When The Season Changes (Tagged)

[Tiel]

((Phew, got this up BEFORE the end of Spring. *sigh* I’m going to play this like it is earlier in the season, if that's ok, just because I think it would make more sense in this context. Also, um… I’m tired — really tired, so I apologize for any mistakes in here and also for anything just flat out weird (because I write some weird stuff when I’m tired) Maybe it isn't as bad as I think it is, but also maybe in the morning I’ll read this and go “.......What in power’s name.” Well, ANYway… here’s this ol’ thing! I guess this should go Tov with Epicenter first, and when we're ready, Meds with Koa. ^u^ tovaana Meds ))

Yukio:

About a year ago, there had been a rainstorm just like this one. Yukio had been a nomad then, going where the wind took him. And one day, the wind, filled with violent bullets of water, caused him to retreat to the shelter of a kind stranger. Incidentally, it had chased two others to the same spot as well: one an odd and superstitious wolfess, the other a benevolent, witty, earth-shattering (Yukio’s earth, that is) intellectual. He dreamt of her intuitive eyes, sizing him up in playful disdain. He dreamt of the way she smiled when she came up with a quippy come-back to match Yukio’s own verbal weaponry. Only one long conversation over the course of an afternoon, and everything was suddenly and unalterably different. Yukio would never be the same.

Rumor had it, there was a new pack in the valley, and their leader was a strong, courageous alphess called Koa. The Ivory Wild border wasn't a far cry from where Yukio had dug his fairly new den — which he would likely abandon when the weather got warm. Sometimes packscent caught the wind and was carried his way, and sometimes, if he paid careful attention, he could make out the distinct aroma he now associated with independence and the color blue. When that happened, Yukio would flee in the other direction, hunt a rabbit deeper in the redwoods, tell himself he was hungry or didn't want to disturb a pack hunt or needed a change of scenery, but who was he fooling, really?

Yukio heaved a sigh. His head hung out of the den he had carved out between two great boulders, his eyes studying the rain as it rolled down the stone and sunk into the leafy floor. Technically, it had been spring for a while now, but this rainstorm would wash away any leftover snow from the particularly harsh winter the valley was coming out of, making the season change official in Yukio’s mind.

The long stalks of grass at the base of the boulder were such a minty green, he wasn't sure he could take it. Yukio could make a list of things that reminded him of Koa, and most of the things on that list would be either some sort of vine or some sort of mint plant, and now that it was spring, vines and the color of mint abounded in the forest. But the worst of everything on that list: the smell of damp redwood bark. The day Yukio met Koa was also the first time he’d been to a redwood forest, and a redwood forest in a rainstorm at that. Since he was smelling both Koa and the wet sequoias at the same time, it was now difficult to separate the scents. So as the thick, fresh fragrance of the trees surrounded him, Yukio couldn't help but feel like it was Koa who was surrounding him.

Amidst the drizzle and the sweet perfume of the dampened forest, Yukio found himself, for the first time in a year, almost enjoying the memory rather than shying away from it. For the longest time, Yukio had been of the belief that he loved fear — along with a number of other negative emotions; anger, disgust, stress, etc — but he realized now that this odd fondness was not really for fear; it was for something Yukio thought was fear and had yet to name. And Yukio must have never really experienced fear before, because this unfamiliar queasiness he now usually felt at the smell of sopping wet tree bark was most definitely fear.

Strangely enough, Yukio didn't feel that fear today. Perhaps it was something in the air, some contagion from another part of the valley that this storm had mysteriously picked up and was now dropping on Yukio’s head, but he was not afraid of the memory of Koa, and the paradox of equal parts kindness and intrigue. Now he felt the other thing, the thing he had yet to name — Fascination? Thrill? Maybe both.

Yukio rose to his feet and stretched out his limbs, then he staggered out into the storm. The rain rolled through his fur and the mud caked his paws as he trotted forward, down the woodland slope and toward Wildflower Clearing. Somehow, he felt that if he didn't act on this feeling now, it wouldn't come back. At least not directed at memories of Koa. So he would waste no time.

It wasn't a far walk to the border. Yukio realized he had never been so close to this territory since before it was claimed. It hadn't changed at all, except for the new scent. It smelled of a multitude of pack members, and, unmistakably, their alphess.

Yukio lingered by the border, cold and wet with rain, which he had never really minded outside the context of Koa. In fact, he rather enjoyed the feeling of the icy water.

For some time, he considered howling. Eventually, though, he decided he would come a trespasser, let a scout find him, brew some conflict, because, well, he was still Yukio. Also, he remained unsure if he could take seeing Koa again. He really just wanted to see the pack, all this she had created and now reigned over. Maybe just seeing a member would satisfy him. But deep inside, Yukio knew that wasn't true.

((Welp, better wrap up before the rambling continues... Oh, Yukio, why do you do this to me?))

