I'm Trying to Find A Signal Fire

Flush with her victory over two of Fenmyre's warriors Pyralis was riding the high south into Auster searching for adventure and trouble. With winter soon to arrive in Boreas, summer would arrive in Auster and she much preferred the heat to the cold. Mania and adrenaline eased the pain of her joints, pushing her farther south than she'd been since she'd had her pups. She could smell the salt in the ocean air along with something else.

Pyralis lazily rolled to a stop, nostrils twitching at the smell of pack. Well, well, what was this? A pack in the maze? Apparently the pirates had missed one.  If she had her fire cart she'd be tempted to light the maze ablaze. Alas, she didn't have the tools she needed and she was more interested in catching sight of the wolves that made their home here. What were the like? Hermits? Meek healers? Or perhaps a hidden clan of warriors?

She didn't hesitate as she strode into the maze, beckoning Alkali and her potoo into the air above to assist in her navigation as well as alert her to the arrival of other wolves.

This part of Auster was quiet, almost desolate. The Kaicho didn't feel as though he had to intently patrol his borders as he had once done in Ashen, sandwiched between so many packs, but he kept up the routine all the same. Made a point of ensuring that it was unmistakable as to who this land belonged, that if anyone stepped one paw over the invisible line in the dirt then it had to be intentional. As though the rules of this land didn't apply.

Hattori was intent on rectifying that mistaken thought.

Upon catching wind of the trespasser, Hattori swept into action, the dark of his paws thudding against the earth as he wove through the maze. Knew it better than anyone else, the ins and outs, shortcuts that had him arriving at the scene in a matter of moments.

He didn't snarl or growl, all bluster and bark. He simply regarded the stranger for a moment, only to note they weren't quite so strange. The scent that clung to the elderly woman's coat was a familiar one, she was a Pirate it seemed. One of Sparrows miscreants. The Kaicho didn't put it past the Pirate King to send someone his way to just get on his nerves, but regardless of the nature of their relationship-if you could even call tolerance such a thing- Hattori would not let this slight go unpunished. Not now and certainly not ever.

Launching into action, the white of Hattori's teeth flashed in the shadows of the bamboo. Ripping through the air as he swept forth and made a grab for the Pirate's muzzle. He hunched his shoulder up, thickened bones sturdy as he tensed his coiled muscles tight for an overly forceful shoulder check.

Hanzō vs for Pyralis dominace (i think)
Round 1/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Tanto
Defensive Battle Accessory: Shinobi cuirass
Companion 1: Asian Golden Cat, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Mountain hawk-eagle, Male - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Akita, Male - Battle - Boosted
Mutation 1: Enhanced vision - Perception
Mutation 2: Antelope horns - Offensive
Mutation 3: Reinforced bones - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Bloodletter

While his own defeat against Fenmyre was a sore spot to his pride, it wouldn't deter him from helping stir up trouble. With his ego boosted from the Pirate King's proposition of his new position, the mottled man thought it best that he follow the other Sin into the depths of Auster. Their companionship was quiet as he trailed behind her toward the southern tip of the land. A warm breeze rustled his coat as he eyed the wall of bamboo that towered before them. Interested, his ears perked and his nose twitched when he scented a familiar wolf. One he had sparred with before and had also sorely lost to in the past. Maybe this would be his attempt at redemption.

As Pyralis stepped across the boundary into the shadowy maze of stalks, Gil's nerves stood on edge. This wasn't a formal raid or anything of the sort. No, they were here to pester and cause a ruckus. Like any real pirate would enjoy doing. With his wolverine at his heels and his owl soaring through the sky with Pyralis' companion, his eyes turned toward the sound of deafening paws coming toward them. So their arrival would not go unnoticed. Letting a grin break across his jowls, Gil coiled his own muscles and waited for another to follow suit. Standing back a few feet as the dark-coated man barreled toward his packmate, he waited his turn. If Pyralis should fail her scuffle, Gil would be at the ready to take on the leader of this land.

"speech"

CODE BY SHELBY

Knowing the bamboo like the back of his paw gave him some advantage over the trespassers he’d scented, not too far off from his location. The thrumming of his Kaicho’s large limbs against the earth were unmistakeable, and from the sound of them, they were hurrying towards some sort of danger. He knew his Kaicho just enough to know that he didn’t offer any verbal warnings, no macho show of growls and barks - he went straight for the fight. He respected that, wholeheartedly. Glancing towards the direction of the scent trails, his snout wrinkled into a snarl, a growl bubbling in his throat as he scented something unfamiliar. Strangers. Unwelcome ones at that, trespassing into a clearly marked boundary. He wouldn’t let this fly, and he certainly wouldn’t stand idly as Hattori fended them off, capable as he was.

