Shadewood fifteen kids in the backyard drinking wine

 @Higoro
private for now ;))

shadewood was silent. it never bothered issun before. a lover’s voice and a baby’s laugh made for an excellent lullaby. but the music was gone. he knew where it was, he swore he could still hear it, but it was distant. locked behind heaven’s gate. the silence cradled him. it drove him mad.

the warrior was restless tonight. how he longed to kiss his wife and see his son, but there was a line separating them now. issun tried to sleep it off, but it kept him awake and alert. he abandoned the idea and decided to take a walk.

it had been awhile since he patrolled the borders. fatherly instincts kept him from doing so. when he worked, the job was always hunting. but he figured the distance would keep his mind off things.


as he got closer to the boundary he realized something was off. there was someone here. an outsider. and their scent was thick. they must have been here for awhile now. issun growled. what was the meaning of this?

Sleep was something Higoro found easy to gain, but easier to wake up from. Dreams of his betrayal often haunted him in the night, like a pack of coyotes yipping and howling after their prey. The night was one of those nights, full of coyotes and after four attempts at staying asleep he stopped trying. Opting for night patrol, a rare occurrence but one that dulls the mind enough for sleep. Off he went, walking down the long border, checking all the usual things. Scents, markings, game trails, ect. He had no luck with game that night, raccoons were usually eyeing Higoro up form the tops of trees. Sometimes he'd play games with them and sleep under the tree just to scare them into stay up all night. Although some were stupid enough to crawl down, a mistake Higoro took full advantage of.

His patrol was going well until a growl sounded from his left, within the borders. His hackles raised and thick canines slipping past his maw. He spotted the one who dared growl at him, this male wasn't Cry, so that meant Higoro wouldn't hold back. He wasn't to be disrespected that easily, especially when it didn't benefit him. A nastly snarl came from the male, along with fully barred, bloody teeth. "Who are you to growl at me boy? I suggest you put that tail between your legs and get moving!" He ordered, his voice booming with anger. His stature was large, and puffed out due to his fur but his position stood firm. His paw planted, and his body braced, Higoro wasn't only threatening that male with his words, but body language. Higoro had been itching for a fight for weeks, and hopefully this would satisfy him.

the suspect was quick to reveal himself. he slithered out from the shadows, viscously, confidently. his chest was puffed and he wore a twisted scowl. and he spat threats like it was nothing. what caused this attitude was beyond him. it was baffling and infuriating.  

issun rose. his tail flew over his back and his lips pulled back. don’t speak to me like you own this place, outsider. he closed the distance between them. you better tell me why you’re snooping around our border now.

Higoro snorted, this bold male was too full of himself for his own good. Pompous, asinine. Those two words came to mind whilst inspecting the male like a hawk and its prey. Higoro barely deemed the male a threat, more of a pup than anything. Another snarl let lose from within, he flashed his teeth, wanting to show off his powerful set of teeth. Intimidation was the game, running him off was the goal. Sure he'd get shit on by Cry, but this male was to be taught a lesson. 

"Didn't you hear? Your Alpha, Cry, set me to these borders. So why don't you scamper off back to where you came from boy." Higoro bit back. The distance that had been closed betwee the two didn't bother him, he took it as another insult but one he would take full advantage of if a fight ensued. Just then, Higoro realized something, that male could be Minoris mate. A the burning fire within was fueled by that thought, and so, he asked, "Before you leave boy, who are you"

he was bewildered by the whole situation. either the man was lying or cry had actually given him his blessing. but why? if their leader deemed him worthy enough to walk among the borders, why didn’t he accept him into their bunch? but then again cry was known to make poor decisions, hence the bear strolling around.

i don’t need to give you my name, he growled, you will give me yours.

Higoros patience was getting shorter by the minute. His fuze was lit, and time was running out before Higoro lost it on the other. At that point he was just itching to fight, his body over flowing with adrenaline and fury. Even the anger especially reserved for Cry was making its presence known. "You're just like Cry, stubborn, foolish, a sheep in wolves fur. You're nothing but a damn coward boy" Higoro hissed. He was coaxing the male into striking first, the boys ego would hopefully get the better of him. By now, a fight was a guaranteed to happen.

he dismissed the question, choosing to insult him further. this was no man before him, just an attention craving whelp. issun would not entertain this game further. if you won’t tell me your name then get out of my sight, he hissed.

