Redsand Canyon once upon a younger year

@Donovan Azura - set August 21st, immediately after this thread

Hide honestly didn't remember much toward the end of the fight. Only a splitting headache and then his legs being unable to hold him up, and then... nothing. He'd come into awareness a few times on this journey, but he'd suspected he'd had to have been carried or supported some of the way there, because he absolutely wouldn't have made this journey on his own. 

The ground was hard-packed here, and rough on his paw pads. He was accustomed to leaf litter and mud and sand, not rocks and grit and gravel. It felt bad beneath his feet, and he supposed it was the discomfort that brought him back to a state of at least semi-consciousness.

"Where'm I?" he asked groggily, eyes still squinting from the headache behind his skull. The steady thump, thump, thump of its pounding was becoming familiar to him, but that didn't make it any more bearable. Along with the ringing in his ear, which seemed to be improving slightly as time went on, it was wearing down on the boy.

Donovan hobbles up the steep slope of cutting rocks that lead up to his den. That’s where they dropped the boy earlier anyway. He’s ready to terrify him and all the good things that come with having a captive.

So he’s making his way to the mouth of the cave. Claws tapping on the red rock as he looks inside. Noticing the smaller beginning to struggle awake he chuckles. “‘Bout time you woke up, sleeping beauty.” He hums teasingly, only a hint of a growl in his tone to scare if possible. “You ready to bunk with the Saints for a bit? It’ll be real fun~.” Come another teasing bout of his sing song voice. The sound of his footsteps coming closer at a languid but uneven pace are probably the only thing betraying Donovan’s lingering form.

He... was not dripping wet, for the first time in god knew how long. The ground beneath him, while completely uncomfortable, was not soaked. That almost made it tolerable, if he were being honest. At least, until he heard the uneven pawsteps approaching him. For a moment, he really hoped it was Orochi, but this wolf was larger, and favoring a different leg. 

Fantastic. 

The voice was gritty and low, and Hide winced as he sat up. Oh, had his hind leg been burning this entire time? Because that hurt, too. "It's probably better than being stuck out in the rain by myself," he admitted, forcing his body into a standing position so that he wasn't prone before the man. "So, you guys were from the Saints?" That was an important bit of information. No wonder they were mad at his pack. "Are you Donovan? They said a man named Donovan was the leader."

Donovan stopped walking when he got about three feet away from the other wolf. His smirk is unwavering, though the other cannot see it, surely he can hear the horrible tease in his voice. “Aww, aren’t you optimistic?” He says toxicity dancing in his voice, though it’s mocking and sing song tone border on rude.

He watches as the smaller begins to stand on wobbly legs. Making himself seem taller. Donovan hums out a rumbling laugh as he allows the other day whatever he has to say. 

“Yeah that’s my name, don’t wear it out, peaches.” His voice is at forst smooth and teasing yet becomes a bit sterner.

Deciding to close the distance between them Donovan gives a slight push of his massive head against Hide’s shoulder in an attempt to get him to fall. If he fall, Donovan will be heard chuckling under his breath. If not, he’ll swoop around to the other side of the smaller wolf.

Hide let out a soft huff of laughter, though it was humorless. Optimistic? Yes, but he had to be right now. There weren't a lot of options for him. "Yeah, well, I try to be." How else was he going to get home if he wasn't optimistic? "I don't want to give up." Orochi would probably beat him if he did, and he'd much rather make him proud. 

Oh, so this was the leader. There came that nickname again, and Hide frowned, brows knitting together. 

He felt the push against his shoulder, and his off-kilter balance did nothing to prevent him from stumbling onto his side. Donovan laughed, but Hide really couldn't care less about that right now. The boy sat back up, but didn't get to his feet again - his equilibrium was off, and he didn't feel good. It was for the best if he just sat. 

"Is your leg alright?" he inquired, surprising himself a bit. He'd never fought another wolf, for real, and hadn't wanted to hurt him. The thought of causing irreparable damage to someone else left a bad taste on his tongue. "You're still limping." He had no idea how long it'd been since the fight, so he didn't know how long he'd had to heal. "I didn't want to hurt anyone, but I... didn't have much of a choice." His ears lowered - he was supposed to be a protector, not a warrior. But it was also important to defend himself.

