Kotori had lost his fight for the claim of the rapids.  It was a damn shame and also pretty interesting.  When Kotori was healed up enough to get back on the move he found Corbie hadn’t tried to claim the rapids after all.  What the hell was up with the wolf?  She made some assumption of the kind of pack he had to make, beat him in a fight for the claim to the land, and then left?

The horned wolf might just be going back for those rapids later.  For now, he was taking some time at the hot springs.  Kotori had found a nice size pool to lie in.  His head was resting on solid rock while the scratches on his flank were submerged, soaking in the liquid warmth of the springs.  Kotori had tapped his jaw in the water but decided against keeping it there.

Yes, this was a nice place to do some recovering.  That’s what he thought.  Kotori’s head raised up as a bear was making its way towards the springs.  It opened its mouth in a threatening roar.  Well hell, he was injured and she knew it.  Kotori flattened his ears against his skull, pulling his gums up to show off his fangs even as he stood back up.
He wasn’t in the mood or in shape for a fight.

"Kotori"

Since Kotori had fought to claim the rapids and lost, Tove has been sticking close to the wounded wolfs side. That bitch that had stolen his pack had done a number on his jaw and the older woman didn’t want to leave him alone for too long. Predators can always smell weakness and that is why the scarred wolf often tags along wherever he goes. Ko has picked pool near the falls to relax in and the older woman decides to run a quick sweep of the area.

As she moves, Tove finds the musk of grizzly bear on the air but has trouble pinpointing where exactly it is due to the heavy sulfur smell from the nearby hot springs. Wrinkling her nose, the scarred woman lets out a huff of disappoint when a roar suddenly sends her hurtling back to where Kotori is. Of course, it would go for the wounded male. She had dared hoped that it was further away but hope is a stupid thing that can get wolves killed.

Tove appears from behind the massive grizzly, not slowing her break neck race as she approaches. Muscles bunch and release, sending the scarred woman up onto the creature’s back. With a vicious snarl, the older wolf attacks the beast’s right ear, completely removing it and opening a grisly wound where it should be. Grizzlies had stolen her brother from her, they will not steal her alpha. She fights with the reckless abandon of someone protecting their famly as the bear tosses its head and tries to unseat her.


"Tove Baade"

Kotori’s head raised up as Tove tore off the bear's ear.  Well done!  The bear's attention was now fully on Tove so Kotori rushed in, jabbing his horns into the bear's leg, jerking the head so that the horns left a slash in the leg, blood seeping out to mingle with the fur.  The bear surely wanted to deal with Kotori but Tove was still a real threat to it.

The bear's eyes shifted to Kotori but it was still trying to get Tove off, seeing her as the bigger threat.  That was fine with Kotori.  He jammed his horns into the leg again and felt satisfied when the bear changed its line of thought and tried to lung out and attack Kotori.  As it put more weight on his cut leg the blood flow picked up.

Kotori was injured but certainly not helpless.  The bear was learning it had chosen the wrong target.

"Kotori Fatalis"

The bear doesn’t know what make of Kotori as he rushes in to attack the grizzly, the beast suddenly realizing that its easy meal will not be so easy. As Ko attacks from below, Tove continues to rip apart the creature’s head, piece by bloody piece. It shifts, trying to unseat the scarred woman while also attempting to avoid attacks from the wounded wolf.

Only when it shifts to stand does Tove relinquish her seat and nimbly jumps to the ground. The moment all four paws touch earth, the older wolf spins, a mighty snarl erupting as once more leaps up but this time aiming for the bear’s throat. Jaws grab ahold of thick wad of fur and fat and she relieves the grizzly of it, spitting it to the side in a show of disgust as the bear roars in outrage all while she backs out of range. This bear is going down and Tove is ready to send it into the afterlife.


"Tove Baade"

Tove had been a good find.  Kotori watched her grab the bear's throat and the horned wolf jogs around behind the bear, using his horns again but this time in a back leg.  It’s focused fully on the wolf that’s a threat to its neck.  It’s only defense to Kotori is trying to twist around and get its backside away from the wolf.  Tove had the more dangerous area to fight with but she was doing fine.

Kotori followed along as the bear moved, constantly ripping open the leg further and further, the blood flowing out faster and the bear’s balance becoming a shakier thing.  It was frustrating that it would cost Kotori to use his jaws but at least it seemed he wouldn’t need to this time.

"Kotori"

Tove fights, snarling at the huge grizzly that had dared to try and attack Kotori. Fleetingly, she sees his earthen form disappear behind the bear and the scarred woman feels a wave of relief coursing through her. Now she can focus on taking this thing down without worrying if it will attack Ko. It strikes out at her, with paws and teeth, sensing that its end is near. The scarred nebula woman ducks under paws, slaps away the muzzle and leaps at the already open wound on its neck.

Teeth slice through flesh and muscle, finding the soft arteries and veins that hide underneath. Tove rips and tears, effectively ending the bear’s life but the creature is too stubborn to realize it. They fight until the creature’s body gives out, the older wolf not backing away until the beast gurgles its final breath. Blood coats Tove, staining her nebula pelt crimson as she stands over the dead grizzly. Eyes move from the carcass to where Kotori stands and offers him a gruesome smile as the adrenaline of the moment fades away.


"Tove Baade"