunted, and were about to move to a different region. The irony in that statement was palpable, yes, but the point was he was not about to turn down free prey.

The rest of you, begin approaching the other competitors. We will have to practice... diplomacy.

Diplomacy, sir? The Beta female said, as she jumped up to join the Alpha in a meal.

Yes. This may be a totally new situation, but at least these people are capable of talking and rational thinking. We will subvert the situation eventually. For now... we rest.

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Elsewhere, the pair of wolves sent to mark the territory were busily doing so on random stuff, when a waiter came up to them. They growled and raised their hackles. To this the waiter replied with a simple "The bathroom is over that way, sirs." They did not know what a bathroom was, but they decided to follow where he was pointing anyways, as it was another place to mark. As they got closer, however, the smells of conflicting territories became pungent.

Alpha, there exists a place called the "bathroom", where many territories clash. I will go for investigation, and -

I will stay back for safety.

Good. So be it.

The wolf leading the investigation headed further into the cloud of smells, and his fur raised at end automatically. His instincts were driving him crazy, and Alpha sent a pre-emptive warning.

Calm down. Do not let your instincts take control. We are higher than that, remember?

But he did not reply. To the Alpha's great shock, he got disconnected from that wolf. He pushed his telepathy harder, digging in the muddled cloud that was disrupting his tranquility.

Bastard!

So sorry, it won't happen again. This place is clearly dangerous, I will make my leave.

Good. Be sure not to disconnect again, or consequences will be severe.

Yes, Alpha.

Inwardly, the Lone Wolf smiled. The momentary rush of thoughts and instincts he experienced was more than enough for him to undermine the Alpha's authority. He was finally free, in the smallest of ways. He would have to be very careful not to put a paw out of line, but this was a first step, at least.

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The two patrolling the building, on the other hand, were having trouble. One of them already had a nick in her ear from the bullets. They were hopelessly outclassed, at least in terms of long-range combat. They would have to heed the Alpha's requests to play along and practice diplomacy.

The one with the Nicked Ear broke off and started following the nearest competitor, some strange being made of clay. It was currently engaged in conversation with another hairless monkey, so she made no effort to be seen, but she did not try to hide herself, either. She simply laid down, in a submissive position, and waited her turn, as Alpha told her to.