in the embers

Shinrei was more than willing to spar with his siblings. After all, how would he protect his pack someday if he did not practice? How would he make his father proud if he didn't persevere? Through loss or win, it didn't matter what the outcome was; if he was stronger for having fought, and learned a few more skills and tricks of the trade, it made all the difference. Today he called on his eldest sister, Hanaryo - surely like the rest of his littermates, Ryo wouldn't turn down a good offer for a fight to hone their skills.

Approaching a clearing, one of many used for spar training in the maze, Shinrei tilted back his head and called for the girl, waiting patiently for her arrival.