His rumbling laughter slips from his maw as the other wolf stumbles over. Only after he completely ignores him, only replying back to the upbeat words with a shake of his head. Once can be negative and still have the desire not to give up. Donovan has to say that in his shoes, he’d be pissed. Snapping back and forth at anyone who dared come close to him. Eventually he’d learn to play the game. Put on a faux attitude of indifference and wait it out for an opportunity for escape. Yet this wolf is special. Well, so is Donovan but they’re different. So so different from each other.

This fact becomes clearer when the male sits up. Eyes skimming curiously over his wound. Then the damnedest words come from his maw. 

Is your leg alright? 

What the fuck? Is all that goes through Donovan’s mind. Stopping in his tracks and his smile falling. Why does he even care? Donovan’s head is spinning in circles like the exorcist trying to figure out why the smaller even gives a shit about his leg or even his well being at all. It’s insane.

So he does the only thing he can do: be an asshole. Scoffing after his long, obviously surprised pause, he goes to walk next to him. On the way he shakes his head. “You should’ve gone for my fucking throat and killed me if you knew any good.” He growls. Then his voice is automatically more teasing once again. “But it seems like you wouldn’t be able to find it.” He bullies, referencing his sightless eyes. 

Then he’s snatching him up by the scruff and pulling him to his feet. Not bothering to be gentle, he stabilizes him and gives a tug of his head forward before letting go and walking ahead of him. Fully expecting him to follow, he gives a gruff “Just shut up and move.”

He’d walk out to the ledge of the red rock his den say on waiting for the other to join him.

There's a silence after Hide asks his question. The boy waits patiently, figuring the brute might just need some time to wrap his head around why his prisoner might care. And, finally, the massive wolf speaks, confirming Hide's suspicions. 

"I found that injury on your leg just fine," he remarks quickly, probably against his best interest. But the jab at him for being blind was... well, it was a sensitive subject, and this guy was pretty bold to make that comment anyway. He wasn't incapable, which he thought he'd proven already. His head pounded and he winced, squeezing his eyes shut tight. It didn't help.

Hide let out a yelp when he was grabbed and yanked to his feet. God, this wolf must be huge to be able to pick him up like that. A quiver of fear overtook him, but he tried not to let it show too much.

The boy carefully picked his way over to join the older wolf on the ledge. He didn't dare take a step further than where he could hear the man breathing - he didn't want to fall, if there was a drop. Better safe than sorry. "Why'd you take me here, anyway?" he asked, tipping his head to the side.

Donovan can tell his little joke isn’t taken too kindly and the little red wolf is quickly snapping back a reply. I found that injury on your leg just fine. True, he did. It was impressive. Maybe he smelt the blood? Who knows. He doesn’t put too much thought into it as he snatches him up. The yelp that is squeaked out of him is satisfying to the evil, darker wolf mix. His golden eyes run over his form sickly. He gets a kick out of the fear, a ragged grin littering his face maliciously. 

Eventually he’s meeting him outside. He’s cautious — as he should be. There he goes asking questions again. Let’s remedy that. He thinks horribly. 

He tumbled out a quiet fit of laugher, easing closer to the male. He stands chest facing Hide’s shoulder, looming over him. Arching his neck and tucking his chin closer to his body, Donovan hovers his dangerous jaws over his scruff. Previously wet with his first bite, he soothes a tongue over the slimy bits of drool coating his cherry fur. Licking down to his shoulder blades.

“Thought we’d have a little fun.” He growls with a smile evident in his voice. Then once again, he’s snatching his scruff into his jaws. Clenching then looser skin and fur roughly enough that his canines will surely piece with enough weight put on them. 

It doesn’t stop there. No, it gets worse. He’s dragging him against the loose gravel of the rock floor. Until there is nothing beneath him anymore. Surely his heart leaps out of his throat at the rough drop his body takes. The yank of his scruff from Hide’s falling weight causing puncture wounds and tears. He dangled him off of the fifteen foot drop of where his den sits comfortably above the normal ground level. 

He’d hold him here for a few seconds, mumbling a “I wouldn’t struggle if I were you.” painfully into his fur. “We’re just hanging out, don’t gotta be so scared.” He jokes horribly.

