It was the day after Mort’s head-knocking, and he was still trying to get his life straightened out. He had the strange duel-sensation of two lives laid out before him. He could embrace who he had been, the coward, the frightened boy who wanted to please everyone and failed, or he could be the wolf this new path put him on. If he didn’t embrace the memories of his past, he found himself less afraid of things. More able to unfurl from his shell and experience the world. He needed to remember enough about his family to not tip them off, and keep away from his memories enough not to become that coward again. It was a weird balance. The newly-changed wolf would walk with his wings held high, and curiosity on his expression as he moved through the territory of the Armada and towards the border. He gave the pack a fugitive expression, and then a resigned one when he caught sight of Marshal in the air above and to the side of him. He gave the winged creature a nod, knowing he would be followed, as he slipped past the border and into the woods. As he walked beneath the large weeping willows, he felt the start of rain as it began to pelt gently against his pelt. He raised his wings further, cupping them to create a canopy above his face to protect him as he walked. "Speech"

Indigo was the least well travelled of the young bunch of Armada kids. He remained within the packs borders primarily, unless he was asked along on a trip. Maybe it was because he was most comfortable with what he knew, perhaps he didn’t have the same adventuring spirit, or maybe he wasn’t quite confident enough. Being able to go to Ashen was plenty of room for the not even six month old pup. Still, as he watched Marshal circle overhead he couldn’t help the urge to follow.

The boy braved the rain, his thoughts shifting to Aslatiel as he walked, maybe she was going out. Indigo followed eagerly, tail wagging, but the faint scent of Mortis found him. His brother had been quiet lately, and after everything that happened it made Indy sad. He wanted to be close to all of his siblings, each one carried a special place in his heart. He continued onward, not having to work particularly hard to catch up with his winged sibling.

”Mort!” he called out eagerly, of all the pups Indy was the most well rounded. He’d argue that his fur was the thickest as well, all the better for him to get soaked. By the time he reached his brother Indigo was soaked to the bone. ”What are you up to?” He asked curiously as he aimed to nudge his brother’s shoulder beneath his wings.

He heard an unfamiliar voice call out to him, and turned to see the purple creature race towards him. He startled for a moment, before remembering what Asla had said. His purple brother was called Indigo. As soon as he thought it, it snapped into place, and he remembered that it was so. This was Indigo, one of his family. He offered the purple wolf a smile, having pulled to a halt so he could catch up. “You're drenched!” Mortis said as the wolf nudged his shoulder below his wing. He raised that wing higher, tilting it above Indigo, covering as much of his brother as he was able to, and tilting it so that rain ran off the wing and down the other side. His wings were definitely going to get drenched, and feathers could be a pain to dry, but honestly, he didn’t really mind. “What are you doing out here?” he asked in curiosity, never mind that Mort had come out here first. He was also deflecting a little, needing the conversation to remain mostly on Indigo, so his brother wouldn’t catch a whiff of the differences in Mort. "Speech"

The boy seemed to startle his brother with his appearance, but he didn’t catch wind of any differences in his brother yet. He seemed happier and brighter, but Indy wasn’t going to think about complaining about that. It was a good difference. Mortis was happy to have him though, ”yeah I don’t have built in shelter.” Inigo chuckled good naturedly, he wasn’t particularly upset with his condition, but it’d be easy to get a chill. He’d have to really find their sister for a bit of warmth later.

”Thanks,” he laughed as one wing was raised over his head. Joy filled the boy’s features, being beside Mortis and seeing a smile on his features gave the violet boy hope. Still, his brother ignored his question completely and turned it around on him, questioning why he was outside pack lands. ”Well, I thought I was following Asla.” He explained to begin with. ”Then I realized it was you so I had to catch up.” They hadn’t spent near enough time together. ”I heard you were hanging out with her and I wanted my turn.” Indy offered somewhat selfishly. ”Now, why did you come out here?” He stopped, bright blue eyes aiming to find Mort’s gaze. He’d figure out why he was out here or why he was trying to hide it.

Mortis had to laugh at that logic, but in a good natured, and friendly sort of way. Not holding onto the memories of his past, freed him from most of their demons. He didn’t remember being upset, and the only outcast he was was the one where he scrambled to remember a wolf the first time he saw them after the incident. “Fair enough” he agreed, when Indigo said he wanted his turn. Mortis needed to reconnect with Indigo, to remember who he was, and what he meant to the winged boy. He wouldn’t argue against a chance to do exactly that. He was a little uncomfortable with the boy's persistence to ask why he was out here. “Exploring” he said, and looking for anything that was familiar. He was still picking and choosing which parts of his past he wanted to keep, but he would have to remember them first. The rain picked up a little, and the wind brushed through his coat and feathers. He shivered at the cold of it, and wondered how far from the pack they had wondered already. Would he be able to find his way back again? He relied heavily on following his own scent when he backtracked, but that wouldn’t be an option with the rain washing it away. “Lets go hide under those trees and see if it lets up” he said, pointing to a big old dead tree with a hollow inside. "Speech"

Indy wanted to see his siblings happy, he had felt the pain in the distance between them that night on the beach, unbeknownst to him his brother hadn’t held onto that memory. How devastated Asla had been, how hurt Mortis looked. Indy was helpless. But right here right now hearing Mort’s laugh, brought him hope. Maybe they all could be the cohesive unit they were supposed to be.