Dropping his task of tracking prey within the maze, Usagi swiftly summoned his Akita and antlered cat companions, silently but quickly trotting through the bamboo, weaving as elegantly as a dancer. Or a running rabbit, however wyou wished to call him. Stalking quietly and light on his toes, it was possible a trespasser would barely notice him until it was too late. In the distance, he made out Hattori’s koi form lunging towards one stranger, whereas another unfamiliar figure stood nearby. He was large, dappled with calico-like spots. But he was not a koi, and Usagi was thankful he wasn’t - any koi wolf should have shame in walking into a place they didn’t belong.

Before getting caught in the visual path of the wolf nearby, Usagi looped around in a large semi-circle, tightening it and then bracing forward towards Gilgamesh, suddenly spurring himself faster and faster towards the male like a black and scarlet torpedo. No words, no barks, just like Hattori - the strangers wouldn’t be in the wrong to believe the two Tojo wolves to be of close blood. Hind leg jutting out at the last second, Usagi pivoted sharply to a near-stop, aiming to firmly kick the man in the meat of his back right thigh, then aiming to firmly whallop him with a shoulder check just behind his ribs. He meant it to hurt - nothing like a fat bruise to teach someone a lesson. And if need be, he’d unleash more.

Speech

Usagi vs Gilgamesh for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Double-bladed Sword
Companion 1: Maine Coon, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Akita Inu, Male - Battle
Skills: Expert Fighter & Advanced Hunter

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

I'm Trying to Find A Signal Fire

Pyralis strode forward as if she owned the world, ears alert and eyes dancing in the light that sparkled now and then between the bamboo leaves. A sharp chirp alerted her to the approach of someone. A large wolf, larger than even herself, with horns and and armor arrived. He came to a stop, staring at her for a moment. She grinned and set her defenses. "Well?" she beckoned.

The man charged for her and she tensed, her still supple form retailiating swiftly. His fangs launched for her muzzle. Pyralis rotated her head sharply so the side, seeking to counter his attack and snag his lower jaws between her own. Her upper fangs aiming for the left side of the lower jaw while her lower fangs sought the right side. It was a tricky shot but what did she have to lose? Her life? Had she not already lived more than her fair share of life times? Her hind legs spread, tail flailing to keep her balance as she lifted both arms, seeking to wrap them around the base of Hattori's neck and welcome his shoulder throw. She would take the pain offered if only to give a little back for she sought to turn the blades of her bracers into him.

Pyralis vs Hattori for Dominance
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year… by a lot
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Leather bracers with blades
Defensive Battle Accessory: Studded leather armor with cowl
Companion 1: Harris Hawk, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Potoo, Male - Battle
Skills: Master Navigator & Master Fighter
Specialty: Saboteur

Despite her obvious age, the woman was still spry and swift on her paws. Quick to react and even quicker to retaliate. From the boldness of her demeanour it was obvious she knew what she was doing, that this wasn't just the blunderings of a senile old hag. Rather, a pointed intent and desire to go where she was not welcome. To push and push to see what the end result would be. Idly Hattori noticed another figure emerge through the greenery, yet another outside striding along as though it was his right to be here. In the shade, recognition flickered into the Kaicho's dimly glowing eyes. He had fought that man once, beaten him quite soundly too. History sure did have a way of repeating itself, it seemed.

Not letting his attention slip for longer than a half second, Hattori knew he had to deal with the old woman before he could move on. Though perhaps that would not be necessary if Usagi succeeded in holding his own.

Keeping on the offensive, Hattori lunged after Pyralis, jaws snapping at empty air as she ducked aside. She narrowed in with a bite of her own and Hattori made a twofold attempt at dodging, he dipped his head and swapped his attention over to his horns as he aimed to jab them at the softness of her throat. It was an intense scrap, up close and personal with teeth snapping and swiping, only just missing making contact as the two veteran warriors clashed. Her forelegs connected around his neck and shoulders as she reared up in a grab, but instead of backing down Hattori simply surged forward in the motion on the assumption gravity and his weight would do the hard work and send them tumbling down into a pin maneuver.

