I'LL BE SINGING "WE ARE FREE"- BUT WON'T YOU PROMISE ME; He was all grown up now. While he didn't have the impressive stature of most of his siblings, he was no slouch. Well. He was slouching, right now, but he wasn't a tiny pup anymore. He'd been practicing his moves, and he felt like he was ready to challenge for a warrior's rank. Would he fight his dad, who hardly even looked him in the eye anymore? Or his big brother, who he knew scorned him? It was a cutthroat family, the Fatalis clan. He needed to prove his worth as a force to be reckoned with, or he wouldn't get anywhere. He didn't have the armour that his siblings did, but he had his friends. Peabody the pangolin and Pebble the bat, who would make sure he didn't do something foolish. Tipping back his heavy skull, the yearling prince let loose a booming summons from deep in his chest. He'd picked a relatively clear space in the valley that split the Col in twain. The ground was sodden with melting snow, grass underfoot crumpling beneath his huge paws. No waiting for better weather, he was going for it! Head held high and shoulders squared, Stratum waited to see who would answer his challenge. THAT WE WON'T EVER FORGET WHAT THAT MEANS? "speech"

Crux was feeling pretty lost honestly, the turning of the season bringing his first year of life to a close didn't feel much different than usual. He was still trying to settle what he wanted to do, he'd been consumed by a desire to get better at healing so that he could help everyone and keep what had happened to his mother from happening to anyone else. It wasn't healthy, he understood that to some degree but it was already an obsession. But that didn't really settle what it was he really wanted. And his blooming insecurity around this was exacerbated by his brother's call. Still, Crux would always stand behind his siblings, they were the underdogs of their family, the cursed litter, they'd been born fighting.

He moved as fast as he could, surprised to find he was the first to respond to his brother. He moved towards him, aiming to bump Stratum with his shoulder. "Give them hell." He said softly, a message for his brother and his brother only. He knew his brother had been working hard and he wanted his support to be obvious. Then he moved off to settle himself behind his brother, Riya settling in beside him and tucking her legs under herself, eyes nearly fully closed as she waited.


"Speech!"

Art & Code © Skelle 2022

Stratum’s call was unexpected and intriguing. The Warlord rose to his paws and moved in the direction of the howl. His first instinct was to answer the challenge, but the closer he approached, the more he considered it. It would be daunting for the young pup to go up against the Warlord. He needed someone younger, someone Stratum could feel more competitive and less overwhelmed with. Before he arrived at the clearing Stratum had chosen, his eyes fell on Hazel. The young Lieutenant, still new to her rank. He gave her a speculative look, and then smiled. “Hazel, I think this would be a good challenge for a Lieutenant” He told her, nodding his head to her before moving forward again. He arrived to find the pale boy and one of his dark toned brothers at his side. He nodded his head first to Crux, and then turned his attention to Stratum. The nod he gave his pale son was one of approval and respect. However this fight turned out, he would not forget that Stratum had reached for it. That meant something. "Speech"

The call for a challenge would always have Hazel's attention, whether it was for her or not. With her head high and her gaze bright, she moved to meet the boy where he stood, within a clearing in the Col. He wasn't the only one of his littermates that had shown up for this, and it was nice to see the siblings supporting each other. With the Warlord's appearance, though, he manages to surprise her. Hazel would be the one to take the challenge, not Sirius himself. It made sense in her mind, and she couldn't help but be a little proud to be chosen for the task.

Hazel gave a single, solemn nod to the Warlord, though the shadow of a smile played on her lips. She moved to face Stratum, green eyes glimmering in the spring sunlight. She carefully placed her feet beneath her, then fixed the yearling with an appraising gaze. "Alright, show me what you've got." Her tone held the weight of what they were about to embark on, but there was kindness here too. Warmth. She was excited to see how the boy would do.