Higoro would hold off his urge to just lunge at the male and instead opt to further press his buttons. In hopes of evoking some better wrath in him, so far Higoro was far from intimidated and so close to painfully annoyed. With the males likeness to Cry, it made the annoyance all the more infuriating. The males insistence on Higoros name was tiresome, he didn't want to give in but to get what he wanted he would have to. A quick snort withdrew from Higoro once more, and a look of annoyance crossed his features. 

"My name is Higoro Nakamura!" He shouted, proud of his own name and heritage. Higoro was counting on Minori blabbing to her mate about him, surely if the male was in fact Issun, he would give himself away. If not, Higoro would have to force the male to give up his name. By any means necessary. Was it a little harsh for the 'crime'? Yes, but did Higoro see it that way? No, not in the slightest.

he should’ve never asked. it would’ve been better if he didn’t know.

higoro, the antagonist of many ill tales, standing right in front him. the name had slipped to the back of his mind for the past few months, there were other things to worry about. now it hit him like a hammer.

this didn’t make any sense. how could cry let this creature slither along their borders? how long had he been here? did minori know about this? no, she couldn’t have. she held a high status in the pack, she wouldn’t allow this. right?

right?

but what if she did. what if she accepted this?  what if she was planning this? what if she was keeping this a secret?

those questions and concerns kept him still for a long time. he was so detatched to reality. but an orange glint in the dark bought him back and he came with newfound fury.

nothing else was said. the warrior dove for the man’s snout, hellbent on sealing it shut with his teeth.

Higoro watched as the male crumble at the news, that did it. That told Higoro just who the male was, a twisted smirk spread across his maw. Although Minori would punish him, and Cry would banish him, Higoro was gonna beat that sheep wolf to a pulp. His intention wasn't to kill him but teach him a lesson? Definitely. He wanted Issun alive, to forever live with his defeat. Finally, he sas going to get back at the male that took Minori from him, who cheated on her and who dared to disrespect him.

What Higoro wasn't expecting was Issun lunging at his snout, gaining a painful grasp on the siverly dark male. Higoro struggled from the other malws grasp and finally got free, going in for retaliation with full force. He aimed for the chest, his jaw open and his teeth bared and ready to sink into meaty flesh. Whoever came by and witnessed the fight would surely enjoy, perhaps even Minori would.

thread is AW now! pp w/ permission.

once he got a grip he did not let go. he wouldn’t let go. all of the pent up frustration, sorrow, and regret all led to this. nothing but a blinding white rage. higoro would be a victim to this.

somehow he managed to rip himself from his jaws. that was when the real fight began. it was very back and forth at first. one would constantly tear at the other, granting no time to catch a breath. it wasn’t the type of fight he anticipated. issun fought hard, but his energy was running thin. he tried stepping away to regain his strength. this would ultimately be his downfall.

higoro took full advantage of his weakness. he rushed him over and over again, pushing issun back father and farther. when issun was all worn out the man forced him to the ground with a final blow.

it was an ugly scene. blood soaked the trees, the leaves, the moonlit path. the trail led to two wolves, both stained red. one was crouched to floor, glaring at the other who stood tall over him.

The keep was so peaceful today. She breathed the fresh air, nipped at mosquitoes and slowly wandered the territory. Then shouting ruined it.

"Higoro Nakamura!" 

It was enough for her to change her route and head in that direction. Snarls and growls erupted and she growled "What the fuck" she cursed an hurried, pausing at a distance when she saw what was happening. She blinked slowly, unsure if she was seeing correctly "Oh what the fuck guys!" She shouted and rushed at them. 

