Arrow Lake [J] The Beginning of the End

He trotted smoothly up the faint mountain trail, occasionally hopping playfully over scrubby bushes and rocks that lay in his path. He was often this way when he was alone, relaxed and energetic. It was when he was around other wolves that he became most reserved and even aggressive. But as he made his easy way up the slope he was happy and relaxed, especially since the air had cooled considerably from earlier in the day.

As he hopped easily over a bush a small bird darted away from it. On an impulse, Kato swept after it, his powerful jaws snapping shut just inches from the bird's body. He stumbled slightly, but quickly regained his balance and continued on his way. The tawny wolf allowed his tongue to loll and the breeze to happily muss his summer coat.

It wasn't until a moment later he noticed a black she-wolf padding towards him from the mountain. As she drew nearer he noticed a powerful scent that clung to her ebony pelt. She was obviously a member of a pack, presumably the pack whose borders he was skirting. Kato halted and allowed her to approach. Her body language was completely confident, it was likely she was a high-ranking member of her pack. Kato, however, kept his body neutral, not wanting to appear as a major threat, nor a submissive coward. He kept his tail lower, but his weight forward on his toes, ready to move quickly if need be, and his eyes and ears mirroring the she-wolf's, focused intensely on the wolf before him.

He suppressed a low growl when she halted nearer to him than he would usually like. He narrowed his eyes slightly as she spoke. Kato was naturally very defensive and skeptical, always finding reasons not to trust or even like someone. So when this wolf spoke to him in such and easy manner, he couldn't help but immediately assume she was up to something.
"Hello," his voice was nearly a growl, but he did not allow it to become overly aggressive. He watched her intently, searching for any sign that she might attack him.