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

Epicenter had found shelter under one of the lone trees in the wildflower clearing. He was lying under it, holding himself erect, and appeared tall for one not standing. As they were a small pack and had not filled all the roles, like the scouts, Epicenter often took the time to scout, using his camouflage to quietly stalk the borders. It was still on his list to-do for that day, but at the moment he was pondering about the rabbit he had finished off the night before. It was an odd thing to think about, as it was better suited to think about the future, but there had been something about his hunt that reminded him of his first encounter with Koa. It was the new ‘color’ or new facet of his power he had discovered, something that made him want to explore the textures and colors of not only his surroundings, but of others – including Koa, and the rabbit he had hunted the day previous.

He started with the memory of the rabbit and was surprised at the detail that he could remember. It wasn’t like anything he had ever felt before, because it wasn’t just a memory… it was a distinct impression, something his magic had memorized, not his brain. The picture in his mind was not murky like a memory, but crisp and not muddled by any feelings or biases….it was just a rabbit, and it was alive like it was when he had given chase to it. The rodent was dusty brown with white patches over its body and paws – and over the left eye. After a bit he pulled the mental image of it closer to him, over him, and the same warm feeling came over him like the first time he had pulled his surroundings over himself. Curiously, he looked down at his paws and legs, which were no longer green and brown, but the same dusty brown of the rabbit with white paws. It shocked him so that he let the image go, almost like letting a real startled rabbit free. His fur changed quickly back to his tribal green and brown.

Epicenter stood up, his mind starting to whirl with the possibilities – and he remembered Sheba and their encounter once more. This, this was the start. While Epicenter still had his own tall countenance, his coloring had changed not to fit in with his surroundings, but to match the rabbit. Which meant… His mind went back to the day that he had pulled Koa from the snow bank, that they had momentarily brushed as he pulled her out – and suddenly he realized what was happening.

The tall male moved away from his tree into the clearing, and consequently into the rain. He smiled to himself and looked into the sky and falling rain. Almost unconsciously, as his mind was thinking of the endless possibilities, Epicenter started to move forward toward the border to start his rounds. Now he was thinking of Koa: her steely blue coat, minty eyes, and every curve of her vine like tattoos. Again, he could tell that it wasn’t just a painting from his memory, but something his chameleon ability had remembered – little details that would have been lost on him because he had paid more attention to her strong gaze and her witty personality. The image in his head was without flaw and his steps paused, wondering if he shouldn’t. However, his curiosity got the best of him as he was exploring new depths of his power. He took the image of her and brought it closer and drew it over him – and he almost didn’t dare look down at himself. For a couple of moments he walked on, his heart pounding, but then paused again. As it was raining, there was a plethora of puddles scattering around, and he stopped above one of these. Another pause. Finally he looked down at the reflection to see a version of Koa looking back up at him. The reflection was dark, and not perfect, but he knew that the markings on him were perfectly placed – his face a mask of vines, and his eyes were…. Epicenter shoved the mental image of Koa violently away from him. If Koa had been there, maybe they would have had a laugh, but alone it seemed spookier to see someone so similar who was not actually there. He remembered Sheba doing the same with his markings – and even molding her body to be him… While he could not shape his body yet, he realized he was a step closer.

Now in his own colors of brown and green, he shook his head, as if the physical act could shake off the new nerves and the myriad of thoughts that started to bombard his mind. Epicenter took in a deep breath as the breeze swept rain into his face – along with an unfamiliar scent. Despite the rain, the scent was strong, and he chided himself for getting so distracted so close to the border. A flash of bright blue caught his attention and he realized it was too late for him to try and meld into his surroundings and to surprise the intruder, he would have to confront the wolf the old fashion way.

The male narrowed his green and brown eyes and lowered his head as he dashed toward the color, his tail straight out behind him like a banner as he approached the brown and blue wolf.

“Are you lost, sir?” His voice carried above the drizzle of rain, holding a note of warning in his authoritative voice.

[Tiel]

Yukio:

Everything in Yukio tensed when he caught sight of Koa.

This is it. This is the moment.

But then, suddenly, as if she had never been there at all, she was gone. And in her place, a male wolf stood, green and brown fur slicked by the rain. Yukio closed his eyes tight, then opened them again. What had he just seen?

The wolf’s face turned toward Yukio, and his eyes pierced through the drizzle. Shaken by the brief image of Koa, — had he imagined it? — it took Yukio a moment to react to the dangerous glare.

“Are you lost, sir?”

Yukio relaxed. Hearing the wolf’s voice reminded Yukio of where he was, what he was dealing with. This stranger was not a phantom, but a wolf, and Yukio was great with other wolves.
One lip quirked upward.

“No,” Yukio said plainly, not even trying to speak over the rain. “Are you?”

His eyes roved over the stranger in front of him. So this was one of Koa’s subjects. Muscular, staid, holding himself with a curious air of pride, either for his pack or for himself. One was a virtue, the other was a fatal flaw. Yukio had yet to find out which one this wolf possessed.

