Mortis and Hika reached the base of the hallow just as an eerie cry cawed through the night. He hurriedly ushered Hika inside the hallowed tree and followed him in. Huddling close to the white wolf in the cramped quarters. His wings for once were forced to be held tightly to his sides, with no room to spread them. Finding a rotten piece of wood near his paws, Mortis jammed it in the opening, blocking out much of the view outside. The whites of his eyes visible as he looked to Hika. What had made that noise?

The mist had well risen by now, and beneath the blanket of it he could barely see in front of his nose. He could see the glimmer of Hikas white, and he pulled the other boy closer to him. Holding on to his friend as he felt thr combination of both their quickly beating hearts. As they clung there he heard a scampering outside like the sound of beating paws racing tbrough the forest floor. He never remembered Auster being to scary, he had never seen anything like it. What was going on?

Hika raced through the night beside Mortis, the brilliant light of the full moon illuminating them as they sought for shelter. Both worn out from the long day and both very much on edge with the goings on this night. A terrible cry tore through the woods as they fit themselves in the tree hollow together. Hikaru couldn’t quite manage to get under Mort’s wing where he preferred to be, but enjoyed the fluffy feathers anyway. He knew they weren’t real protection but being beside Mortis made him feel safer.

He’d never seen fog so thick, never heard a noise quite so bone chilling, and he’d never been so afraid of the unknown. He huddled in close with Mortis as the sound of pawsteps filled the woods, and he silently prayed for them to be passed by. Whatever angry spirit was out there he hoped not to face its wrath. The koi’s breath came in tiny gasps as he tried not to make any noise as he held to Mort.

"Speech"

Mortis was cautious and weary, holding himself crouched in the little hallow of the tree. Cramped space for a direwolf, and Hika fit nearly against his side. He pulled the white boy close to him and felt the quick little frightened breaths of Hika. This was the wolf who's steady patience had gotten him off the cliff. Who had helped him survive a snow storm, who had traversed the rogue lands of Boreas without losing his cool. Now here he sat, tightly against Hika, breathing quick little gasps of fear.

Morts hackles rose protectively, and he pulled back his lips in a silent snarl. His weary caution turning to anger that this unknown had frightened his friend. He held the pose for a moment, feeling the anger roll through him before accepting the fact that he couldn't yet fight the unknown. The strange, uncanny cry and the heavy thud of prints was completely unknown to him. Instead, he turned to Hika. Huddling in front of the boy, his lips to the others ear. "Hey. It's okay, I've got you, okay? We're going to be okay." He promised in a gentle whjsper, so soft that it couldn't be heard a step or more away.

They wouldn’t be able to remain here more than a night, not without repercussions on their vacation. As it was, Mortis was squished as tight as he could get against the insides of the tree. Not that Hika was paying much more attention to Mort than he was the threat outside. He knew the sounds of other predators and that was not what he heard. He hated the thought of it, but it sounded like a demon. He just hoped they weren’t seen, while he wished he had his warding talismans still.

Mortis tensed as the sound of heavy footfalls sounded, and for a moment there really was nothing but silence. And then Mortis was somehow even closer. His breath on his cheek, the warmth of his embrace, and his reassuring words a quiet whisper against his dark rimmed ear. Hikaru shivered, but he wasn’t sure if it was from fright or… something else. The young koi nodded, knowing that he could trust his friend’s word. He was safe here beside him, no matter the fright outside. "I know, I’m glad I have you.” He whispered back as the realization of their closeness finally overtook the fear that had held his heart frozen.

"Hikaru"

He felt Hika shiver beside him, and he leaned his cheek against his friends. Feeling the plush fur and warmth of the other frightened boy. As they huddled there, shivering and quiet in the hallow and the night moved around them. Mortis knew sleep wouldn't come to either wolf. "Me too, Hika. Whatever happens, I'm glad I'm here with you." He whispered softly back, closing his eyes. He could hear the snuggling of the nose of a large creature near by. Whatever had been thumping around out there was closing in. He clutched Hika closer to him, his own breath a little harsh.

The sound came closer yet, and Mortis tensed. His hackles raising once more. He pushed a paw into Hika, trying to force the other boy a little further behind him in the cramped quarters. Trying to place himself between Hika and whatever threat was out there. Whatever it was, it couldn't have him. Ot wouldn't. Moetis would die before he let anything - ghost, demon, or otherwise - hurt his friend. He could feel his blood pumping in his chest his emotions surging violently through him. With them came a truth he had always been too afraid to admit to himself.

Mortis leaned against him, cheek to cheek as they huddled within that tree. Hikaru felt fear strike him, but he could feel the winged man tense and react to the unknown outside. He could feel his hackles raise and lift his cheek in a snarl as the apparition sniffed and searched outside the tree. He was far too awake to think about sleep, especially when it felt like they might die right here tonight. Mort whispered back to him, echoing how Hikaru felt. Despite the creepy sounds from outside Hikaru warmed.

The shuffling came closer, the sound was louder, and Mortis as best as he could, placed himself in front of the koi man. Hika only just withheld a soft whine as he prayed for the moment to be over. He held his breath and clung to Mortis, ready to fight alongside his friend. Any challenge, any opponent, he would stand beside this man.

"Hikaru"

Hikaru

The stars above seem to twinkle in response. You also find 3 mushrooms. Maybe these are worth keeping…