Redhawk Caldera malice through the looking-glass

He took a deep breath as he plodded toward the borders. He tried to get himself into a fiercely protective mindset by reminding himself of why this was absolutely necessary now. It would be a lie to say he didn't dread the inevitable, however. It seemed like things had just gotten settled between the caldera and its neighbors... and here they were again, given no choice but to drive all outsiders away from their home, no matter who they were. Peregrine didn't look forward to it, though it was a necessary evil. In order to achieve redemption, he must face it.

No sooner had he steeled himself than a voice rose up in the morning air, presenting his first challenge. Peregrine's heart leaped into his throat at the sound of Lasher's familiar voice. Intuiting that Fox or another caldera wolf might be racing to intercept him, the Kappa sent up a loud howl. "I've got this." He hoped his dedication would please Fox. He also wondered what Lasher would make of it. It wouldn't take long to find out, as he immediately began galloping toward the howl's source.

There was nothing friendly about his approach. He ran toward Lasher with his fur prickled and his lips peeled back from his teeth. But whereas Fox hadn't stopped to explain her behavior, Peregrine took a moment to say, "Leave, Lasher, and don't come back here ever again. Pass along the message." His voice was hard and sharp, like the edge of a knife. "There was an intruder," he half-lied, jade eyes flashing tellingly. "He nearly killed Wildfire. We no longer trust outsiders in or around our home. This is my only warning." It was tough to treat Lasher this way but saying his daughter's name gave him strength.

And if his former flame didn't want to believe his story, the shocks of white on his cheeks—called to his attention by a sleepy Wildfire early this morning—certainly made a compelling case for his veracity. Peregrine's suddenly aged countenance seemed to say, I've seen some shit.