He had a power of some sort — Chameleon, was it? — and for some reason, he had been using that power to make himself look like his alphess. Yukio’s first thought was that this was some sort of scheme. Was he planning on using that disguise on others? The ability to make himself look like someone as powerful as Koa now was gave him great power — over the pack, over other packs, over Koa herself. Even over Yukio. No. Yukio would not be fooled, certainly.

He had a funny thought: What if Koa wasn't here? What if she had never started a pack? What if this wolf had started a pack under her name for some reason. But he knew that wasn't true, because he had caught her scent in the wind coming from Wildflower Clearing many many times. No one could manipulate smells, unless they were one of the goddesses. It was too improbable. Although, Yukio was always careful with the word impossible.

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

Epicenter blinked at the wolf, disbelieving that the male was so nose dead that he hadn’t noticed the border. He knew Koa marked it well, he knew that their scents were clearly a pack now, even if they were more recent and new. The duo gaze narrowed slightly, body tense and ready to defend his pack’s land.

“No.” He responded just as plainly, but he did raise his voice to not be as muffled by the rain. Epicenter considered the question he had asked and the answer that had been given. While Epicenter was not evil, there was something to be said about intruders and protecting the land. If there ever was a rumor that any wolf could cross into Ivory Wild willy nilly, it would show weakness… and being a small pack, they could not afford such weaknesses.

“So, you know where you are then?” His deep voice mused, still keeping his tall figure still, his tail held straight out behind him signaling that he was at high alert.

“Because you’ve crossed the Ivory Wild pack land border without permission.” He continued after a pause, his face void of emotion, except for his narrowed eyes. He could feel the rain start to gather more deeply into his fur, the most of it running off the top layer, but there was only so much the layer could do. Epicenter resisted the urge to shake his fur of the liquid.

[Tiel]

Yukio:

“So, you know where you are then?”

Slowly, casually, Yukio nodded.

“Because you’ve crossed the Ivory Wild pack land border without permission.”

“So I take it you’re a scout,” he said, ignoring the comment prior. He realized this may be his only chance to speak to an Ivory Wild member. He might as well make the most of it before he was chased away.

Yukio took notice of the way the scout’s tail was positioned straight out behind him dangerously. A threat. Yukio let his tail sway easily side-to-side with all the innocence of a naive pup. After all, it was only a game, wasn't it?

Yukio gave a friendly smile, like he was not a trespasser and he was merely having a conversation about the weather. “What’s your name? No. Don't answer that. Let me instead ask why? Why Ivory Wild? Why not, I don't know, Secluded Sunrise? Why this life?”

It was different from the kinds of questions Yukio usually asked, because he wasn't asking for the sake of his conversation partner. He wasn't trying to make the wolf question himself or think too hard or have a sudden identity crisis. The question was for Yukio. He genuinely wanted to hear the response. He wanted to know more about Koa’s new little pack and why wolves chose to join it. His hope, quixotically, was that he would be satisfied with the conversation and he wouldn't have to see Koa again. At least not now.

But he remembered the vow he had made, that he would do whatever it took to have another conversation with her, and more importantly, he remembered why he had made it. Because if he never saw her again, he may never move on. It was true. He had to face her again. Just not now. Another day, surely.

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

A scout? Epicenter flinched at the assumption and played it off as shaking water from his face. He was not ‘above’ the position, he believed in the importance of teamwork, but he had worked hard to get this far. He was not just any scout.

The wolf was clearly ignoring Epicenter’s threats and seemed to be distracting from the fact that he was trespassing. This wolf knew that he where he was and knew he was trespassing – and started asking questions? His brown and green eyes narrowed again, his lip raising slightly in irritation. However, if this wolf knew he was in Ivory Wild and trespassing… Epicenter’s brain quickly worked out the puzzle, thinking of the reasons why someone would knowingly trespass. They had no pups to steal, they were relatively new – had Koa made an enemy already? He doubted that thought, but did not rule it out completely. Perhaps this wolf was a spy come to see how they functioned? Perhaps he was looking for someone? Perhaps he was confused about why someone had joined the pack? It was true that while they were a small pack, Epicenter did not know the past of every wolf.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking the questions, tresspasser?”

This wolf had hit a nerve though. Though, the nerve was not a painful one, just a nostalgic one. Secluded Sunrise had been his home, but had not felt like home. He was enjoying his small pack and working with Koa. It was not living his big dreams, but it was a lot closer, and lot more enjoyable. In fact, he had almost forgotten what it was like to be working as one of the many in Secluded Sunrise. He had not felt important there, he felt like a bigger and more important cog in Koa’s pack. Epicenter was not a fool to answer questions tossed around like so, especially if the wolf was a spy. He made sure to stay still, other than his initial flinch, he merely blinked rainwater from his eyes, his body stiff and prepared to chase the intruder out if he continued to be… uncooperative.

“Who are you to care?”

Who, indeed.