"Speech"

Hazel vs Stratum for dominance (promotion)
Round 0/?
Age: over 1
Size: Large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Porcupine quill cape
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Breastplate
Companion 1: Red Panda, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Hawk, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Crystal fangs - Offensive
Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Bard

He wasn't left on his own for long, and soon his brother joined him with an affectionate bump of the shoulder and a quiet word of encouragement. Then.. his father. For some reason, he hadn't expected his sire to actually show. Lately Sirius had been distant, standoffish. Subconsciously he knew why, but wouldn't admit it to himself. Not now or ever. So when the Warlord requested Hazel, the Lieutenant, fill his role and answer the challenge, the golden prince bowed his head respectfully to the smaller fae. She was clad in lightweight armour, her back covered with a cape of quills and her chest with hardened leather. He only hoped it wouldn't give her too much of an advantage against him. Hazel looked him in the eyes, but there was no ill intent there. He matched her subtle smile with a crinkling in the corners of his mercury eyes. "Sure thing, Lieutenant." he drawled with a hint of mirth. He lowered his centre of gravity over bent joints, and dropped his head between his shoulders to protect his throat. Ears flattened against his skull, and silvery eyes narrowed to protect his vision. Pebble took flight, keeping an eye on the impending battle to offer warnings if needed. Peabody the pangolin shuffled back, leaving the yearling prince to his work. Toes digging into the soft turf, he pushed off hard with his hind legs. Kicking clods of mud and grass out behind him, Stratum sought to use his heavy skull as a battering ram. Swinging it low and to the right, the prince aimed to slam the flat area on top of his head into Hazel's left shoulder like a hammer. If he could get the right momentum, he could knock her off kilter- he wasn't aiming to impale her with his horns, just maybe prod her a bit. The boy kept his momentum, and sought to lift his left foreleg and hook it around Hazel's own left forelimb. If she was already off balance, maybe she would topple if his grip succeeded. It was a long shot, and she was far more skilled than he, but it was worth a shot! He would rather use his weight to his advantage, than try and shred her with his teeth- this was a mostly friendly battle, right? Stratum vs Hazel for DOMINANCE (rank promotion) Round 1/2 Age: 1+ year Size: Extra large Build: Heavy Companion 1: Ground Pangolin - Battle Companion 2: Big Brown Bat, Male - Flying Mutation 1: Brocket deer antlers - Offensive Mutation 2: Saber Fangs - Offensive Skills: Beginner Healer & Advanced Fighter

The yearling was already taller, denser than she. Hazel knows it. Hazel knows that he knows it. There's something exciting about being able to test the mettle of the yearlings, though, and she was ready to have an excellent time of it. Really, just the best. Stratum moved to hit like a ton of bricks against her shoulder, and Hazel was ready for it. Telegraphing his opening well enough gave her a chance to move into him, meeting him on impact. A soft oof echoes from her chest. The kid hit hard, that was for sure. Blunted by her breastplate, but she can still feel the impact. Crystalline teeth glimmering in the sunlight, Hazel bared them with the intent to let them glance off of whatever was close enough. Though his head made contact with her shoulder, she remained calm and in control of her body. He was close enough to bite, and Hazel would certainly try. Still, each attack came calibrated carefully, she's not trying to hurt him more than necessary.

Pain is an excellent teacher, after all.

Though he tries to hook her foreleg, Hazel is quick to move and take space. It's enough to kick her in the knee as she moves, enough to stagger her for a moment. She needs the space to be able to take on such a large opponent effectively. Trying to put a bit of distance between them, all the while regaining he balance. From here, Hazel would try to turn and lunge to launch an assault of her own. It's quick, as quick as she can manage. She'd try to tag the boy about the ankles with her teeth, an attempt to herd and drive him where she wanted him to go. This is an effort to drive him to the corner of their little clearing in the Col, to get his back to a proverbial wall. Using the space to the best of her advantage, at least if she's able to get out cleanly. If she could keep moving, Hazel thought she would be able to maintain control. Hopefully.

