Paranoia can create a weak man. Suspicion and doubt wiggling their way in, seeded into the mind until it forces their brain to succumb. Coercing thoughts of negativity that can't be ignored. Constantly looking over their shoulder, sleepless nights, very much on edge to the point that their hair is always standing up. Permanent goose bumps, difficulty breathing, a raised heart rate. All symptoms that Ghoul unfortunately began to exhibit. The day that Cricket came to him, informing him of her pregnancy, his mind had begun to reel. Quickly spiraling into all the reasons as to why he wasn't good enough to be a father. The main reason that appeared to bother him the most? Having control of situations or lack thereof. If he wasn't the one leading the pack, then who was to say danger wasn't right around the corner? Never before had he doubted Medusa's ability to lead, but now? No one except him would be good enough.

He had never been much of a scout. Traversing terrain that was unfamiliar to him had never been his favorite so he would utilize his new companions. While he loved his caimans to Hell and back, they weren't as effective as he had believed they would be. Spending more and more of his time out in the prairie, he watched the wildlife, noticing how many birds there were and what the different species seemed to do. Eventually, he settled on taming and befriending two falconets that had happily taken to him after more than enough pieces of fish. Sending them out on their journey, Ghoul instructed them to go to the other packs of Boreas and Auster to see what his options were. Of course, the logical option was Medusa. Everyone else across the continents would believe that to be the smart choice. She had taken Habari from his mother, attempted to kidnap his siblings, and had there been whispers of her being interested in someone? Perhaps just a whisper. Plus, with the surplus of pups she had doled out in the past few years since obtaining the Alpha, Ghoul's paranoid doubts of her ability to lead grew. How could she focus on raising pups and leading a pack?

There were other options though. Twelve packs in total reigned throughout the two continents. Any could be viable options in Ghoul’s eyes, but he would soon whittle them down. Ashen was led by his uncle, Chimera. How could he turn on what little family he has left? The Raiders had recently taken a raid win from an Auster pack, they surely wouldn't give up their ranking so easily. Then another pack farther east, Elysium? While they were quite elusive, Ghoul didn't see any reason for their downfall. The mountain pack, Heidinn? Their leader, from the sounds of it, treasured his pack, definitely not an easy target for him. Between them and Insomnia, there was Avalon. A peaceful, farming pack, that in reality might sound easy to take, but their utility would be beneficial to keep around. The Hallows? Ghoul knew better than to try and take the castle from a sword wielding alpha. There was the mysterious bamboo pack in the far south that Ghoul had never been sure of, but they too weren't on his list.

The other two Auster packs, Ethne and Norad were supposedly allies between each other. Peaceful packs that really posed no threat from what he gathered through his intel. Then there was the Armada and from what his mother had scolded him for countless times before her passing, they were supposedly an ally, but his rivalry with that little punk always had him doubting. Though the idea of taking Armada was tantalizing, Ghoul finally settled upon Valta. A secondary pack to Armada, run by a son of Sirius. A potential ally? Sure, but also a weak spot. Leftovers tossed away that weren't good enough to keep within the main boundaries of the Armada territory. That was who Ghoul finally had his sights on.

Taking to the Battlefield, Ghoul stands tall. Over a year has passed since his critical, near death injury that left him feeling better than ever. Adorning his skull helmet and leather clawed gloves, he takes his time. He needed a perfect place, one where he wouldn't see himself slipping or stumbling. Summer was on its way out, but it was clear that rain hadn't fallen in weeks. Cracks in the dried mud spread out over the barren plateau, not a single drop of water to be seen. Tumbleweeds danced along, crossing his path and onward toward nothingness. Carrion birds spiraled overhead, an occasional screech alerting him to their presence. Feeling the warmth of the sun beating down upon his back, he almost wished for some cloud cover to dissipate the arid conditions and help stop his ruby colored eyes from squinting so much.

Spending a few minutes to stretch out his muscles, he ensures his loris companion is tucked neatly on the back of his neck, nestled between his shoulders. Her extra few pounds is almost comforting. Something to ground him to the earth, telling him that he is real and what he was about to do was very serious. Giving his pale coat a good shake and releasing a long breath to let out some tension, Ghoul finally turns to face the center of the Battlefield, head held high, prepared for both the best and the worst. Lifting his muzzle to the sky, he lets out a call for Kotori, challenging him for Valta.