[Tiel]

Yukio:

Yukio actually ended up insulting the scout more than he had thought he would. It was the words ‘scout’ and ‘Secluded Sunrise’ that really seemed to get under his skin, he could tell by the way he widened his eyes slightly at the words, and the way his stance grew ever more dangerous. The thing was, Yukio had only suggested Secluded Sunrise because it was the only other neutral pack in the valley. But it struck him that this wolf had a bad history with them, which was great and all, but Yukio needed his questions answered.

“Who are you to care?”

Yukio sat. The mud from the drizzle stuck to his rear end in the most uncomfortable way, but he did not let this show in the slightest. He sat not because it was comfortable, but because he wanted to appear comfortable. Completely indifferent to the well-marked border, to his rump pressed against the pack soil carelessly.

He was still smiling. “You can call me Conflict.”

Yukio had to be cautious though. If he was too cocky, the wolf might chase him away before he got what he was looking for, answers. But then maybe if he was especially difficult, and answers were the only things that would drive him away, then perhaps the brute would be willing to give him what he wanted.

“So, should I fear this pack?” Yukio said easily. “I mean, if this was Midnight Silence, or, I don't know, Secluded Sunrise, I wouldn't have the audacity to trespass. But what reason do I have to fear Ivory Wild? I don't know it well enough.”

All he needed was something, anything, about Ivory Wild. Something that set them apart from other packs, even something small. Then he could leave with his thirst quenched.

But in the back of his mind, growing ever louder, was Koa Koa Koa Koa Koa, rhythmic like a heartbeat.

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

Epicenter gawked at the stranger who then sat carelessly in front of him at ease. Conflict. His chest expanded and then retracted from a deep breath as the fool babbled on, asking more questions. First, he had trespassed, then had dodged his direct question and continued to seek information. While Epicenter could be patient and kind and a complete gentleman, there was a reason he aligned neutral and not good. Those who really knew him, would say he even leaned closer to evil if they examined the contents of his power hungry heart.

Yukio would only have had a second to react, because his lip lifted in a menacing snarl and then he was gone. It was easier to be invisible when it was rainy and cloudy, because there were not as many shadows to betray his presence. He had become an expert and embracing his ability and drawing on the colors of around him, seemingly invisible, he even mimicked the rain falling, the droplets rolled over his body so from Yukio’s perspective, they were falling straight. He was not invisible though, so he only had a moment of surprise and he used it quickly. His lip lifted, he disappeared, and then leapt.

Since the wolf had been sitting it was easy for him to knock and pin him down without the need of inflicting pain or too much power. He did not want to harm the wolf, just startle him and to correct him. If there was one thing Epicenter did not take lightly, it was insubordination and testing his authority – especially on his pack’s land from a stranger. As he leapt on Yukio he shifted the illusion of his invisibility for the new perspective that the wolf would be looking at him from.

“Because.” Epicenter growled through clenched jaw.

“I defend it. Koa leads it. And as a pack we are a united front.”

He was growing again, staring at the wolf. Now that he was in close quarters with the wolf, he would be able to see Epicenter’s body easier, almost like a ghost with the background and rain that painted his body.

“Conflict is not allowed in our home lands.” He emphasized the red herring name that the wolf had given him.

Ooc// so as not to powerplay, you are welcome to dodge – have him slip away from under him or whatnot? And maybe after your reply we can have Koa show up? Meds ? What do you think?

[Tiel]

((Hey, sounds good, if Meds is on board. ^u^))

Yukio:

Yukio was a fighter, but contrary to his appearance, not physically. He appeared to have a body for athletics, though if you paid attention, you’d find that he lacked muscle where it was important — most of it was built in his brain, mouth, and tail. Aside from the fact that his mind never rested, he was actually rather sluggish most days when he wasn’t holding an energetic facade. Physical activity bored him. And after moons of engaging in none, it manifested in his build and reflexes.

In conclusion, he was unprepared for being pounced on.

Not that he hadn’t expected to be attacked. He just hadn’t expected to be attacked by an invisible wolf. It was actually impressive, the way he camouflaged so seamlessly that his very technique was invisible, too. Once Yukio recovered from his initial awe, he had time to stop feeling dazzled and think, This is probably not good. Just not enough time to run, though he tried, which he regretted, because the wolf’s claws, landing on his shoulders, ended up raking down his back because of his struggle. If he hadn’t run, he probably wouldn’t have gotten cut. In fact, the brute probably wasn’t even trying to hurt him, because when he pinned Yukio down, he did not go for his throat, but instead attacked with Yukio’s personally favored weapon, his words.

“Because,” he snarled in response to Yukio’s previous question. Answers. Yes, this should do it. “I defend it. Koa (!!!!!) leads it. And as a pack we are a united front.”

That was all he needed.

“Message received,” Yukio groaned. His back stung as his wounds were forced into the mud by the wolf’s strong front paws, though this was probably an act of mercy. It was fully within the stranger’s capabilities to kill Yukio right at that moment.