Secretly in a way, it was a turn on. She wasnt dumb, she could assume why they fought. It was for her. What woman wouldn't be a bit pleased by two handsome men battling for her honor? Yet she was the warden around here, the one who kept others in line when Cry could not and so she did her job. "Seperate. Now" she snapped staring at Higoro and sweeping her gaze down to Issun. For a moment there was a softening, a concerned flicker in her eyes as she swept them over his body before it faded "Get up" she said. "You both act like children. This is why Cry won't let you be an official part of the keep" she said staring at Higoro "And you. Is this a good example for Deku?" she growled at Issun.

when mama had his eyes off him, orochi had the chance to slip away. he couldn’t go too far without minori stopping him, but she wasn’t here now. he watched here disappear off into the trees and he immediately trailed behind her. this was a perfect moment. he could get a glimpse at what she did when she was away. all he had to do was stay out of her sight.

but her activities were very underwhelming. he almost fell asleep watching her stroll along at a sluggish pace. maybe it wasn’t to late to split off. before he turned to leave, some commotion exploded from afar. minori has taken notice and burst into a sprint. finally some excitement around here!

orochi kept up as best he could. he tripped here and there, stumbled every so often, but he didn’t loose track of minori. 

he arrived in time to see some of the skirmish. the identities of the two were hard to tell from this distance. they flew at eachother so quickly, it was hard to tell what was going on. regardless, orochi was still mesmerized. it was so different from his usual quiet life. it was thrilling.

once the fight was over, the dragon burst out from his hiding place and ran towards the trio with a huge grin on his face. now he could clearly see the faces. one was a stranger and the other was the man he had seen just days before. orochi glanced at both of them in awe.

Cameo

 

Kovertol stood in the background. Watching the fight unfold much to his amusement.
Looks like the ego inflated, mistrusting asshat got beaten down by some outsider. Not that Kovertol cared much. If someone had already engaged in this spat, he only intended to watch. It was lucky he'd eaten not long ago -- saved Issun from being cleaned up by the hoover. 

He was brought to the place by the shrieks. The loud, incessant snarling, growling and thumping. Perhaps one day he'd show them a bear fight. That'd be a spectacle for the dogs. His eyes peered at them with curiosity. The blood that stained them was enticing. Later perhaps, he'd clean the trees of it. In truth, Kovertol had never tasted the blood of a lupine. He'd had it coat his paws but it brushed off in the grass often enough.

Minori. He liked her, the brave and admirable woman. She scorned them like her own two -
Ah. The Deku and Orochi were not both hers. That's right.
Issun lied to her. And Kovertol was more than happy to watch her berate him, perhaps for the rest of their lives; though it looked like Minori would live longer. He gave a low chuckle from the shadows where he stood. A sentinel and observer, much like the trees that whispered of the show.

Phex was late. She had to make Valour and Bronwen stay in the den and that was a task in itself. She came at a light sprint, not really wanting to see what battle was bearing by the borders but took it upon herself to get up and go all the same. It'd been a while since she'd taken part in pack doings anyway.

She skittered to a halt behind Kovertol, her eyes bulging at the blood. The blood. It coated everything.
She quivered, her nose wrinkling as she passed around Kovertol to make herself visible opposite Minori. Issun lay defeated, seething. A man she didn't know stood over him, his tail high. Phex laid her ears back, bearing her teeth. The stranger had attacked her Family. Minori stood there doing nothing?
"What the fuck!"
 She took another step forward, having to stick her nose into everything. 
Her fur bristled and her tail rose, curled. This was her home and her children lived in her. Her Family lived here. She would not settle for an attack on them like this.

The battle was victorious, his revenge and anger had been sated. Though he was not nearly as beaten as Issun there were still bite marks and scratches that bloodied his body as well. Nothing fatal but some would take a while to heal. Nevertheless, Higoro came out on top and with his ego inflated he sneered, his tail stood tall as he loomed over the defeated. If it was any other wolf, Higoro would've finished him off, the silvery males' time in numerous other battles made taking a life easy. However it was Minoris mate, he couldn't take away someone she loved, as much as every fiber of his being wanted to, he just couldn't bring himself to do it. As if on cue, Minori came out of the woods barking orders. Higoro listened and backed away, then came a pup, following Minori. A disgusted look swept across his face has he realized that was Issuns child too. The disgust was wiped away by the reminder that the childs father was on the ground, bleeding due to his very own fangs. The humiliation if Issun was enough to make Higoro happy once again.