Hide shuddered beneath the uncomfortable touch to his shoulders - he didn't like that. Didn't want him acting so... affectionate wasn't the right word, but it felt almost like that. It caused his already-spiky fur to fluff up a bit more, defensive and afraid. And he should be, honestly. This was probably the most afraid Hide had ever been. 

And then he was being dragged again, but this time forward, across the floor. It scrubbed his paw pads raw and he tried to just go with it, instead of fighting too hard. This man was much bigger than he was, and it would probably hurt worse if he resisted.

But then there was no ground beneath his feet. 

His scruff pulled uncomfortably - he could feel the skin tearing under the older male's teeth - and he fought not to struggle. His heart was beating wildly, and he could feel the blood rushing in his ears. How high up was he? Was he going to be dropped? 

Hide's eyes welled up with tears and his tail tucked. He couldn't even form words - just trembled as he was dangled over the edge.

It might be a pleasant day were it not for the deluge.
Oh well.
He happily trotted along, taking a different route for the day.
Passing past Donovan's den to see if he was back. And where Renard was.
He didn't fully trust the man, but whatever. He hid it well enough.

And it seemed he was in luck. Donovan was home.
Derg stood in pretty much the bottom of warrior's heart, waiting to spy on the brindle man.
But for fucks sake.

"Donovan."
He loudly chastised.
What the fuck was this? Dangling a wolf from the edge of the den.
"If he falls he'll make a mess. Put him down next to you." He tagged that last bit on because Donovan had a sick sense of humour and would certainly try and find a way to twist it horridly.

The tips of Donovan’s claws hang dangerously off the edge as he holds the smaller in the air. He’s chuckling as he feels the other shake in his grip. It gives him the sick satisfaction that’s always been inside him. He wants to drop him, honestly there’s not much from stopping him. Should he be nice though? What has he gotten for being nice? Oh yeah, not shit. What’s the point in starting now?

He swears he’s about to drop him when a familiar voice calls to him warningly. His brows raise and his eyes flick towards the voice. Derg. That amazing man has come to save the poor little wolf. How sweet. 

Donovan smiles around the scruff in his mouth and laughs, sending vibrations throughout Hide’s body. Yet he seeks eye contact with Derg and if the male can see it from down there, he’d notice the roll of Donovan’s canary orbs, the smile on his maw. He steps back, dragging the smaller back into land and dropping him. Though he doesn’t give him freedom, rather he settles a large paw almost around him, or on top of him. Anything to keep Hide in his place. 

Donovan takes up a seated position and used the paw to scoot the wolf closer to his body, as in loosely cuddling him. A shit eating grin on his face showing teeth and Donovan comically bats his eyes to the Overseer. “Oh but, dear, we’re just hangin’ out.” Literally. “Havin’ a good old time.” He chuckles back to him, golden eyes watching Derg almost suggestively.

Hide was saved by an angel who seemed to be fussing at his assailant. Someone was brave enough to talk to Donovan like that? That was absolutely incredible. Even moreso that Donovan listened, dragging him back to solid earth. Hide settled down, still trembling, and inwardly cringed as the massive wolf settled over him. 

He didn't want to touch him like that. Like they were close or something. 

"Oh, yeah. Such a good time," he wheezed, blind eyes round and chest heaving. He wanted to turn his attention to the stranger, but he couldn't manage. "Can... I ask a question or are you gonna hang me over the edge again?" It was risky to ask, but he had to get it over with.

As soon as Donovan begrudgingly agreed, Derg had made his way up to the pair.
Hastily, may I add.
But soon enough, he could see Donovan cuddling the poor little thing he'd dragged in. Like a toddler with a fallen fledgeling.

"I'm glad you're having fun," he purred.
Did he want Donovan to stop so he could join in? Or did he actually care about the lives of others?
This little specimen certainly didn't seem too happy about Donovan's...playtime.

He dipped his head, sniffing at Hide.
"Of course you can."

Donovan chuckles at the rumbling lilt of Derg’s smooth voice. Even distracted by his form as he closes in on them. Golden hues taking over his agouti pelt and settling on the hazel orbs speckled with gold. Eventually he rips his eyes off of him and stands, backing up and away from their captive. 

Instead standing tall, head level with his shoulders peering curiously down to Hide. “Yeah, let’s hear it.” He hums with a borderline malicious smirk on his maw. Just waiting for him to say the wrong thing.