GHOUL vs KOTORI for VALTA (Pack Challenge)
Height 40"
Build Heavy
Round 0/?

table coding by bunni ♥

Well, well, well, what was this? One of her favorites challenging for a pack? Was that what he'd been up to? Medusa giggled as she set aside the things she'd been working on with Rue and Ripper, donning her own gear just in case anything went South during this. Ghoul was one of her most trusted. Her best friend. Her confidant. She trusted his judgment, and although she had a sliver of doubt in the back of her mind that one day, he and his kin would turn on her, well...she didn't know. Who was to say it still might not happen someday? She had been doing her best in leading Insomnia, though she knew it wasn't everyone's cup of tea and Ghoul, despite her love for him, was as much a fickle and paranoid beast as she was. Even despite those thoughts...she would still go show her support. She adored him, Cricket, and the new pups they had brought into the world. And should he win and take his family with him, she of course, would wish him all the best (and occasionally drop in to play with the babies of course)! She made her way to the battlefield, sending word with her companions to the others where she was going. If any wished to join her, of course, they were welcome to. She would go show her support whether he wanted it or not, and was curious to see who else might show up. Challenges for other packs were often a rare delicacy, ones she liked to partake in since they were so uncommon. The Wraith hurried before she missed anything, but when she arrived, it was just Ghoul so far. Would the one he was challenging show up? It would be a pity if they didn't, but hey, easier pickings, no? Still, she imagined Ghoul would want a proper fight to attain what he was striving for. She took a seat somewhere behind him. "Medusa wishes you luck!" "Speech"

It was with a great deal of unease that the Warlord made his way to the Battlefield just a short walk from his pack lands. It struck him as an ill omen that someone would challenge for his sons pack on the eve of his retirement. As he arrived and seated himself discreetly in the background, he was surprised to realize he recognised this wolf. Were they not one of Recluse’s children?

The son of his old ally challenged his own son. What would she think, if she could see them now? He kept his thoughts to himself, unable to stir the plot when he was moments from handing off his pack to his grandson.

"Speech"

It's verbatim and it's shakin'

R̶ E̶ D̶ R̶ U̶ M̶

Redrum had been alerted of the challenge by his mother's companion, Umbra. He was immediately set off to join her, always somewhat behind him mother as he had left after she had. But when he had finally arrived, he was confused to see that it was Ghoul who was making a stand for his own pack. Why? Redrum couldn't understand at the moment, but if his mother was here to support the albino male.. then he would too.

Redrum greeted his mother, immediately settling down next to her. Watching Ghoul, a trusted member of their pack, prepare to face his challenger filled him with a mixture of pride and nervous energy. "Mother, do you think. Ghoul. will win?" Redrum whispered, his voice barely audible to others, and far too mechanical sounding for it to make sense to those who did not know his speech patterns

murder

Code by TR

Kotori lifted his head as he heard the challenging howl for rights to Valta.  A snarl built up in his chest at the audacity of someone wanting to take the pack he had built, that his family had built.  His hackles were already rising with the desire to fight the enemy.  That would come soon enough.  Kotori almost dashed off straight away but stopped to go see Ochi first, bumping his head gently against hers, “Gather all who desire to come and watch.  Let all see what happens to those who challenge me for control.”

With those few words to his mate, Kotori left Valta soil, along with his snow leopard Splash and the little mongoose Fang that rode on the large cat and ran to the battlefield.  As he neared Kotori moved to a walk.  From his childhood, he had known himself to be of noble blood, and the way he strode forward spoke of the arrogance and confidence the horned wolf had cloaked himself with all his life.  He spotted his father who got a flicker of acknowledgement but no more than that.  He was here on important business.  He had to wipe the floor with the pale wolf who had called for him.

Kotori’s anger was under control thanks to the time it took to get here.  It was a focused blade that would be used when ready but it would not cause him to make impulsively rash decisions. “I am Kotori Fatalis, Sumatar for Valta.  You’re a brave wolf to challenge me.” Kotori took a slow deep inhale, held it a moment, and released.  “I will gladly fight you, and trust me you will have some new scars to wear with pride when we are done. You will not have my pack, however.  Still, if you will agree, I would like to give a bit more time before the fight starts.” Kotori’s head looked about the battlefield. “I expect more will wish to witness the fights.”  Large crowds always seemed to show up when there was a pack challenge.

