Kotori was relieved to be feeling better, even more, relieved to find the sun coming out again and the mushrooms and crystals going away.  He’d heal, everyone was healing and the spirits apparently had left the land.  Hikaru and himself had gone slightly away from the pack territory once again.  Hopefully, the predator count would go back to normal soon of what got foolishly close but, he wouldn’t be surprised if some animals that had come out here while sick would still be desperate for easy food.  There were kids on pack land so best they got caught out here.

Sure enough, even as they roamed through the tree’s a grunting sound could be heard.  A giant bear was coming forward.  It had some open wounds along its face that gave the clear suggestion of having had the sickness with stains along the chest from the ooze having settled there.  One of its ears was shredded and Kotori had to wonder if it was from an enemy or if the bear had injured itself when driven mad.

Either way, the bear had noticed them as well and soon was heading in their direction.  Kotori noticed it seemed a bit thinner than he would have imagined, possibly having a hard time getting food for itself while sick.  Angry and hungry, a good way to make it stupid enough to attack wolves.  Kotori glanced at Hikaru and nodded his head away from them, “go ahead and get to a good spot,” Kotori offered a smug grin, “I’ll get his attention.”  It had worked well so far so why stop now?  With all these predators it could certainly be said the two were getting good at teamwork.


"Kotori Fatalis"

He could hardly believe it, Hikaru survived the curse and plague of mushrooms. He coughed up the last of the spores and they fell from his fur. The koi was one again whole. He didn’t take much time to recover, he didn’t need to, and he was back out in the field with Kotori again. They made a good team against the plethora of predators that threatened the lands they lived. Of course with all the illness it was hard to look as strong as they once had. Now that the illness was clearing up, it was time to clean house. All the local predators would think twice before approaching the Armada’s borders.

Of course, as he and Kotori patrolled the borders a huge bear found its attention on them. Hika’s silver eyes peered at the creature, stained by ooze with scars littering its body. Obviously it had taken a sharp downturn during the time of darkness. Now though it was recovering, it was thin and sickly. They were given enough time that Kotori could spout off a quick plan and Hika leapt into action. He half hid himself behind a swell as the other warrior got the bear’s attention. Hika waited to strike at just the last moment.

"Speech"

Kotori smiled grimly as he watched Hikaru get into position.  Hikaru was healthier and Kotori was gaining a lot of experience lately.  He felt good working with the koi wolf, trusting both in Hikaru’s abilities and teamwork.  Once his friend was in place Kotori charged towards the bear, snarling and snapping at the air in front of it.  It didn’t take much to get the bear's attention and with its attitude, the bear’s full wrath was ready to be thrown at him.  The bear made a lumbering lunge towards Kotori.  

The horned wolf jogged backward, showing off his horns and keeping a smug grim firmly planted.  Dumb bear.  Kotori knew something it didn’t know.  He snarled at it again for good measure.  Nothing else was necessary to keep its focus.  The pissed-off bear was completely ignoring the threat from behind.  Kotori doubted this fight would take long.  A new pelt would soon be available for anyone who desired it.

"Kotori Fatalis"

The two of them were turning into quite the pair of wolves, they defended their pack together and it always felt like they were finding some kind of predator or another. As they’d done before Kotori took the lead, showing the bear his presence and grabbing its attention. The massive ursine tumbled towards Kotori in its lumbering manner, seeming lazy but both wolves knew how powerful the beast was. The prince did his job well, he didn’t have to harry the bear too much to keep it on him. Hikaru watched as the bear lumbered forward, paying full attention on his partner.

Hika waited for the last possible moment and he made his move. White silver paws carried him swiftly towards the big creature, his eyes dark as he made his move, going right for the creatures throat. There wasn’t too much hope of actually taking it down in one shot but Hika did what he could with his sharp teeth before he had to retreat to keep himself from colliding with massive claws.

"Speech"

The moment Hikaru went for the actual attack Kotori quit playing so nicely with the bear.  The wolf took advantage of the bear’s attention turning on Hikaru to run in.  The bear’s head was facing Hika so Kotori slammed his horns in till it raked jaw bone and jerked his head up and even got so far as a fast bite into the shoulder as he sprinted to run off before the bears could turn away from Hikaru to attack Kotori.

In spars against other wolves, Kotori kept to mostly using his teeth and body pressure but against larger predators, and with a partner his horns were serving him well.  The bear was clearly confused, open mouth swiveling from one to the other, massive paws swinging as it tried to make the wolves keep their distance.  A roar of pain and anger made to both of them.  The blood was flowing freely from the side of his face, little showing around the quicker bite he’d made to the shoulder.  Hopefully, that had given Hikaru time to get more strong attention to the bear’s neck or any critical point.


"Kotori Fatalis"

Kotori didn’t neglect his part of the job and as Hikaru raced forward and got the bear’s full hearted attention the horned prince took his chance. Hikaru didn’t see the way the other wolf hooked the bear’s jaw up but it was enough to keep Hika from losing an ear. The koi wolf bounced away from the bear as it shook its head and its furious gaze shifted from koi to prince. Hika did see and notice the blood that began to pour freely from its neck and face. He didn’t see the bite on the shoulder but it didn’t matter.

The bear seemed to lean towards Kotori just in time for Hikaru to take his chance at one last hit. Immediately his paws were moving and he was rushing at the creature. Jaws open and aiming towards the throat once more. Hikaru hit and he tore, whipping his head back and forth he severed into its neck. The koi like wolf jumped away again, and the bear tried to go after him once more. It took one, two, three steps and then fell over lifeless. Hikaru and Kotori were victorious.

"Speech"