“May your pack be conflict-free for the rest of its days,” he said, smiling with gritted teeth, thoroughly displeased. He did not like being involved in physical brawls. He did not like it at all. “And,” he added carefully, with a small, small ache that surprised him, “Long live your Alphess.”

[Meds]

Koa;

"Long may she live, indeed."
Mint-green eyes seemed frosted in the downpour of rain as they emerged from a dark growth of white spruce. A pelt the colour of the stormy sky dripped water from having stood still and quiet for so long, and a tail highlighted with vines—much like the rest—thrashed.

Koa had known full-well that Epicenter had gone off on a scout that afternoon. It wasn't a large territory—scouting wasn't a day-long commitment, usually. She had watched him go, tended to a few things... and never saw him return. As soon as this realization hit her, that her Beta was not back by her side as he should be, the eye-tattoo on the back of her neck flared into life. She was getting stronger, now able to scan the territory in bulk and pick out familiar consciousnesses with relative ease.
It was then that she sensed Epicenter. He was down by the Southern side of the territory. The Alphess had just decided to leave him be, for his aura was not that of a wolf in danger—when Yukio touched her thoughts as well. It took all of two seconds for her to pinpoint each male's location and realize they were headed for an encounter. The thought of Yukio and Epicenter together was enough to send the stormy-pelted female off running.
She had arrived just as Epicenter was explaining that Yukio had trespassed. Yukio, in his classic style of course, avoided the question. It had prickled on Koa's nerve—for though they had met, flirted, been friendly (one of them more than the other), this was still her pack. Her territory. And not only was Yukio not a part of that, but he was evil. Thankfully, Epicenter had found him quickly enough. It gave Koa confidence that it wouldn't just be her and her Awareness locating trespassers.

"Long may she live, indeed."
As Koa walked out of the trees, she fixed Yukio with a cutting stare. He was just as handsome as she remembered—if not slightly more bedraggled and bruised in the moment. But her irritation well over shadowed anything else just then. Epicenter beside her, stood tall and stoic—blending into the surroundings, Koa was sure. From her angle it didn't look like anything much, but the way Epicenter had caught Yukio so off-guard lead Koa to only one conclusion.
After holding Yukio's gaze for a half-moment, she looked quickly to Epicenter and gave him a deep nod of appreciation. She was proud of him and the quick action he had taken.

"Yukio..." She turned back. The way she said his name sounded like a greeting, a promise, and a threat all at once. "I see my Beta has taught you to watch where your paws take you." She wasn't entirely impressed. "And dear Epicenter, I see that you have met one of the quickest thinking wolves I've ever known." She gave a clipped sigh. "Although not today, it would seem. Yukio, do you mind explaining yourself? To me this time, as it sounded like you were quite unable to do so to Epicenter before."

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

Epicenter regretted that he had raked the wolf, as foolish as he had been. He did not revel in inflicting pain of any sort, but his resolve had not changed in delivering his message. The wolf groaned and seemingly consented. Epicenter had the slightest temptation to not get up, to stay hovering over the wolf, especially as his sarcastic mood did not leave. Were they sarcastic though? The way he had said the last words had been a fraction less growled than the first bit about conflict.

‘Long may she live indeed.’ The words cut through the rain and he did not feel surprise at her presence. He did get distracted though, looking at the wolf under him and considering what it meant now that his Alphess was there. He was no longer the top authority in this position. It wasn’t his favorite feeling, but he was getting used to it, and with Koa it was enjoyable. Because of the distraction the imagery on his pelt had frozen in place, the water droplets stopped their descent and it was more of a painting than a motion picture. It had only distracted him a moment though, and then he did something he had not tried before. He melded with his surroundings, but he imagined and commanded (they seemed to be one and one) the water droplets to mirror on his coat. From Yukio’s perspective the rain would be falling upward, a contradiction to the rest of his pelt and falling rain.

Then he stepped off, his eyes shifted back first- so that his stern gaze met Yukio’s as he moved away. Then slowly he let his original color come back, limb by limb, like a puzzle piece getting put back together.

He met Koa’s gaze, and for a moment the memory of him taking on her appearance (if just her coloring) came back in a flash. Epicenter’s stomach rolled uncomfortably, but he smiled softly and nodded, ‘of course, anything for the pack...’. his new family. He motioned and moved away from Yukio, but still stood between the wolf and deeper into the pack lands. While he doubted the wolf would try anything tricky and get deeper into lands since he was outnumbered, it was almost an unconscious decision to defend the lands. As he moved, he made a resolve that he would let Koa know about the development in his ability. While Epicenter could be sneaky, he was foremost honest and loyal.