(Received Bunni’s ok that Ghoul would be ok with a request to wait for the fight to start)

With Ghoul’s agreement, Kotori remained standing but not in an aggressive manner.  His snow leopard sat down further behind Kotori, the cat quietly watching him for any silent signals.  The mongoose hopped off and ran towards Sirius, sitting down between the wolf’s paws.  Kotori would keep a quiet vigil, allowing others time to show up.  

Eventually, enough time had passed. "Time to settle this."

--- (fight to start here for any wanting to skip ahead) -----

The time for waiting was done.  Kotori lowered his head so that it would be even with his shoulders to protect the underside of his neck.  His ears flattened against his head to keep them from being an easy target. He narrowed his eyes to slits to protect them better for the battle.  His tail raised to be even with his body to help Kotori stay well-balanced.  Kotori’s paws were planted evenly, and aligned with his shoulders to allow for good balance.  

Ghoul was almost the same size as Kotori, just a bit smaller, but he appeared bulkier.  Running forward, Kotori would attempt to slam his left shoulder towards the front of Ghoul’s left shoulder, testing the other wolf’s balance.  Kotori’s jaw sought to bite through flesh and deep into the muscle on the left side of Ghoul's neck two inches below the ears.

Kotori vs Ghoul for Pack Challenge
Height 42"
Build Medium
Round 1/2


"Kotori Fatalis"

Absinth was nearby when she heard the challenge ring out. Immediately her thrill seeking heart urged her to see what was going on. The monochromatic woman quickly arrived in the battlefield, noting the observers already seated in waiting for the fight to begin. It was an albino male who appeared to have challenged.. Kotori? The alpha of Valta she had met last season. The man who cared for blood lines and led his pack with rigid expectations. Of the other observers, Absinth only knew one other.

”Warlord.” She greeted, a grin set across her charcoal face as she easily nodded to Sirius, turning her attention to the battle. They were both Fatalis, weren’t they? Kotori and him. “Fancy meeting you here again.” Absinth hummed, her gaze turning to the spectacle with calculation. She was going to do well in absorbing what she could from this battle.

Kotori, with a grace that belied his ferocity, displayed his readiness for the impending battle. His posture spoke of determination and skill, each muscle tensed and poised for action. He presented a formidable sight, a warrior ready to defend his honor. Just as he seemed when they had spoken. She knew nothing of the challenger, only that they were confident. Would they show her something nice in this fight?


wormwood

Ochitsuki didn't like this. She was very confident in Kotori's abilities, but there was a nasty, sour feeling in her stomach. Despite this feeling, the woman remained stoic, her black and white face holding a mask of bravery and confidence. She wished her mate good luck and sent up a silent prayer to her ancestors to keep him safe.

Rather than join anyone that she knew, Ochitsuki stood tall behind her mate as he went to meet his opponent in battle. She wouldn't flinch, she wouldn't balk. Within, her anger would rise but externally the woman simply looked stern and determined. She wanted nothing more than to fly in and fight by Kotori's side, but they were honor bound, held back by rules and expectations.

As she watched with mismatched eyes of ice and fire, Ochitsuki's nimble digits tensed and relaxed, digging into the earth beneath her in tune to Kotori's attacks as though, by mimicking them, she could lend her strength and ferocity to his own. The koi woman's eyes were only for Kotori and the bastard that had challenged him. They may as well have been the only three wolves on the battlefield.

"Ochitsuki"

News of a pack challenge travelled quick and far, and when it involved some of his own family, the Lord of Cinder would be there to bear witness and offer his support to his friends. Word of the Insomnia wolf separating from the bosom of that wretch alpha to stake his own claim would have otherwise been no cause for attention from the Hallows, but when he learned that the challenged was his brother-in-law, then the stakes changed. It was enough to get Artorias up to Boreas, kitted in his armor with Embershard slung across his back, just in case. With him, Briar and Bramble had made the journey to witness Kotori fight to defend his home and his pack, here to support in spirit and to make sure nothing got out of hand. Gatherings like pack challenges tended to attract unsavory attention, but it was important for Bramble to observe and learn how packs rose and fell, how the challenges were handled, the decorum that went into them. These would all be valuable lessons to the newly appointed Envoy if she was to lead the diplomatic efforts of their pack.

