Loyalty and Dedication [open]

[-zynêx-]

Summer was in full swing now. The subtle essence of spring was burned away with the summer's heat. The sun shown with a vengeance on those poor souls too slow or ignorant to get out of the harsh rays. The foliage suffered the most. Once lush, rich plants started to wilt under the blistering sun. Weeks without ran put many creatures on their wit's end. Try as they might to stay cool and out of direct light, the heat always found them.

But to one rusted statue poised at the summit of the mountain, this heat was endurable. The summer's heat was the pinnacle of her element, aiding in better control and stronger effects. The heat was a catalyst, making this female stronger than any other time of the year. And all the more temperamental. The hot-headed female was not having the best of days. Her pack had dispersed, not heading her calls and wandering back into their powerful domain. Event he pup Yeti had scurried off to parts unknown. A terrible blow dealt to the bitch's pride. She had thought she had taken care of him, looking out for his well being and assuring his needs were met. Even her mate Razoniel had wandered off. The one she had missed the most, she hadn't seen for weeks. And in his absence, there was nothing to occupy her time.

No pups to rear, no pack to collect. Nothing but the tedious act of finding food and returning it to a pack unfilled. It was irritating. She found herself breathing fire more than air. Her howls to the sky were both pained and angered. A collaboration of emotion that could only be expressed through a hurt and feel of abandonment. Was she not a good leader? Did she not have her pack's interest at heart? Or had the prior season driven her wolves hormones out of whack, wanting them to seek companionship elsewhere? Really...did a pack mean little to them? The notion was sickening.

But that was fine to her. If they chose to seek their means elsewhere, then they could do as they damn well pleased. And when they were rejected and came sniveling back, she was treat them justly. Let them come. She would be waiting.

[AZIKAI [kai]]

He had to admit, he was a bit lost. He hadn't had the chance to properly acquaint himself with his new pack's land before getting stuck on his own. He worried some of his new packmates might stumble upon him and become angry, not recognizing his scent. He had been searching for several days for the only wolf he knew in his new home: Zynex. However, this was proving difficult, since he only recognized her scent when it had the tint of smoke clinging to it. Several times Kai could have sworn he saw her auburn form moving over the land but he was never quite sure and she was always gone before he could catch her, if she'd actually been there in the first place.

His gray paws moved anxiously over the rocky ground. Summer's heat beat down on him, and he panted lightly, pink tongue hanging from his mouth. He was working his way slowly uphill. Kai figured if he found himself a good vantage point, he could sit and keep a look out for Zynex and other members of the Tytanus pack. He sighed to himself as he jumped over a small boulder. This sure isn't like the land back home, he noted silently. A second later he corrected himself. This was home now. A small smile came to his face. He enjoyed knowing he had a place to belong now.

Kai halted in his steps suddenly. He had been so busy in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed a sound coming to his ears. It was a howl for sure, and an angry one at that. The young gray had been running towards it for several long moments before he realized with a jolt that the singing voice belonged to none other than the Alphess Zynex. For a moment, glee leaped in him. But only briefly. A second later, he was worrying over the tone in her voice. She was angry, yes, but surely not with him? Kai worried feverishly what he could have done to bring her wrath down on him so heavily. A feeling of guilt fell over him. He should have searched harder, looked longer. He shouldn't have rested until he found Zynex or another pack member.

As she came into his line of sight, Kai noticed her auburn pelt paled in comparison to the flames that flickered from her breath. For a moment, the new male stopped dead, taking in how utterly fearsome his new Alpha was. His ears flickered back in the briefest hesitation before he let a short call echo from his lips. Tail low and flicking back and forth in a friendly and apologetic manner, Kai closed the gap between them.

"M-my lady, forgive me for not finding you sooner," he panted, dipping his head with respect. "Do you need my assistance? Perhaps we could do that hunting now...?" He eyed her carefully, unsure how long her anger would continue burning. He was ready to leave if she gave any sign that she'd rather be alone instead...

"talk"

[-zynêx-]

The wait proved to be swift. Or perhaps it was her restless pacing that caused time to speed up. The scent of a familiar wafted to her nose and immediately, she was on alert. Tail struck the air in rapid swipes cutting through the air like a fiery sword, slicing through the humid air. Ears poised and swiveled around to her side. Eyes like glittering daggers impaled her subordinate to still.

As recognition lit her eyes, her visage softened, and the sparks dancing atop her muzzle calmed and smothered out. With regal grace she walked to him, gently dipping her head in acknowledgment whilst maintaining her authoritative stance. She may have like this brute from their first meeting, but like the others of her pack, she was disappointment for his absence. Though her own was also prolonged. That aside, her lips quirked in a delicate arch, a simple raise of the jowl and a peek of ivory fang.

"It's been a while it seems Azikai," The Queen spoke softly, though as always her voice was strong and demanded attention. "Your absence is forgiven, though I must also ask for your forgiveness. As much as I dislike to admit, I have neglected my pack and fear they had wandered off." Advancing still, she reached of with a cream muzzle and nudged the soft fur of his neck. "It is good to see that some remain." She adorned his pelt with an affectionate lick before granting his personal space one more.

The option for a hunt couldn't have been a better idea. In fact it brought a smile on her face in remembrance of their meeting. "A hunt sounds like a perfect idea," her tail swayed in agreement, though she kept herself rooted. "Perhaps you can demonstrate the abilities of the ideal hunter? I assure you I will not interfere, only aid." She smiled knowingly.