Then she called him by name… Koa… knew this wolf? His face furrowed for a moment and then relaxed, looking from Yukio and then to Koa. Epicenter was already drawing conclusions – ones that did not involve the spying that he had imagined at first. This wolf… had been looking for Koa. It only made sense – why else would he be lurking about the lands where Koa lived, having previously met her. He blinked, his mind processing what other things this probably meant. Was there more of a back story? Was the male smitten by Koa? Another purposeful blink- and looked at Koa, holding herself impressively as she spoke. She had come a long way from the wolfess he had pulled from the snow when they first met. He held his head high and it swiveled slightly to Yukio, tilting his head with a skeptical look, seeing how the wolf would answer.

[Tiel]

Yukio:

It struck Yukio that he had met the mother of all evil once, and still, in his world, Koa scared him more than Nyx. He thought he might be imagining the rain that fell in the wrong direction because that was exactly how it felt when she showed up. Time stopped. And all at once Yukio realized her mind was not the only thing stunning about her. He had forgotten she was beautiful. The image flashed through Yukio’s mind of her silhouette in the mouth of Holt’s den, muted colors of rain and forest behind her. That was how she looked now. Dark under the clouds, but still a blue that could only be her. She was sleek and stoic and a leader, now. She held herself like a leader. He noticed she was glowering. It was the first time Yukio found real disdain in her expression.

Suddenly, he was a tiny bit embarrassed. What he had done, he realized, was pup-like. He remembered how it was when he was young, how when someone liked someone else, it was proper to pester them and do annoying, foolish things. This was an annoying, foolish thing. It wasn't just a game anymore, like it had been back in the redwoods. Koa had a pack to lead, a duty to do. He hated that he had done it, but he loved that Koa hated it, because he loved the paradox — Koa was everything he was supposed to be irked by, but it had the opposite effect on him.

Now he had to address his mistake, and once again, doing it in a joking way was out of the question. This was why Koa intimidated him, and he now understood that if he really, truly cared, he had to act like it. He had to change the way his instincts told him to handle things like this. For a moment, he thought about what could be said that would improve the situation. Yukio actually never apologized about anything, but that was probably what he had to do anyway.

The brute stepped off of him, and he felt relief for his back wounds. Probably, they would get infected now that they were caked in mud. He stood slowly and let the rain wash off the dirt and grime, all the while his gaze did not leave Koa. He saw her nod at the other wolf, solemn and appreciative, a gesture that left a tiny prick of jealousy in Yukio’s chest.

“Yukio…” Oh, her voice. “I see my Beta has taught you to watch where your paws take you.”

“Beta,” he repeated, his expression suddenly understanding. This wolf looked it. And really, it made sense that the leading members were doing the scouting, since the pack was probably still small and may not even have enough members to begin thinking about ranks other than leading ones.

“And dear Epicenter, I see that you have met one of the quickest thinking wolves I've ever known.”

“Flattered.”

“Although not today, it would seem. Yukio, do you mind explaining yourself? To me this time, as it sounded like you were quite unable to do so to Epicenter before.”

The wolf called Epicenter tilted his head at Yukio. In all honesty, this encounter would’ve been much more pleasant if he was not here. Yukio pictured the scene without him: Koa aglow and radiant in the rain, a goddess before Yukio whose pelt hosted patches of mud and blood. Him the picture of humility, her the epitome of leadership. But there stood Epicenter by her side in the same position of power, viewing the surface of the scene. He didn't hear the voices that once joked and argued in the redwoods, he heard his alphess and a trespasser. He must've had his own experiences with Koa. In fact, being her beta, he probably knew her better than Yukio did, a thought that irked him slightly. Epicenter was a friend, a packmate, but this moment with Koa did not belong to him. This moment belonged to Yukio.

He cleared his throat.
“First of all,” he began, and he managed to keep his voice at its usual volume and energy. “Beta Epicenter, a pleasure. I regret that we had to meet this way.” He gave a small bow, chin pointed at the muddy ground.

“Koa,” he said, and his eyes met hers. He spoke slowly. “Foolishness is different from stupidity.” He paused briefly to let his gaze alternate between her and Epicenter, then in the end return to Koa once more. “Arguably, this was a foolish decision, and for that I apologize, but I don't think it was stupid. In fact, this may be the smartest decision I've ever made and, at the same time, the most foolish. The reason I came is… well, I wanted some closure. I wanted to see it, the pack. I heard the rumors that there’s a new pack and their alphess is called Koa. I only intended to encounter a scout, but, well, what have you got right now, six members? I guess I knew in the back of my mind that there was a good chance I’d see you again. Maybe I’d been hoping for it. And here you are. So, hello.”

[Meds]

Koa;

Thankfully, Epicenter stepped off of Yukio (perhaps a little more roughly than was necessary). Koa was relieved, because while dealing with trespassers harshly was an attractive idea to her, the idea of Yukio getting anymore flayed than was necessary was also not wonderful.
"Thank you, Epicenter," She spoke smoothly as he stepped off. "For not dealing any worse damage to him." Her eyes flicked to Yukio for a half-second and then went back to her Beta. Such an assumption would irk the cocky male—that Epicenter could have done worse. Koa blinked. "It would be a shame to leave any gashes in such a pretty coat."