Artorias crested the hills that overlooked the Battlefield with his family just as Kotori was arriving and preparing for the fight. Amber eyes scoured the scene, analyzing the wolf that stood opposed to the reigning Fatalis. The resemblance to Recluse could not be ignored; this was one of her children that had gone turncoat against his family and chosen to remain in Insomnia. Was this his attempt to break away for freedom, or was he acting as a pawn for the deranged skeletal bitch? A scowl painted the Lord's face as he regarded the wolf, but ultimately kept his attention focused on Kotori. Nearby, he saw Ochi and Sirius watching as well, offering their support to Valta. Art motioned for the ladies to follow him, then led the way over to squarely plant their support on Kotori's side. There would be no question where the Hallows' allegiance laid when it came to family.

Once settled in to watch the fight, Artorias leaned over to Bramble and spoke in hushed tones to her. "Urmărește cu atenție. Acesta este cât de repede se poate schimba lumea." There was only one major rule to these sorts of events that Bramble needed to keep in mind while they were here. "Vom urmări, dar nu facem nimic pentru a interveni. Aceasta este lupta unchiului Kotori pentru a câștiga." No matter what, they would not get involved unless they were directly threatened—but that's what his sword was for. Hopefully he wouldn't have to draw his blade today. Then, leaning over to whisper to Briar, Art spoke in low tones, "If Kotori fails, we'll need to get Bowen out immediately." A challenge for Valta had definitely not been something the Lord had expected when he'd loaned her to Kotori.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Eira" | "Argent"

Bramble was more than excited about the journey! Getting to travel with both of her parents up to Boreas was half of the fun. While the intent of the trip was not a positive one, Bramble still would make the best of it. Sending a barrage of questions along the way at her parents about the history of packs, allies and enemies, politics, and everything else in between. If she got her energy out now, it would be much easier for her to settle into a more serious and regal demeanor once at the fight.

Unfortunately, Bramble had only met Sirius and the rest, she doesn't recognize. Not even the two fighters, but this was supposedly her uncle? Her mother's brother? A glance to Briar, trying to assess how her mother was feeling. When they crested the battlefield, every straggling sign of joy faded from her. In its stead, she wore a serious expression. Straight lines, examining eye, alert ears, battle ready if it came to her. She would move with her parents, around the spectators to plant herself on the other side of her mother, close enough to hear her father's murmured words.

Bramble nods surely as her muscles tense, watching the crowd begin to form. If anything were to happen, how could she not jump in to help? Her father was asking her to do the exact opposite of what her whole thing was. Valiant, honorable, a knight, someone who saves the day. Inhaling a deep breath, she settles back and wishes Tate were here to keep her company as well. Instead, she turns a chin to Briar, trying to hide the frown on her worried lips. "Will aunt Bowen be okay?" She whispers quietly.

"Speech"

Lingering at some distance, Hattori settled in a comfortable sitting position upon a side ridge of the battlefield. Hattori had no skin in this game, like with most pack challenges that occurred these days. He didn't know either combatant on a personal level and with how far removed this part of Boreas was to Tojo, he doubted his way of life would change much at all, regardless of who won. But the same couldn't be said for many of those who had gathered here, he saw- not quite alliances but it was clear some had a preference of who they wanted to win.

His gaze flickered to Ochitsuki as she lingered, her usual sense of poise and grace somehow remaining despite the tension of it all. The stress she had to be under. Should things end...badly for her end he would of course offer sanctuary for her if need be- simply because they were almost kindred spirits. That and he felt as though he still owed her.

TABLE & CODE © SKELLE 2021
"Speech!"

Mac sure as hell wasn’t going to miss this. Slipping past the wolves beginning to gather, the boy had loyally followed his brother all the way to the place of the challenge; his blind eye shimmered an ungodly bright glow as a grin crept across his lips, taking a seat near Medusa and Redrum.

Ghoul’s victory would all but determine where the cow-spotted boy would venture — if he lost, back to Insomnia they went. Or maybe Ghoul would leave and he would follow. If Ghoul won, now..he’d follow him. He followed his sibling everywhere. They were practically joined at the hip. Nothing trumped his desire to be where his family would go. His only family, now.

He also wondered if that guy who blinded him would be there — but you know what? He could be civil. He wouldn’t put up a fight. He already had his sick scar, and there was no need for more.


"Let’s go, bro!" Mac cackled. Oh he wouldn’t miss this for the world.

Things were... kind of a mess, weren't they? Bowen had come to Valta to assist in expanding their territory and here she was, stuck in the middle of an alpha challenge where she could potentially be claimed by some new guy that she didn't even know. It was... wow.

