you become what you hate

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"