All of this bordered embarrassing, really. All Yukio would have to do was let slip that he had become infatuated with Koa, and Epicenter would never view her in the same way again. He would think, as anybody could, that the feelings were mutual because Koa hadn't kicked Yukio off the territory immediately. He would wonder, in the back of his mind, if Koa was fine with bending the rules for whatever latest wolf held her fancy.
And that wouldn't do.

Her gaze on Yukio was cold, but calm and collected—not threatening. Yukio addressed Epicenter first and even gave a small bow. Koa knew him well enough that she knew such a thing was laced in mockery. Yukio was not a wolf to bow or flatter with false compliments and titles that he did not believe in.
But she didn't comment on it. Let Epicenter believe the well-formed lie. It would make this whole thing easier.

And then he was speaking to her, explaining his case. The back of her neck suddenly flared to life as she activated her Awareness. It would be much easier to pick apart small body-language if she had such an advantage, and with Yukio... well, suffice it to say that such measures were necessary.
No, Yukio began, he wasn't actually stupid—merely foolish, which was apparently a more attractive option. Wrapped in Awareness, Koa did not miss the way Yukio's eyes flicked to the Beta and back on the word "stupid". Even without her power, Yukio was forgetting how much Koa picked up on... He needed to tread very lightly, here. She was not evil, nor was she harsh. But she was an Alphess, and would not allow her position to be jeopardized by a few misplaced rumors.

Koa let her power die when Yukio finished. She shifted her weight, coming closer to Epicenter as she did so. He was her Beta, and they were a united front.
"New or old, six members or sixty... a border is a border." The stormy-coloured fur along her shoudlers ruffled ever so slightly. "And it really was a foolish way to go about it." Her eyes flashed. "Had you gone about this a normal way—an acceptable way—we could have spoken without worry. Caught up. Now you've put me in a rather awkward position, Yukio my friend." With another clipped sigh, she turned to Epicenter. "What to do with a wolf that would have been welcome if only he had used his brain?"

[tovaana]

Epicenter;

Epicenter watched Yukio with a stony expression when he said the word ‘Beta’ like suddenly the final piece of the puzzle had been put into place. Though he highly doubted that the male was really ‘flattered’. He glanced at Koa with a small smile at the gratitude she expressed for not hurting him more than needed. Epicenter had really not meant to hurt him at all, but the more and more he was learning and hearing, he had this gut feeling that maybe he should have hurt him more while he still had the chance…while it had still been appropriate. Now it would look petty.

His face lost all expression when it turned back to Yukio as he informed him that he regretted that they had met in such a sour manner. However, Epicenter doubted that he truly regretted it – he only regretted it because Koa had caught him. Had Koa not shown up, Yukio would have just left, or at least Epicenter would have seen that he had. Epicenter would have described the incident to Koa later – would she have mentioned that she knew the wolf when he would have described him? He would never know now.

Yukio had this energy and pep in his voice that was started to get on his nerve, though like usual, didn’t show it. He watched calmly, listening. These words stuck out to him as Yukio spoke. Foolish. Closure. Rumors. Good chance. Hoping. Hoping. He kept his curious gaze on the male, a soft smile flitting at the corner of his lips as he made his own assumptions with his quick mind. This male had fallen hard for Koa, she perhaps had not felt exactly the same way and they had parted ways. He had heard about her and come to see what the pack was about, but why not join?? Did he have a pack he was in already? But if he did, and like Koa that much, what prevented him asking entrance to Ivory Wild? Alliance? Definitely not good, evil? Or just his pride? Either way, this male was smitten.

Unconsciously he sensed Koa shift a little closer to him, but he was lost in thoughts, and quite honestly – confused. Not only at the certain tension of the situation, but how his feelings were reacting to the situation. He was confused at the certain hostility he was feeling toward Yukio, even more now that Koa had showed up and revealed a whole new facet to the situation at paw.

Around the time Koa said, ”Yukio my friend.” Epicenter turned his narrow head toward his Alphess. He wondered how she was feeling about the encounter. Her sigh told him she really didn’t want to be in position of finding her…friend breaking rules in her pack (not necessarily that she didn’t want the intruder there). This wolf was a friend, had done wrong in front of her pack (Beta nonetheless), and she didn’t want to be made a fool. Epicenter didn’t blame her, he understood completely. Then Koa asked for his advice, though in this position he wasn’t completely sure if the question was rhetorical. He looked down into Koa’s eyes vibrant icy gaze. She had addressed him as Beta many times, of which he was proud. Power was everything to Epicenter. He knew that she trusted him, more than this wolf…but she had also addressed this wolf as a friend. Was it silly that he wondered if she saw him as a friend too? Sure, Epicenter was but professional, it was in his nature, but how many conversations had they had that had not conversing about the pack and its well-being? And the most frustrating of the many questions bouncing around his mind: why did he care?