Of course she was going to attend the challenge. Not only to support Kotori, but she knew that Art and Briar would be in attendance. As green eyes scanned the crowd, it was easy to pick out her brother and sister in law. The small, caramel and cream fae moved towards them, giving a nuzzle to Bramble before seating herself. The small woman gave a strained smile to the trio followed by a little shrug. "You try and help someone and this is what happens..." There was humor in her tone, but they all knew that there would be dire consequences if the challenger won and refused to release her back to The Hallows.

Emerald eyes met those of Artorias and Bowen gave him her brilliant smile. "
Totul va fi bine. Nu vă faceți griji." She would get herself out of this mess if it came down to it. Small and sweet, yes, but she wasn't a pushover and she wasn't a weakling.

Typically when these kinds of events happened, Briar would stay back at the castle to watch over things while Art represented the pack. This time, however, her own brother was involved and she wouldn't miss the chance to show her support as he defended the pack he had built. She traveled to the battlefield with Artorias and Bramble, being sure to keep close to her daughter's side all the while. As much as she understood the purpose for her attending the fight with them as experience for her new position, she still worried about bringing her to this kind of event that could get out of hand quite quickly. When they arrived Kotori was already squaring off with the pale man that challenged him and she briefly looked over the growing crowd, spotting their father and Kotori's mate among them–as well as a few wolves from Medusa's gaggle of wolves and a stranger she had not seen before. Pack challenges did tend to pull all sorts of wolves from the woodwork.

She caught her father's gaze as she followed Artorias and Bramble, giving him a little nod of acknowledgement. She made sure to take a place next to Ochitsuki, feeling a kind of commodore and kinship with the woman as a fellow mate of an alpha. She gently leaned her shoulder into Ochitsuki's for a moment just to let her know that she was here with her. She kept her attention on Kotori, but listened as Artorias gave Bramble a bit of perspective and ground rules for their time here. When he turned to her she glanced his way with a nod of understanding, a little frown tugging at her lips. She hadn't considered the possible implications of what might happen to Bowen in all of this, but she knew that they wouldn't be leaving here without her if things turned south. When Bramble looked to her with a question about her aunt, Briar gave her a reassuring smile and a nod. "Of course, lovely. Your dad and I won't let anything happen to her." As if their speaking of her could summon the smaller wolf, Bowen appeared beside them. She gave Bowen a smile and leaned over to nose her cheek affectionately before she refocused her attention on her brother once more just in time for the fighting to truly begin.

"Briar Carpathius"

Ghoul hadn't wanted her to come, she would only be a distraction and he needed to focus on the task at hand. But like hell she wasn't going to be there to support the father of her children! She was grateful that Medusa wasn't the target of his ambition today, because she really liked Medusa, and sneaking in on the heels of Mac she kept herself low, forcing her way between the Insomnia wolves in such a way that her small form was buried between bodies, her green tail lashing violently in her excitement. "Shh!" She whispered to her now conspirators. "I'm not here..." She shuffled back under Mac's elbow until just her nose and bright green eyes were exposed, watching on with rapt attention.

”Speech” ’Thought’

It's time to raise the curtain

Álarr and Stjarna had settled in the battlefield for training. They'd already managed to find a few opponents for her and so far she wasn't much worse for wear, partly in thanks to her defensive mutations. Álarr was just about to get a fire going for tea when a challenge call rang out. No ordinary call for a sparring partner, this was a challenge to take a pack.

Álarr hesitated. These could be dangerous affairs and it wasn't uncommon for side fights to break out between various factions of supporters. Still, if he was to make a bid for the rank of Beta he felt it was important he be informed of the going on's. When he arrived there was already a good crowd gathered and it became clear at that point that Valta was being challenged for. He didn't have much opinions on the pack. Kotori and Corbie had fought at one point and that's how she was able to create Avalon. As far as he knew they were of a neutral relationship. Álarr settled in to watch the match.