Mortis didn’t argue Indy’s place here, but he didn’t offer any good explanation either. Indigo knew when he was defeated, and he wouldn’t be getting anymore information out of his brother. He continued forward, feeling no such fears as losing his way. Despite his penchant for staying home Indigo rarely got lost. He was no navigator like Aslatiel but he could get himself around with little to no trouble.

Indigo was a sensitive boy, and even before Mortis suggested their respite the violet pup felt his brother’s shiver. He wished to make their way to a hollow log, and the idea might have been perfect for a regular day but Indy had other plans. ”What if we spar in the rain instead? I’m never cold when I’m fighting!” He stood up taller and placed his paw to his chest as though he were taking an oath.

Mortis Fatalis

“Oh yeah?” Mortis said speculatively, looking over at the equal-heightened boy. Mortis couldn’t remember if he and Indy had ever sparred before. He vaguely remembered tussling when they were younger, but an actual spar? He couldn’t recall, and now he found himself very curious. Who would win? He didn’t mind if Indigo bet him, he didn’t think the sweet purple wolf would hold it against him, but that didn’t meant Mort had to go easy on him, either.

He withdrew his wing-umbrella, and shuffled back a few steps. He ignored the rain and the wind that howled softly around them. The ground was slippery and the mud was getting slurpy. It would make the terrain a little treacherous. He would have to remember that. He shivered again, but if from cold or nerves, he wasn’t sure. “Your on.” Mort said, through his actions of moving back already made that clear.

He didn’t give his brother any more warning than that, he dove at him, one wing coming forward and down to defend against any swipes as his front foreleg aimed to scrape against Indigo's chest

"Speech"

Mortis Fatalis vs Indigo for Spar
Round 1/?
Age: Under one year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Saber fangs - Offensive
Mutation 2: Feline claws - Offensive
Mutation 3: Wings - Offensive
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Hunter
Specialty: N/A

The rain continued to fall, however it was no longer a downpour. They were going to be drenched at the end of it, thankfully with their blood pumping the cold wouldn’t matter. Indigo could see the difference in his brother’s eye, that keen look of a warrior ready to do battle. The young violet boy felt excitement begin to bubble and adrenaline pumped through his veins. Mortis was slightly apprehensive at first but his heart brought him to an equally eager position.

The winged boy retreated from Indigo’s side and the bulky boy followed his brother’s lead. Dark purple ears fell to his skull as he pulled back his lips to reveal his long fangs. His claws were extended from his massive paws as Mortis officially accepted his challenge. Indigo’s grin grew even more, his bright teeth showing as he flashed his long saber teeth.

Mortis didn’t give him anymore warning and suddenly his brother was leaping at him. Though Mort was smart to use his wings as defense, Indigo would stay to the side that Mort was attacking with. Despite his huge size for a puppy Indigo was quick on his feet. He erred to the left side as Mort aimed his claws at the boy’s purple chest. Mort managed to land his attack, but Indy used the opening of the attack to widen his jaws and aim a bite at the side of Mort’s neck.

Indigo Arcturus Fatalis vs Mortis for Spar
Round 1 of 2
Age: under 6mos
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Companion 1: European badger, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Saber fangs - Offensive
Mutation 2: Lion's mane - Defensive
Mutation 3: Cat claws - Offensive
Skills: Novice Fighter & Advanced Healer

Mortis Fatalis

It seemed strange and thrilling to fight in the rain, and even as the two pups engaged, he could hear the soft sound of a boom somewhere in the distance, and knew that a few lands over was getting the worst end of the weather stick. They must be getting the rain from the outskirts of the storm, it was windy and flicked into his face, but it wasn’t a downpour, just a light wetting.

His wings were mostly ineffective as Indigo easily took him from the other side, showing how quick the purple wolf was as he moved. Mort felt his claws lightly scrape against Indigo, not trying to actually do any damage. He grunted when he felt Indigo’s teeth latch onto him, and he tried to shove against his brother, and smack his wing down between them across Indigo’s nose, in an attempt to make him let go

"Speech"

Mortis Fatalis vs Indigo for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Under 6 months
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Saber fangs - Offensive
Mutation 2: Feline claws - Offensive
Mutation 3: Wings - Offensive
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Hunter
Specialty: N/A

Indigo didn’t enjoy walking in the rain, but as it fell gently on them he had to admit it was a challenge sparring in it. The chill was quick to leave him as it was replaced with adrenaline in his veins. As the spar began Indigo was full of confidence and didn’t offer a single misstep. They danced in the mud and he was awarded with the loose skin of Mort’s neck in his mouth. He had no desire to hurt his brother, and the bloodlust he once felt was no longer present. This was just for fun, and to warm up. He didn’t have time to bite down anyway, as Mortis shoved his wing between his neck and his purple brother.

The violet boy was pushed off balance and he slipped in the mud, he fell and landed hard in the wet earth. Since he was already so close to the ground Indy aimed to roll his huge body against his brother’s legs, so the boy might be forced to join him in the mud.