"Speech"

Hazel vs Stratum for dominance (promotion)
Round 1/2
Age: over 1
Size: Large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Porcupine quill cape
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Breastplate
Companion 1: Red Panda, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Hawk, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Crystal fangs - Offensive
Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Bard

The impact of his skull colliding with her shoulder shuddered down his spine, though the thick muscles of his neck tensed up to avoid bending the wrong way when Hazel leaned into the blow. Rather than being knocked off kilter, she managed to stand her ground. He could feel the air whoosh out of her lungs, ruffling the fur behind his folded ears. Not too seconds later, he can feel the hot sting of her teeth slicing through the skin at the back of his neck in that same spot. She managed to avoid the points of his horns and land a blow in the unguarded area of his ruff. Stratum couldn't help the sudden hiss of breath between his teeth, liver-brown lips peeling away from his oversized fangs in a scowl. Further proving her superior skills in battle, the smaller fae slipped backwards to avoid his grasping forelimb. She hardly stumbled, and managed to create a gap between their bodies. Probably a good idea, since he was liable to step on her toes (mostly accidentally) at this close range. Goodness knows her toes would be crushed under his own if he wasn't careful. Then she's on the offensive, rounding on him in a flash to snap at his heels like a collie. Tucking his tail neatly between his thighs to keep her from getting any ideas about chomping down on his ass, the golden prince let out a warning growl. Heavy skull turned to keep a gunmetal eye trained on her movements, shuffling his hind paws as best he could to avoid the worst of her sharp nipping and biting. It's not a great situation to be in, herded around the battlefield by one's opponent. Rather than give in to the easy solution, letting her put him exactly where she wants him- in a timeout corner- Stratum is about ready to throw caution to the wind. It's not going to be particularly gentlemanly or skillful, but it doesn't quite fall into the category of fighting dirty. Right? As Hazel lunged for his ankles again Stratum sought to lift one of his paws and kick straight out and back at her head. Part of it was reflex, the urge to get the teeth away from his legs, and the rest of it was a retaliation. Two could play the game of forcing their personal bubbles on an opponent, and a minor concussion would probably be undesirable enough to convince Hazel to leave his ankles alone. If there was enough time between her next move, the burly yearling would swing his hind end around and out of her reach. It was easier to face her head on, and the thought of Hazel trying to grab a mouthful of his butt fluff just wasn't that appealing. Stratum vs Hazel for Dominance (promotion) Round 2/2 Age: 1+ Size: Extra large Build: Heavy Companion 1: Ground Pangolin - Battle Companion 2: Big Brown Bat, Male - Flying Mutation 1: Brocket deer antlers - Offensive Mutation 2: Saber Fangs - Offensive Skills: Beginner Healer & Advanced Fighter

She's prepared for him to kick out like this-- prepared as she could be, at least. Hazel knows that it's an option the boy has, and it's one he's decided to take. While she's able to get her skull out of the way, she can feel his claws where they slash against her forehead. A bit of blood bubbling to the surface, enough to allow a grin to bloom across her features. She's proud of the boy, his quick thinking in the moment.

He swung around before her, and the girl takes this as an opening. Hazel springs to meet him face to face once more, crystalline fangs glimmering in the afternoon light. She'd lunge forward with them one more time, lashing out, happy to tag him wherever she can reach. Wherever she can grab. Reaching out for one more reckless shot, hopefully moving quickly and gracefully enough to get in and out cleanly. Hopefully.

"Speech"

Hazel vs Stratum for dominance (promotion)
Round 2/2
Age: over 1
Size: Large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Porcupine quill cape
Defensive Battle Accessory: Leather Breastplate
Companion 1: Red Panda, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Hawk, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Crystal fangs - Offensive
Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Bard

And the winner is...

