It was a strange thing, wandering through the tall grass plains that use to be his home and were now going back to a plot of land without the care of a wolf pack given it.  The grass was growing up in spots where it had been worn down and where wolves had frequently trod.  The scent of prey animal was much stronger in the air now that they realized wolves were here less.  Certainly, Ashen wolves were likely already hunting here as well but that wasn’t the same as wolves living on a bit of land.

He was hunting with the heir of the Ashen Empire.  She was younger than him by a bit one to respect for her blood and station.  As Kotori scented the deer he slowed his stride.  The wind was blowing in the perfect direction for the two wolves but the deer wouldn’t have a clue, not by scent at least.  Hopefully, the princess would also be good at remaining silent as they drew in closer.

The black and white princess was of similar size as Kotori, both considerably large for even this tall grass to easily but it could be doable. “Two options,” Kotori offered, “one of us can spook it and run it straight to the other who will stay down low in the grass to jump it or we can just chase it down as a team, one on either side of it.”  Both methods worked and some wolves preferred one type over another.  He’d let Shuriken choose what she preferred or wanted more practice in.  “Your call.”

"Kotori Fatalis"

The Princess Kiyohime knew that she was not a master hunter, part of her wondered if she would ever claim that title. Her brother reached that point it felt like even before they were yearlings. Now that their second birthdays were looming Ike felt the pressure heavier than ever. So she made up her mind to take advantage of the older Fatalis while he was residing in the packlands. He offered to teach anyone who came to him, and even if she felt inadequate inside Kotori hadn’t denied her.

However unskilled she thought herself Shuriken was no green horn either. She was a natural when it came to her craft,, she easily kept up with Kotori’s pace, and didn’t miss the scent he caught as he slowed. The wind was in their favor, so if Ike could keep her focus and her bearings victory would be theirs.

Kotori spoke in hushed tones as he gave his opinion and their options. Ike was familiar with the former, but preferred the technique to be performed by more than one wolf. If they did the latter there would be less detrimental effect should she trip and fall. "We should both run it.” Ike gave her opinion as they began to veer towards their quarry.

"Kiyohime Shuriken Ōritsu Abraxas"

Kotori nodded at Shuriken as she came up with her preference.  She knew her hunt abilities better than Kotori and what her strengths and weaknesses were.  This particular hunt was all about her improving her skills so it could all be done as she preferred with Kotori just offering up any advice on that method.

“All right, I’ll take the left side and you take the right side to start.  Keep it going straight.” As the deer came in sight Kotori saw it was a young stag with a demeanor of confidence to it while the animal ate, It looked almost challenging when it looked around the area to make sure no predator was in sight.  It was going to have a surprise real soon.

“Keep a stride or two behind me, not much though.  When I see an opening I’ll move into the deer, I expect it will move straight into your path for a second and in perfect position for a clean shot at the neck.”  

"Kotori Fatalis"

Kotori didn’t argue her preference, but then again he had been the one to instigate and give her the choice to begin with. He doled out their sides, giving her the right as he took the left and then both wolves were on their way. Ike focused heavily on her feet, worried that focusing too hard would make her fall anyway. Kiyohime nodded slightly as her mismatched paws carried her forwards towards their quarry.

As they neared Ike’s mismatched eyes finally fell on the lone stag, it was young and without a herd so she wondered if something was wrong with it despite its confident look. They were about to find out, if it evaded them it was strong, if it couldn’t then they made the right choice in prey.

Shuriken gave a quick nod as Kotori instructed her to stay right behind. He offered up his suggestion and prediction as the two of them strode forward, confrontation was inevitable.

"Kiyohime Shuriken Ōritsu Abraxas"

Kotori did as he said, keeping to the left as the princess went right.  Kotori moved from an approaching jog to a fast-paced run at the deer, making sure to stay almost even with Shuriken.  Kotori’s goal was to get even with its front shoulders.  

Things started off like one would normally expect.  The wolves chased and the stag ran.  Young and proud though the stag seemed full of itself and had no desire to put up with wolves.  Kotori shoved himself in closer to the deer snapping his jaws on a front leg, feeling its flesh and thinking the deer would turn into Iko to try escape her direction.

The deer did turn slightly so that it was facing towards Ike but not to leave.  The deer struck out with its back legs at Kotori.  The horned wolf veered wide as he’d realized an attack was actually coming.  Hooves hit his shoulder, thankfully nothing broke but Kotori imagined his shoulder would be aching tomorrow.  
Well, the deer had at least slowed to kick and a leg was already injured.  

"Kotori Fatalis"

Splitting up was always Ike’s least favorite forms of going after a target, but there wasn’t any reason besides not having faith in her own skill. So she raced along, opposite of Kotori as they cornered the fleeing animal. The longer they chased the more confidence ebbed from the beast. It was young and strong, but if it was truly the fittest it would outbid them and race into the sunset. She and her partner were far from ordinary wolves.

Kotori put on a burst of speed and Shuriken did similarly, coming up on the other side of the young stag as its attention focused on Ko and his sudden assault. Being this close put them in a position of injury, but getting in and attacking would be faster than running the animal to exhaustion. To the prince’s detriment the beast was not afraid to turn and attack itself. As it lashed out its hooves princess Kiyohime took her chance to strike.

Ike leapt at the deer, aiming to wrap her taloned paws around its neck as her jaws took its throat. She’d aim to wrestle it to the ground whiled she shook her head and tore out its vital artery. Th purpose to swiftly bleed it out for a quickened death. They would claim victory over their prey today, and it was a swift but bloody end.


"Kiyohime Shuriken Ōritsu Abraxas"