When one of her ravens raced back home to let her know about the challenge that had been called from the battlefield for Kotori, Avacyn was quick to hurry to the field herself with Saracyn in tow. Out of all of their allies Valta was one that she had been in the most communication with since she took the position of Matriarch purely because of their proximity to Elysium. Kotori had proven himself to be a good friend and ally so she of course be there to support his claim in this fight, but even more than that if this challenger decided to move into the same lands Valta currently called home then she wanted to know first hand who their new neighbor was going to be. By the time they made it to the battlefield from Elysium's island Kotori and his opponent were already squaring off with heavy tension in the air, the fight kicking off just as she found a place to watch near by. There were some familiar faces in the crowd–Artorias, Briar, and Sirius most notably along with who she thought was Ikigai's father Hanzō–which she felt like was to be expected at an event like this. She obviously took to the side of the battle with the rest of Kotori's supporters which allowed her a perfect view of the wolves that had gathered behind the challenger. While she didn't know any of the wolves personally, she did recognize the leader of Insomnia among them with her very distinctive markings. She hummed softly with a little frown, but settled in to see how it would all play out regardless.

"Avacyn Medacium"

He happened to be nearby when the news of the pack challenge reached Elysium and he was curious himself to see the type of fighting that could come with such a claim. He was tending to the children, playing with them in the grass of the island's valley, when he saw Avacyn and Saracyn hurry away to go attend the challenge so he immediately wrote off going himself–that was until Damira started pleading for him to take them as well. One adorable face be probably could have denied, but once Kintsugi joined in... Those girls were going to be a force to be reckoned with one day if they kept up that level of persuasive ability. Besides, one of his girls was destined to be the next Matriarch and this would be their reality should someone ever try to challenge their claim for Elysium. He was sure Ikigai would have some strong words for him later, but he never thought it was too early to learn the realities of the world.

He loaded the pups up in their travel baskets, sent one of his kites to let Ikigai know where they were going just in case she wanted to catch up to them and go as well, and then trotted off toward the battlefield. Everything was already underway by the time he arrived and he scanned the crowd, trying to make sure that there was no side fights or any other tension that he needed to avoid. He found a spot a little ways away from the action but still close enough that the pups would be able to see clearly. Settling onto his haunches, he gently unloaded each of the pups and placed them between his forelegs. "Stay right here. Do not move. If you do then we go back home, understood?" he warned them and once they agreed he lifted his aqua gaze toward the fighting.

"Deimos Medacium"

Damira was more than willing to do as she was told, if her Daddy told her to stay put then she would, as simple as that. It seemed like a fair exchange, that she was more interested in watching the commotion as well as the other wolves who had gathered today. It all seemed like such a big deal, questions bounced around in her mind as she settled, sitting neat and pretty between her Daddy's legs. Like he was her personal, big purple umbrella.

"Mmm," she softly confirmed, offering his left forelimb a quick lick in gratitude from bringing them out here. There was so much going on, and she fully intended to drink it all in. Her mismatched gaze briefly flickered to her big cousin, Avacyn, who seemed to have a good idea of what was going on. Most of the adults did, actually. "Why are they fighting?" She asked, voice quiet from misuse. Damira was a quiet girl, but there was an almost cunning gleam in her eyes to show her silence was nothing to be overly concerned about. "Why does every body care?" Because as far as she knew, wolves fought all the time, surely such an audience didn't gather every time.

Thorn had been planning to go add to his map collection today but even as he’d been rolling up a sheet of Vellum his cardinal flew in the window to tell him about the challenge.  No reason not to combine his mapping with going to see the challenge.  Thorn strapped Stormsong onto his back.  Sucking in his breath he shoved the vellum between fur and scabbard before releasing his breath.  Thorn had added a bit of stitching to the strap of the scabbard, just enough to hold a bit of chalk to use for his drawing on maps.  The large cardinal informed him that some of his family had already left.  Well, he’d see them soon enough.  Thorn rushed down the stairs, and out of the castle.

He got to the battlefield with the fight in progress.  Glancing about, he spotted his family and made his way towards them.  Thorn sat next to Bramble, giving her shoulder a light bump in greeting but remaining respectfully quiet for the fight.  Thorn had seen and sparred in many fights but this one had far more weight to it than those he had watched.  What must it be like to fight to hold the responsibility of running a pack on your shoulders?

His gaze slid to the many other wolves watching the fight, some he knew and some total strangers.  A pack challenge certainly drew in the crowds.  Once the fight was over and the crowd cleared out Thorn would go ahead and add this land to his map collection.  


