Sequoia Coast dynamite

A few days ago, Huā had assigned him a mission. Find Ying, check on her... something like that. Action first, specifics later.

Orochi loved Yuélóng. He finally came to this realization (somewhat randomly. very randomly) as he headed towards the den where his friend lay. It’s strange to admit, but it’s true. Dumb island’s brought out the best in him. Of all the places he’s lived in, this was the one he cared for the most. It truly was home, and he’d prove his devotion one way or another.

The specifics of this mission don’t matter. It’s a mission, a way to prove just how good he was for the pack. Come home successful, and everyone would know that. Aiolos, Huā...

@Hide.

He wanted to prove it to him the most. Didn’t know why exactly, but he did.

Orochi hissed his name once more, that was enough to rouse his friend. Poor Hide didn’t get time to blink the sleep from his eyes, the yearling was already going on about the mission, where he’d go, how long it may take. He paused when he finished, took a breath, and asked:

You’ll come with me, will you?

He didn’t want to do this alone, and he wouldn’t go with anyone but Hide. The first time he was tasked with something like this, the russet yearling was there by his side. It’s only fitting they head into this together again.

Orochi was happy he said yes.

...

It hadn’t been too long since he’d spoke of the mission. A few hours maybe. The pair had spent their time preparing: stretching their limbs, having a meal, saying their goodbyes. Now they traversed across the strip of land that connected the island to the mainland.

It’s so fucking c-cold, Orochi hissed through chattering teeth. Too cold, way more cold than it usually was. Maybe the wind was to blame. It howled loudly around them and violently churned the ocean. Orochi’s heart beat faster as the frigid water slowly rose around them. By the time it had gone past their forearms, he was pressed against Hide, both for stability and comfort.

T-the water’s rising, It’s not just the temperature that made his voice shake. Orochi tried his best to suppress his fear. He clenched his teeth, glared at the horizon. He needed to hold it together, for Hide’s sake. But it was so difficult. So, so difficult.

The water...

It’s r-rising. Hide... we have to hurry! I-I can’t- Another wave comes, stronger than the rest. One moment Orochi is barely on his feet, the next he’s swept into the ocean. 

Orochi never felt true terror until now. He kicked, spat, tried to scream. It’s all a blur, his mind was in shambles. The only thing he could focus on was Hide. He needed to make sure he was safe.

Of course Hide said yes. Another mission? They'd had so much fun on the first! Or, well, Hide had had fun, for the most part, because he had met Orochi and that was probably the greatest thing that had ever happened to him. Orochi was fun, challenging, smart, brave... Hide didn't think he was imagining the warm feeling he got when he was talking to the other boy. But they hadn't had a lot of time to just talk recently, and since Orochi's demotion, Hide didn't think it was the best time to bring it up.

But maybe this was a better opportunity to talk to his friend about the way he had been feeling recently. Hide doubted that Orochi was one for soft, mushy talk, but it was the orange boy's goal to force him into one. And who knew, really - Orochi could feel the same about him, in return.

He didn't think anyone else would have the other boy pressed against their side for warmth. That was most likely reserved for Hide.

So, yeah, he was pretty excited for this trip.

Or, he was, until they got about halfway down the land bridge. 

It was so frigidly cold, and the snow was so deep, it was taking most of Hide's energy to just keep walking. He'd never been more grateful for Orochi's stable presence than he was right now, because not only was his sense of smell dulled by the snow, but his hearing was getting drowned out by the ocean. The only solid thing he had to hold onto was Orochi.

"It... it'll be fine!" he tried to reassure, though it was getting difficult to keep his feet under him as the waves began to rise. It was a vicious onslaught, knocking him off balance and sending him sliding away from Orochi.

And then, he couldn't hear his friend anymore. 

Hide struggled to keep his balance, sightless eyes round with terror as he fought to keep from panicking. "Orochi?" he called, and received no response. Another wave hit, and he just barely managed to keep himself from getting dragged out to sea. 

Where Orochi had gone.

"No... no!" he cried, taking several frantic steps forward as he sought out his friend. He called for him, for what felt like eternity, but could really only have been a few agonizing moments.

He had never felt more alone.

The next big wave that hit dragged Hide out after his friend. Water filled his ears and nose first, robbing him of his hearing and scent. The world was spinning as he was caught in the current, fighting to try and keep his head above water.

It was hopeless. He knew that, on some level, but it still took his lungs screaming for air for several minutes before he finally took in his first gulp of water.

Burning saltwater flooded his lungs, and his body began to still. In his last coherent moments, he began to relax.

This isn't so bad...

It was quiet. Calm. He could barely feel anything anymore.

His eyes fell shut.

In those last seconds, before his soul left his body, he thought he heard someone calling his name.

And then he was gone.

Keep your eyes on him.

Eyes on him..

Hide.

That was the only thing that kept Orochi from being dragged down completely. Seeing that red pelt (it’s no more than a blur now, features wiped away by the sea and tears) drove him to keep his head above water. If he just kept pushing maybe he’d get to him again. They’d get out of this, dry off somewhere on the mainland, laugh about it tomorrow. Maybe...

Another wave crashed over him, and as he did many times before, he forced himself to swim to the surface. Only this time, when he looked towards the bridge, his friend was gone.

No. No... No, no, no!

Hi-de...! A final cry before the water rushed into his lungs, and he was pulled into the ocean for eternity.