Here to Serve

Kotori had helped clear out numerous predators in the pack's new home.  He’d chosen a den and helped with setup for about two weeks but now it was time for a new assignment.  He enjoyed the run from Dreamer’s Col and back down to Ashen.  Without having wagons to haul and kids to keep an eye on the distance was swallowed up much faster.  The cold winter invigorated him and for most of the trip, he was able to follow the same path as the rio grande lake which provided him with water and even a quick meal of fish.  Once he was just a few hours away Ashen Kotori waded in the chilly waters, splashing water on any areas of him that appeared to pick up some obvious dirt patches on the trip.  Might as well make a good clean impression when he arrived.

Eventually, he arrived at the Ashen border.  The armada had always been allowed to freely roam into their pack land but the Armada no longer was no longer their next-door neighbor.  Kotori doubted it would be a concern if he just walked into their pack as once had been the way but Kotori was going to start with good formality and could always be more casual to whatever degree Venom felt comfortable with.  He was here to be her bodyguard and assist so he would play his role in whatever way fit her best so long as that included guarding her.

Kotori howled for Venom, announcing his presence at the border and requesting she admit him.  The tone was polite with no rush.  Kotori sat down, watching inside the ashen land before him, and waited for a response.  Looking at the landscape it was a bitter pill to remind himself Ikigai wasn’t there.  Farther behind him his white tiger Splash lay in the grass with the small glowing mongoose partially hidden under the curve of the neck.

"Kotori Fatalis"