"Thorn Carpathius"

Ghoul’s ruby gaze notices those that appear. Medusa and Red and perhaps some others he had requested not attend, Medusa’s calling cheer forcing a flick of his tail. The Warlord himself showed up too, which to Ghoul, would be of no surprise. Armada borders were next door, and was the wolf he was challenging not his son? Ghoul knew if he won there would be more repercussions from this battle compared to that of his own mother’s. As others began to walk up, Ghoul would lend a simple nod in their direction. The more, the better, right?

It is only moments later that Ghoul sees a rather arrogant appearing wolf marching toward him, away from the growing crowd. An impassive look upon his face goes unmoved as Kotori introduces himself and prattles off about bravery and scars and not forcing the pack from him. If Kotori were so sure of himself, then he should have nothing to worry about. Releasing a quiet sigh once the words stopped falling from his opponent’s mouth, Ghoul introduced himself in return.

“Ghoul Klein,” his muzzle dips for a moment, a show of respect, what little he has for the other wolf. “I suppose waiting a little longer will be fine. If they would like a show, we can give them one,” Ghoul cants his head slightly and shrugs his shoulders, that look of indifference never leaving. Behind him, his two falconets come to land on a barren tree, finished with their journey of informing all those of Boreas and Auster that wished to witness the battle to soon come or miss out on all of the action that everyone appeared so desperate to devour.

While they would wait, Ghoul would pace quietly back and forth. Large paws spreading his toes out across the dirt, long strides taken to help keep his muscles loose and ready. One ear always turned toward Kotori, waiting patiently for his opponent’s go ahead for the challenge to start. In the meantime, he would notice how more came to gather. Parties interested to see the outcome and Ghoul can tell by their expressions that… they weren’t happy. Would life ever be fun if one became too complacent with their day to day?

After pacing for what felt like a century, Kotori’s voice reaches him. Ghoul turns to face Kotori head on as his ears pin backward. He begins to lower his head, aligning it with his shoulders, rolling them forward ever so slightly to prepare for what was to come. What he had expected was to see Kotori already running for him, but that’s not happening. Instead, Kotori stands there, physically preparing his defenses. Did his challenger really believe he would allow him to just ready himself before attacking? Waiting for spectators would be the only courtesy he’d give his opponent.

Regretting the split second hesitation, Ghoul wastes no more time and pushes forward directly at Kotori. Taking long strides to quickly pick up momentum, Ghoul rolls through his mental checklist. Ears, pinned. Head, lowered and leveled with his shoulders, chin slightly tucked. His shortened, deer-like tail, unlike others, was actually pressed up as much as it could between his legs to protect his genitals. The fur along his spine and up his neck is puffed, bristling with determination. His eyes, as the distance between them is almost closed, narrows to prevent the dust that kicks up around them from disrupting his vision. He feels his heart rate pick up, the adrenaline surging through his limbs with every step he takes.

Ready as ever would be, he makes sure to keep calm. Watch his opponent, see where they’ll go, what they’ll do. Steady, even breaths as his sides push in and out. There. Ghoul sees Kotori shift, left shoulder aiming to slam into his own. Their heights are almost even, but Ghoul is the heavier opponent, he won’t mind being hit head on. Bracing for impact without slowing his speed, Ghoul turns his left shoulder to the right slightly so that the front of Kotori’s shoulder hits him center on the side of his shoulder. Ghoul’s claws extend, digging into the earth, toes spreading outward slightly to steady his balance.

Using his forward moving weight and digging in his hind paws to continue pushing at Kotori, Ghoul is aiming to knock Kotori off balance and onto the ground. As he grunts with effort, he sees from his peripheral that Kotori is aiming to bite onto his neck. The position he’s in now, there’s no blocking it, he’s left his neck too exposed, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have help. As Kotori’s jaw latches onto his neck, teeth digging in through his skin, Ghoul’s companion, the loris that had been hanging on for dear life only moments ago, reaches up with her hand and attempts to grab onto Kotori’s eyelid and yank on it as hard as she can.

While that happens and Ghoul is letting out a held-back whine, he looks quickly. Still pushing forward, scraping his rear paws against the packed dirt beneath them, he shifts. Left shoulder twisting slightly, attempting to be more directly shoulder to shoulder with Kotori, Ghoul reaches to the left. His jaw opens wide, coming down to try and grab hold onto the top of Kotori’s neck closer to the shoulders, Ghoul aims to slice through skin and dig into the muscle tissue.

GHOUL vs KOTORI for VALTA (Pack Challenge)
Height 40"
Build Heavy
Round 1/2

table coding by bunni ♥