Hanzō vs Pyralis  for dominance
Round 2/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Tanto
Defensive Battle Accessory: Shinobi cuirass
Companion 1: Asian Golden Cat, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Mountain hawk-eagle, Male - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Akita, Male - Battle - Boosted
Mutation 1: Enhanced vision - Perception
Mutation 2: Antelope horns - Offensive
Mutation 3: Reinforced bones - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty:  Bloodletter

As the other two entangled themselves in a flurry of fur and teeth, Gil's attention scanned the shadows surrounding them. It would not do to get distracted now. A second scent tickled at the edge of his nostrils as the rustle of bamboo shifted in the breeze. Of course, there would be more lingering around. The man who had claimed this land as his own would not be daft enough to not have others to help defend. Bracing his muscles for whatever was to come, his ears folded back slightly at the sound of drumming paws against dirt.

Coming from behind him, a second scarlet and obsidian form raced toward him. This one was smaller and leaner with slim legs. Easily outsizing his opponent that charged for him, a smile slipped onto Gil's lips. From the ages ago that he had sparred with Hattori, his skills had evolved. In the second it took for the nimble man to approach and spin on his paws, Gil had turned to meet him. What a cowardly thing to do, kicking someone in the ass. Released a quick growl from his throat, Gil stepped back from the kick as toes glanced by his skin.

When the boy flipped around to shoulder check him, Gil was there and waiting. Bracing and leaning into the brunt of it, he waited for their bodies to collide. Chest to shoulder, air whooshed from him as he twisted his neck around. Sure, there indeed would be bruising there now, but it would be nothing he couldn't handle with a little booze. Opening his jaws to let his fangs flip down, he reached out to grab ahold of the boy's scruff.

Gilgamesh vs Usagi for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Gold chainmail cuirass
Companion 1: Barn Owl, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Wolverine, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Crystal spines - Defensive
Mutation 2: Tufted deer fangs - Offensive
Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Blessed

CODE BY SHELBY

Cowardly? What a sorry assumption. A coward would’ve tucked tail and ran the moment they’d realized they were outsized. The pirate’s sheer bulk did nothing to faze him, and if it meant he had to be quick on his feet, he’d make to to stretegically bring the man down. There were ways to fight without having the natural gift of bulk. Truthfully, the man wasn’t even surprised when the calico brute spun to face him, evading the kick. But the shoulder check Usagi carried on with had hit, likely leaving a fat bruise on the male’s chest.

Though the man typically avoided using teeth at all costs, he reserved that ideaology for spars and friendly fights - but as this was not a spar, nor a friendly fight, but rather, teaching these fools a lesson, a flash of white emerged from the bunny-tailed warrior’s maw. Just as the pirate reached down from their collision to grab his scruff, he felt the scraping of teeth graze the back of his neck, feeling the beads of blood emerge.

If the pirate wanted a face-on fight, he had one. Quickly dipping his head, Usagi aimed to pivot his body around in a sort of half-somersault motion - twisting his body so as to use the full force of his own body weight - shifting it all towards his head as he aimed to snap his jaws and clamp them on the side of the pirate’s neck fur, tugging downwards in an attempt to force his opponent to lose his balance. Either that, or he’d draw some blood. It sucked to be smaller and lighter - but when you had to deal with this your whole life, you learned to adapt. Just as his tooth-less combat style now demanded the use of his jaws. Defending Tojo-kai wasn’t something he’d hold out on, and his deadpan expression barely contained the fury of his movements - quick, fierce.

Speech

Usagi vs Gilgamesh for Dominance
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Double-bladed Sword
Companion 1: Maine Coon, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Akita Inu, Male - Battle
Skills: Expert Fighter & Advanced Hunter

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

I'm Trying to Find A Signal Fire

At her oncoming jaws the horned man bailed on his bite and instead offered his horns. Pyralis tucked, her abdomen curling in as she let her hind feet leave the ground, using Hattori's own forward momentum to avoid his attack. For as he pushed forward, she tucked her head in towards his chest, his horns and jaws sailing over her head, his lower fangs just knicking the top of her head between her pinned ears. While there she sought to dig her fangs into flesh as she was ultimately pushed onto her back. With a viscious grin she kicked out with her free hind legs, seeking to smash her hind paws into his groin.

