Agni Kai

They had picked up traces of his scent in the Bent Canyon. Working backwards with their combined intel from Syanna and Dalila, the posse of four furious warriors tracked the perpetrator of the violent crimes enacted on the two women like they were hunting prey. They moved south across the open plains, cloaked in fading twilight that soon gave way to the black of night. With a new moon darkening the sky, only the faint silvery starlight guided them in search of their target. With every step, the scent trail they followed grew fresher and fresher. It was enough to get Artorias' heart thumping with eager anxiousness. He was careful to guard himself though, measuring every step, every decision. The last time he had gone charging into a fight with Oxx, his emotions had gotten the better of him, and it had resulted in his savaging and near death. He had been younger then, much more inexperienced and idealistic. The modern day Artorias was pragmatic, levelheaded, and patient. He calculated every possible plan and outcome, patiently analyzing his surroundings and the information he gathered from the wind, the earth, everything that led him closer and closer to Oxx. There would be no failing this time.

Unlike previously, Artorias had foregone the use of his armor for the chase. Last time, the sound of his armor had given away his location and inhibited his movement, preventing him from matching up with his then larger brother. Now they would stand toe to toe in terms of size, and though he had given up the protection of his cuirass, the element of stealth and agility he'd gained for it would more than compensate this time around. Artorias kept his sword cinched tightly around him, so every step didn't make a sound. He moved in veritable silence, deft paws carrying him across the craggy earth towards the towering shadow of the ancient volcano with practiced ease, his skills in navigation and trekking paying off in dividends. He and Chimera took point, the veteran hunter guiding them with his keen skills. Behind him, he had Rudy and Ezra at his back. The last fight had been a one-on-one, and Artorias had stood no chance. This time, he would not make that same mistake. He'd fought Oxx with honor last time and he had lost. Thanks to the slate monster, he had learned a crucial lesson that day—honor meant nothing when war is unfair.

As they came to the base of the mountain, the glow of firelight began to spill into view. Artorias slowed his fait, raising a curious brow and turning a trepidatious look to the others. Coming just to the edge of the light, it was easy to see there was no one near the campfire. Artorias' nerves steeled and his stomach turned. This was a trap and an obvious one at that. Oxx would likely be watching from the shadows somewhere nearby, hoping to lure someone in with the fire like literal moths to a flame. Art silently raised a paw up to prevent anyone from venturing into the light. They still had the element of stealth and surprise as far as they knew. They just had to maintain it. "He's close. This is him, no doubt," Art whispered in low tones to his comrades, gesturing around the edges where shadow and light blended. "Let's fan out, see if we can sniff him out. Whatever you do, do not try to engage him on your own. Call for support. And stay the fuck out of the light."

Artorias glanced to Chimera and motioned with his head to the left around the perimeter of light. He and the other alpha would check one way, Rudy and Ezra could head the other. At some point, someone would find Oxx. Artorias began to prowl the edges of the light, his dark coat blending him in with the shadows while he scoured with burning ember-like eyes and sampled the air. He motioned for Chimera to spread outward a bit into the darkness, putting some space between the two brutes so they could cover more ground, but still be close enough to call to for support. Artorias wasn't going to let any of his wolves get caught alone and unawares by the predator they were after.

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