He cleared his throat and smiled a little, forcing a smile as he looked back to and addressing Yukio. “It is… unfortunate to have met a friend of Koa’s in this situation.” He paused, looking at Yukio’s muddy form and where he had cut him when he had struggled. Eyes traveled back to Koa. “I guess it depends if you think he’s learned his lesson.” He said plainly, glancing again toward Yukio doubtfully. If Epicenter looked at the situation separate from his feelings, as if he were the Alpha in this situation… He’d want to make Koa happy. While he still did want to keep his Alphess happy, he also was having these strange urges to jump at Yukio and cause a few more scratches and bruises.

“Perhaps you could invite him back once he’s cleaned himself up and thought about his actions.” It almost hurt to say. Maybe he had liked that it had been mostly him and Koa recently, with no distractions. Whatever it was, something about this male’s affections toward Koa was getting on Epicenter’s nerve. He also had the urge to walk away and let the two talk, but she had moved closer to him a moment ago– and he did not want to break that visual that indeed they were a united front… He felt a little bit in the dark in this situation. He could make all the assumptions he wanted, but it didn’t change that he really had no clue of what was going on.

[Tiel]

Yukio:

Silently, Yukio made a list of foolish things. Arrogance, haughtiness, selfishness… behaving condescendingly… these were foolish things. It struck him that there wasn’t a single thing on his mental list that he did not possess. Yukio was, therefore, quite a fool. However, he was a brilliant fool. Wisdom was just not something he generally valued.

And yet, he could just make out a vaguely palpable ache deep inside him which grew steadily stronger once he realized it was guilt. It was a mystery to Yukio why he, the brilliant fool he was, felt remorse for inconveniencing another. For as long as he could remember, that had always been his job. He brought conflict like White Magic brought life. He had to wonder what had sparked the sudden change… his gaze traveled up the vines on Koa’s frontmost leg. What a strange and mysterious creature she was.

“Thank you, Epicenter,” Koa said, her voice liquid. “for not dealing any worse damage to him.” Yukio tilted his chin up slightly, intrigued by her words. He caught Epicenter smiling at this show of gratitude. “It would be a shame to leave any gashes in such a pretty coat.”

Now Yukio smiled. Now he knew where he stood with Koa. Even in the position she was in, she was flirting with him. He had violated one of her pack’s most basic rules, it was evident that she would not soon forget that, but they were friends. Yukio wondered how far he’d have to go before they'd stop being friends. Probably quite a distance. But probably not as far as this Epicenter, he realized with some resentment.

Koa continued to chide him, and he soaked it all in with his head bowed, rain trickling down his face and dripping from his chin. He hid his new delight behind a mask of remorse — it was easy once he remembered he actually felt remorseful. When was the last time he had felt anything of the sort? It gave him a headache trying to think so far back.

He hadn’t foreseen this. The guilt he now felt. He couldn’t say he hadn’t expected to get a few scratches, but this inward pain took him off guard. He thought back to the moment he had decided to come, and why he had done it.
Yukio was like a robin. In the air, he left no tracks.
He did not participate. He observed.
The more he thought about it, the more Yukio realized that this had been something of an experiment, and he had only intended to observe. Its only purpose was to gain knowledge, and in that respect, it had been a success. Of course this was no excuse for his transgression, and he didn’t expect Koa to take it as one, yet he’d still have to (in Epicenter’s absence) explain this all to her. He didn’t seek to be pardoned, just understood.

When Koa suggested that he had put her in an awkward position, he felt conflicted. On one paw, he was brimming, naturally, with crooked satisfaction. Wasn't that one of his life goals? To make others feel awkward? But on the other paw, it was Koa. Somehow, that changed everything.

She turned to the Beta once again. Every time she did, Yukio felt his blood heat up just slightly. She asked Epicenter for input on what to do with him, to which the brute responded that it depended on whether or not Yukio had learned his lesson. Well, Yukio had certainly learned a lesson from all this. Probably not the one Epicenter had in mind. What he had learned and was still learning was that participation rather than observation was not so bad, and something was nagging him to do just that.

Now he pondered what these pack defenders were going to do with him. Truthfully, Yukio wasn’t sure what he expected. To be told never to return, maybe, meaning that when Yukio did inevitably return, he’d have to be careful not to get himself killed. Either way, he didn’t expect what Koa’s Beta suggested:

“Perhaps you could invite him back once he’s cleaned himself up and thought about his actions.”

At this, he realized he hated Epicenter.
And he had suspected Epicenter hated him just as much.
But now, the Beta was inviting him back to the territory, voice wearing a thick coat of chivalry. What a polite he wolf. Yukio suddenly hated him a little more than before.

And yet, the suggestion wasn't a bad one. He now pictured the two of them enjoying a meal together, him and Koa, chatting about that afternoon in the redwoods, filling each other in on what had happened since they’d last seen the other. Yukio looked to Koa with an unreadable expression. He wanted to hear an honest answer from her.