Indigo Arcturus Fatalis vs Mortis for Spar
Round 2 of 2
Age: under 6mos
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Companion 1: European badger, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Saber fangs - Offensive
Mutation 2: Lion's mane - Defensive
Mutation 3: Cat claws - Offensive
Skills: Novice Fighter & Advanced Healer

And the winner is...

INDIGO

MORTIS must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: MORTIS'S total is.. 129.40 Adjusted rolls: 41.85 95 28 20 INDIGO'S total is.. 207.38 Adjusted rolls: 66.15 126.1 44 60

Indy wasn’t afraid to get muddy it seemed, through Mort was a little more reluctant. It would take him forever to get his wings cleaned. He didn’t have much choice, as Indigo rolled into him, knocking off his feet with a surprised cry. The little pup wasn’t prepared for it, slipping in the mud, and finding himself unable to get purchase to get back to his feet.

He had a feeling Indigo had won this round, but the boy's noise turned to laughter at the ridiculousness of it. His wings tucked to his side so they didn’t get damaged in the scuffle, as he aimed to tickle Indigo’s armpits with his claws.

Indigo managed to bring his brother down, their spar quickly devolving into a mud wrestling contest. They’d have to bathe before returning to the den or Zee would scold them, he wondered what she’d say if she saw them right now? Mortis struggled in the wet muck as Indy knocked him over and the contest was quickly decided as Indigo made it to his feet and Mort did not. The royal purple boy grinned in his victory, but he wouldn’t gloat over his brother either. He easily joined into his brother’s laughter as he offered a gentle nudge to help get his brother back to his feet when he was betrayed utterly and began to be ticked.

The young Fatalis pup erupted in laughter as he made the valiant attempt to free himself of his brother’s grasp. All hope seemed lost as the continued stream of joyous giggles fell from dark purple lips.

Their spar and then mud wrestle developed into wiggling and giggling in the mud. The light rain still fell around them, only making the mess all that more soggy, as the earth clung to him, and his wings, and all through his fur.. He was going to be cleaning mud from his ears for a week, he just knew.

The sound of Indigo’s laughter was sweeter than any bird call, and just made Mortis laugh louder. Eventually, he just collapsed besides the purple wolf, his energy spent, and happy little gasps coming from his chest. He spread out his paws, and began to make dirty angels in the mud, flinging the stuff up and down with the motions of his arms. There wasn’t any point trying to stay clean now, he doubted any inch of him was left unmarred.

Laughter filled the air as the two boys were rained on in the mud outside of the Armada’s territory. Indigo lost control and had already fallen back into the mud as his brother attacked him relentlessly with tickles. The two of them were a chorus of laughter. They couldn’t go on like that forever, and as Mort collapsed into the mud Indy followed him, wanting nothing more than to give Aslatiel the biggest hug he’d ever given her. Not just because he loved her, but he felt the need to cover her in mud as well.

Indigo managed to find his feet as Mortis began to make his mud angels. Indy grinned as mud was splattered everywhere. They were going to be dirty the rest of their lives. ”Guess your wing umbrellas didn’t really matter?” He chuckled as he approached his brother once more to help get him out of the mud pit.

He looked up at Indigo, and recognised his shoulder as a helping hand. With a deep sigh, the pup pulled himself from the mud with a great ‘plop!’ as his wings suctioned free. He almost fell into his brother, and together they managed to find their balance. “Guess not” he agreed. “ How am I going to clean these wings? I can never reach every spot of them” he complained. Wondering if he was going to be dragging mud into the den for the next week - or at least until Zee caught him.

He gave his body a great big shake, splattering mud every which way, and getting a good decent amount on his brother, too. “Wanna head to the stream?” he suggested

With quite a bit of help Indigo offered himself to get Mortis and his heavy wings out of the thick of the muck. Mort was heavy, but not as heavy as Indigo. The violet boy was the heaviest of the kids, his huge head and thick body alluded to his eventual gargantuan size. Indy grinned and Mort almost fell into him as he was finally freed. Mortis agreed that his umbrellas hadn’t been any use after they started brawling. Indy chuckled at his brother’s hopelessness of not being able to rid himself of the thick mud.

”I’ll help you!” He laughed at Mort’s expense, the thick fur at his neck would be rough to try and clean but at least he didn’t have feathers to deal with. ”As long as you get behind my head.” If there was anywhere that Indy couldn’t reach, it was right there. ”Yeah, lets go.” He agreed and in a turn of events he was the one to lead the way. Maybe Mortis was destined to take their father’s role but Indigo would lead his brother to the stream.

“Deal!” the pup agreed easily. It would be much easier with the two of them working on it. He could scrub Indigo’s thick head. The boy easily jumped in behind his brother, and raced along with him to the stream.

Mortis didn’t slow when they reached it, but continued onwards, plunging into the depths of the water with a great spray around him. He laughed and gasped, it was colder than he had expected!

“Come on!” he encouraged his purple, big headed, mischief making sibling. Mortis was enjoying every moment with indigo, and didn’t want the day to end.