Don't fuck it up, now

Kotori nodded to Azure’s words as they walked, as to the reason for Armada having been the ones who built him.  There was certainly truth to it.  The more he hadn’t been able to get a quick rise in station the harder Kotori had worked to gain power and the more he would want.  As a child, he’d followed dad around when possible imagining being like dad someday.  In a sense, Kotori imagined that had worked out after all.

On the other hand, other events helped create Kotori.  The strange night that had come on them, the strange events of dad’s assumption Azure and Zee had died.  His time with Ikigai and even the help he’d received from Ashen had all been stepping stones to this.  Still, the Armada had done its share.  

“It wasn’t until the trip to Ashen I decided I wanted my own pack.  I got a few tips from Venom but other than that, I had never asked dad or anyone else for tips in matters of diplomacy.” A small rueful smile, “I’m much better at saying what I want than listening to others getting an opinion so I’m having to learn that as I go along and do my best not to screw it up.”  

Kotori quirked a brow at the notion of a bridge making anyone lazy.  “If a wolf wants to be lazy the time in Valta will end up being limited.  I’ll enjoy getting to throw out worthless members.  However, I’ve thought up a way I think will help limit the number that I’d have to kick out.”  Kotori started walking again, this time heading farther in amongst the trees nodding lazily at a few den sites to show where they had been built or are being built.  Then the spot for his meeting place that had been cleared away.  Three stones were placed around the diameter of his circle with one raised up with a flat top a bit above the ground.  Yes, Kotori had a spot to sit or stand on when he spoke.  He liked the image and it helped improve the concept of the circle.

“I’ll have trials that will occur once or twice a year.  They won’t be easy and I will expect new wolves to take part when they come around.  They won’t be set just in the pack land.  Any wolf needs to be able to survive on their own outside of the pack versus assuming someone will always be there to care for them.  Time limits will be set.  Those of my pack who succeed will gain the right to wear the pack’s tattoo about their eye.  Proof of their worth.  I've considered inviting allies to attend as well, though they would not be able to gain the tattoo.  Simply a means of proving their own abilities for those who wish too."  Kotori already had a good idea of what the first trials would include but there was plenty to set up.  Areas of land that needed to be explored more before starting his trials.  Matters of diplomacy finished first and then he could see how his plans actually worked in practice versus imagined.

“I’m also not all that sentimental.  I have no problem throwing out those who fail to perform.  Adults or children.  If you don’t support the pack you hinder the pack and waste my time.” Kotori continued walking, “and if any of my members ever do embarrass my pack name while on Armada turf please make sure I know of it.  I’ll be sure to correct them as well.”

Signs of paw prints would show on any spots of dirt, flattened grass from paws or items dragged showed where work was frequently being done. “I’ll have sunset falls as mine soon enough.  I’m planning to use an old den site I saw there to store supplies in.”  Momentarily mentioning locations again.  His gaze glanced to Azure after a point.  “I want to make sure when I do have children that they grow up in a pack where there simply are no weaklings.  I want there to be no bad examples so it's natural for the children to understand what will be expected.  I’ll do what’s necessary to make sure that happens.  If any of my children refuse to meet expectations they also will be thrown out.  If I’m truly disgusted with them I will strip them of the Fatalis name.  Of course, I hope it doesn’t come to that and they all make me proud.”

Kotori’s gaze swept the land, “the Fatalis name is important to me Azure.  I won’t let mine blemish it.  Nor will I let members of my pack blemish Valta’s name.  That’s my goal."

"Kotori Fatalis"