Then a fucken bear sudden came into view, which was beyond wild to Higoro but he just seemed to be watching the show so Higoro let it go. THEN, some female showed up looking pissed as hell and growling at him. Higoro growled back, his bloody teeth showing their new color. Both females were pretty much demanding to to know 'What the fuck' went on and Higoro would happily oblige. Though he was pretty sure they'd still try to kill him or something. "He started it Minori, he attacked first. The only thing I did was beat the scoundrel bloody." He seethed, giving Issun a look of hatred. In his eyes, he had every right to defend himself.

last post for me

issun was drowning in his own hatred. everything and everyone faded into a simple form. the squabbling was nothing but muffled white noise. he was the only thing that existed now. him and his problems and his worries and his doubts.

all he thought of was higoro and their fight. it replayed over and over but the details were twisted in his favor. he was the one who dealt relentless blows. he was the victorious one. he would stand tall. but that story only existed in his imagination.

when he returned to the present there was an audience around them. phex was furious, orochi was bouncing around full of excitement, hell even the bear looked on with mild amusement.

then there was minori. she didn’t seem phased about what lie before her. it was baffling. how did phex, someone he barely knew, care more about this than his own mate? the seed of suspicion only grew.

issun slowly picked himself up. he ignored everyone else, choosing to stare down his attacker. there was so much hatred in his eyes. you’ll regret the day you stepped foot here. that was the last thing he said before limping away.

Minori felt the annoyance rising inside of her, threatening to burst at any second. She could smell Kovertol before he arrived and heard Phex approach, growling at Higoro as if she wasn't doing something about the situation. Then Higoro pinned all the blame on Issun and Issun walked away, once again not taking responsibility for his actions. Then Orochi came and She snapped. 

"Phex stand down he has Cry's permission to be here" that was the first matter of business. The second was Higoro himself "I'm sure your big mouth and hatred for my ex mate have nothing to do with this" she growled sarcastically her fur bristling. "Stay the fuck out of my personal problems Higoro. Go hunt, be useful" she ordered. With Issun gone there was no reason to stick around anymore and she turned, following after him to check in on him even though she was sure nothing good with come of it.  She looked at Phex before she left and her gaze softened slightly "If you want to be caught up on how this happened come find me" she said and walked off.

Her eyes set on Minori. What the fuck? This dude just attacked someone and he gets to walk off with his ego-inflated tail sky-high? Hell naw.
"What if you're next Minori? What if it's Laroche or me or anyone else on border patrol? Did Cry let him wander around as a training exercise because I think the fuck not!" Phex didn't realise she was shouting until she had to suck in a breath. Her face was her and her eyes burned. The blood...Issun walked away in the way wolves do when they're about to drop dead. She let her gaze trail after his form before snapping back to the woman who was supposed to look after the pack. A warrior who is supposed to defend a pack was defending the outsider.

Phex gave a disgusted snarl to the pair and turned tail, making straight for the den. She couldn't take down the man, even if he'd just endured a grueling battle. Morgan wouldn't stand for this and he was gone. Cry was insane. She felt for Issun.
This was her home, her Family. 
She ducked into her den, licking over her children. Laroche wasn't far behind, having missed the commotion.
She had a decision to make.

Direct to here

Issun left, the bear was around there somewhere (Hogoro didn't know), the Minori, then Phex. It was like a domino effect, he watchsd in silence as Minori and Phex talked then walked. He was all alone with his wounds, bloodied and bruised. Eventually after he lost sight of them he limped away, off to lick his wounds and hope none got infected. There wasn't much of a victory other than Issuns defeat, don't get Higoro wrong he was glad but at the end of the day, Issun was Minoris. He got to go back to a mate who would undoubtedly lick his wounds and care for him. Though, maybe not, after all Issun did cheat. Minoris ability of forgiveness could be ruthless but also, at times, merciful. Higoro did not know which it would be that day, but he wouldn't get to find out. Not for a while.

Archiving, thanks for the fight Issun