Pyralis vs Hattori for Dominance
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year… by a lot
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Leather bracers with blades
Defensive Battle Accessory: Studded leather armor with cowl
Companion 1: Harris Hawk, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Potoo, Male - Battle
Skills: Master Navigator & Master Fighter
Specialty: Saboteur

There was a foot difference between the two of them. Even as he reached to grab ahold and sink his fangs into the obsidian body, he watched. Mildly impressed that his opponent could be so agile and twisty as blood began to seep along his opponent's scruff, Gil had to let out a little chuckle. Releasing his hold on the boy's scruff as he began to flail around, Gil tightened his stance and clenched his muscles. Not only was he taller than the shorty, but also slightly thicker and muscular. Years of being a lonely and violent vagabond had paid off.

Even as the boy somersaulted and did some other fancy moves, Gil had been ready and waiting. Taking a few steps back and out of the way as the boy sprang up, he watched as a clump of hair went sailing with his opponent. The spot where Usagi had aimed was warm and wet, a slight patch of hair and skin now missing. If Gil had been serious about hurting the boy, he probably could have turned his body to protect himself with the crystalline spines along his back. What fun would that have been?

Tilting his head slightly to the side out of curiosity, he laughed. "Alright Pipsqueak, have you had enough of this already?" The devilish grin twisting upon his merle lips shone brightly through the shadows of the bamboo. Taunting his opponents was always in good fun because honestly if someone took this shit seriously, they probably have bigger issues to deal with. As his laughter died on the wind and his yellow eyes glinted in the afternoon sun, he moved without hesitation. Skidding forward through the dirt, Gil leaned down and lashed out quickly like a snake striking its prey. Fangs unfurled from his gums as his mouth opened wide and aimed to latch on to the boy's leg. Wouldn't be very good at hopping and kicking if an ankle so conveniently happened to break.

Gilgamesh vs Usagi for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1
Size: Extra large
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Spiked bracers
Defensive Battle Accessory: Gold chainmail cuirass
Companion 1: Barn Owl, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Wolverine, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Crystal spines - Defensive
Mutation 2: Tufted deer fangs - Offensive
Skills: Master Intellectual & Master Fighter
Specialty: Blessed

CODE BY SHELBY

And the winner is...

Usagi

Gilgamesh must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: OPPONENT1: Attack Roll: 31 Defense Roll: 12 Agility Roll: 15 Perception Roll: 63 Total: 121 Attack[31] + 50% Bonus[15.50]: 46.50 Defense[12] + 30% Bonus[3.60]: 15.60 Agility[15] + 5% Bonus[0.75]: 15.75 Perception[63] + 30% Bonus[18.90]: 81.90 Total[159.75] + 25% Bonus[39.94]: 199.69 Usagi: Attack Roll: 65 Defense Roll: 80 Agility Roll: 85 Perception Roll: 21 Total: 251 Attack[65] + 50% Bonus[32.50]: 97.50 Defense[80] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 80.00 Agility[85] + 5% Bonus[4.25]: 89.25 Perception[21] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 21.00 Total[287.75] + 20% Bonus[57.55]: 345.30

And the winner is...

HANZO

PYRALIS must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: HANZO: Attack Roll: 91 Defense Roll: 63 Agility Roll: 77 Perception Roll: 65 Total: 296 Attack[91] + 120% Bonus[109.20]: 200.20 Defense[63] + 20% Bonus[12.60]: 75.60 Agility[77] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 77.00 Perception[65] + 10% Bonus[6.50]: 71.50 Total[424.30] + 40% Bonus[169.72]: 594.02 PYRALIS: Attack Roll: 69 Defense Roll: 99 Agility Roll: 40 Perception Roll: 29 Total: 237 Attack[69] + 35% Bonus[24.15]: 93.15 Defense[99] + 15% Bonus[14.85]: 113.85 Agility[40] + 25% Bonus[10.00]: 50.00 Perception[29] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 29.00 Total[286.00] + 55% Bonus[157.30]: 443.30

It had to be by some damn miracle that Usagi won. He was smaller, lighter, and by all means fucked the moment the brute of a pirate snapped his jaws at him. Usagi snarled at the mention of pipsqueak. Taunting your rival was one thing, straight up fouling something out of their control was something of a sore spor for him. His own teeth showed in unbridled rage, his mossy eyes seeing more red than green. His final kick lashed out, hot and fiery, the most charged and furious jab he’d ever attempted on someone. It wasn’t a spar kick. It wasn’t a knock-the-wind-out-of-you kick. No, this was a aim-for-the-ribs-and-break-them kick. He aimed to hurt, hurt and bleed.