HAZEL

STRATUM must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: HAZEL Attack Roll: 55 Defense Roll: 42 Agility Roll: 100 Critical dodge! Perception Roll: 61 Total: 258 Attack[55] + 45% Bonus[24.75]: 79.75 Defense[42] + 15% Bonus[6.30]: 48.30 Agility[100] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 100.00 Perception[61] + 25% Bonus[15.25]: 76.25 Total[304.30] + 25% Bonus[76.08]: 380.38 STRATUM Attack Roll: 3 Defense Roll: 95 Agility Roll: 37 Perception Roll: 45 Total: 180 Attack[3] + 25% Bonus[0.75]: 3.75 Defense[95] + 10% Bonus[9.50]: 104.50 Agility[37] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 37.00 Perception[45] + 10% Bonus[4.50]: 49.50 Total[194.75] + 15% Bonus[29.21]: 223.96

The Warlord watched the fight carefully. Taking note of the moves they made, and how much of himself Stratum put into the battle. He was determined to win, Sirius was certain of that. But he was not surprised when his Lieutenant won out. Age and experience came through there. But the challenge wasn’t purely about winning, it was about putting yourself forward and showing your knowledge. “Congratulations, Hazel.” He said, stepping towards the fighters. “Stratum, you’ve a good foundation and a clear desire to be a warrior. Congratulations, you passed. Welcome to the rank of warriors.” He said, nodding his approval to the young wolf. Stratum was the first of his youngest litter to show the initiative to take the rank he wanted. He stopped before the younger wolf, and kissed his brow. “Continue to show initiative, and I don’t see why you wouldn’t rise quickly” He said in support of his son. "Speech"

Somewhere along the way, he'd fucked it up. Hazel had managed to trip him up, or he'd stumbled, something like that. Either way, he lost his footing and went down. Hazel managed to get a hold on his face, sharp teeth getting a hold of the thin skin beneath his jaw as she made one last quick lunge, and he felt like a fool. Flattened beneath the Lieutenant and bleeding from the face, clearly defeated. A long sigh shuddered its way from his chest and out through his nostrils as Hazel turned him loose. All fine and well, he needed a moment to catch his breath and center himself. Certainly wasn't blinking the tears out of his eyes, no sir. The boy heaved himself onto his belly, arranged his heavy limbs beneath his bulky frame, and stood. Towering over the victor, head drooping in the face of his loss. It didn't matter that Hazel had more experience, more practice, a high rank. He was a Fatalis, he was supposed to make them all proud. And he hadn't done that. The weight of his sire's presence was titanic, threatening to crush him as the dark furred man stepped closer. Congratulated Hazel on her victory- as she deserved, having done well against the bumbling fool of a boy. It wasn't anyone's fault but his that he hadn't emerged victorious. He kept his eyes low as his sire turned towards him, ears pinned back in anticipation of the disappointment that would ring true in the Warlord's admonishment. Yet it never came. Instead, soft spoken encouragement. Despite his glaring failure, his sire was proud. Finally the dun coloured youth could lift his gaze, catch the hint of a glimmer in Sirius' eye that betrayed just how thrilled he was to see his advancement. The Warlord welcomed him into the rank of warriors, and stooped to press a small kiss against his turquoise masked brow. Quietly, his sire assured him that if he kept up, he'd continue to rise through the ranks. Swallowing around the lump in his throat, the blond youth uttered a meek "Thank you," and blinked a few times. Nah, there were no tears there, cause it would be really pathetic to start crying twice in five minutes.

The Warlord watched his son carefully, and recognised the disappointment in him. He didn’t like to lose. That wasn’t exactly uncommon for the overly determined Fatalis line, and Sirius couldn’t help the squeeze at his heart as he looked at the boy. Zee would be so proud of him. The thought hit like a freight train. He had learned to live each day without her. To put one paw forward, and was doing very well. But sometimes, moments like these - they hit him, and took his breath away. There was nothing he could do except put another paw forward, so that was exactly what he did. “Come with me, Stratum” He ordered his son, the newest warrior of the Armada. He nodded his head in goodbye to Hazel and Crux, and led his son away. He didn’t speak, working to control his emotions as he led his son back to the family den, and into the storage room that the kids didn’t go into. The place was a little chaotic lately, with the pups starting to take their own places in different dens. There were various stages of wolves moving out. He went into a discreet corner where he had been hiding things, and pulled out a package. He handed it over to Stratum. “This is for you. Your mother and I prepared it for the moment you would get your rank.” He said, as if he had never doubted that Stratum would do anything but succeed. "Speech"