Something landed, something made it through to have the Hohei get his victory. But victory came at a cruel, spiteful cost, like venom under a sugary tongue. The calico male’s jaw’s clamped around Usagi’s right ankle, and before he could twist out of the male’s grasp, a sharp snap cracked the wind and the silence. His kick from hell interrupted with an unimaginable, white hot fiery pain that pulsated as he felt the bones in his foot splinter like wood. Usagi, in his speed, was unable to counteract the momentum so quickly, but with teeth so gritted and jaw so tense his tongue bled, he used his three good limbs to barely halt by the pirate, mossy eyes still sharp with pain and hatred all the same. His eye glanced upon his filthy opponent, and with one rage-filled look, Usagi turned his head, spat out the blood that filled his maw, and barely contained the limp he now gained from his hard-fought battle. He knew Hattori all too well. There’d be hell to pay for wounding a Kaicho’s warrior. For now, he hobbled towards Hattori, and only stared down his larger opponent, the one he bested by all means, with the deadliest stare he cluld give anyone. He’d done it. He’d fucking done it.

Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

PP has been approved by Bunni!!

One after the other, the pirates were felled.

The old woman attempted to kick out between his legs, hit a man where it hurt, but he was quick to put an end to her attempt. He pressed down upon her, using a limb of his own to shove hers out of the way as he pressed his teeth against the exposed line of her throat in warning. He remained where he was, still and contemplating, only raising his gaze to note Usagi's success. Was this all the pirates were capable of, then again nothing about this was an organised attack. Truly befitting of what Hattori expected of them, a band disguising itself as a pack. All of the flavour yet none of the order.

The scent of blood lingered in the air, Usagi was wounded yet not mortally so. A brief glance his way showed he was lame on one foot, the ankle crunched and jutting out slightly. Painful, but nothing that wouldn't heal in time, given he was tended to appropriately. Speaking in their native tongue, he spoke to his subordinate. Dismissive but anything but unkind.

"Go have a healer tend to you. Well done." And then back to the trespassers, both thoroughly trounced. Now what to do?  "But first,"⁣ he then said in the common tongue, rising as he strode over to Gilgamesh. A man Hattori had bested long ago and was about to do so again.

Without any warning or preamble, the Kaicho lunged at the man's ankle, clamping down and twisting at the sound of crunching bone. He was swift and efficient, no more brutal than he needed to be. Surgical in his precision. He had broken Usagi's ankle and thus that was the punishment he deserved in return, nothing more and nothing less. An eye for an eye. Now as for the woman... Hattori licked his lips idly, chasing away the blood on his maw.

I'm Trying to Find A Signal Fire

Pyralis kick was pushed aside but in lifting his hind leg to knock hers aside Hattori had made an opening and Pyralis took it. She released her grip and rolled swiftly to the side and in doing so managed to avoid the fangs that were meant for her throat. Pyralis stumbled up while calling out swiftly. "Ok, ok you got me, I give!" Her tail tucked between her legs as she backed up toward where she'd entered the maze. A quirky grin plastered to her face. "I don't suppose you'd happen to be single? Because dayum."

He didn't seem to be amused and moved over to Gil where he broke the man's ankle before turning to her and licking his lips. A familar and unwelcome gesture despite her earlier teasing. Her gaze darkened. "Don't get cute, boy," she hissed as her tail untucked. "You've made your point and we intend to leave." She strode over to Gil. "Unless you truly wish for more violence," her maw contorted in a crooked smile, "but it would be a shame to remove you of such splendid manhood."

His loss was semantics. Purely semantics as the other boy limped away with a sour look on his face. Even as his ribs bruised and every inhale he took was now accompanied by a wheeze, Gil smirked. It wasn't long until Hattori and Pyralis untangled themselves and proved that once again, the Pirates needed some practice. Letting his ears flick back for a moment as he assessed the situation, Gil's attention turned toward the Kaicho who quickly addressed him.

Whatever was coming next would surely be justified. As losing hadn't been enough, but - OH. A loud yelp screeched from his lips as his fangs flipped down. Feeling the excruciating crunch of his ankle as the larger man swiftly broke it, Gil scuttled back toward Pyralis as best as he could. Clamping his eyes closed so he wouldn't pass out, he inhaled as deep as his bruised ribs would let him before coming back to reality.

Leaving sounded like a splendid plan, but like Pyralis, Gil would never be opposed to a brawl. Flicking his goat-like gaze between the Sin and the Kaicho, his judgment got the best of him. "Maybe next time you can remove his manhood, but probably best we make our leave," he rumbled under his breath as he rested his broken ankle closer to his chest.

SPEECH

CODE BY SHELBY