"I already told you I'm not magic." Shade snorted irritated. Honestly, did he have to repeat himself? Perhaps this guy was a twit after all. Ah well. "Alright, I'll teach ya to fight but I'm warning you. I'm not a nice teacher all the time."
Shade gave the boy a firm stare that showed he was completely serious. It was truthful, Shade wasn't exactly the greatest when holding back strength but for this kid at least he'd try. It could be beneficial after all.
A scent caught his nose however causing him to pause, turning his head slightly to sniff at the air. Through the city smoke and river scents he caught it again and this time he was positive he knew whose it was. A grin slid across his face as he glanced back at the boy mischievously.
"Well boy, make your choice." With that he set off at a charging gallop as he followed that scent he so loved to smell. After all, who be better to tease then the grumpy Drayel Morig? "If you're coming, follow me!"
Following the scent wasn't hard. He charged across the street, over a fence, and into the darker part of the alleys where he frowned in realization. Why was Drayel this far in the slums? Was he up to something.... naughty? Shade grinned at the thought. Who would of thought that stick in the mud would actually DO somethin' like that? Oh this was golden.
Breaking into a cross road of alley Shade spotted his target with ease, a rather smug look plastered on the guards face. Slowing his gait to a steady swagger he couldn't help the smirk that played at his lips. Raising his voice to a cheeky shout he waved an arm in greeting. "Oi! Dray!"
"Hm?" Drayel turned to stare at him over his shoulder,eyeing the man with sharp suspicion. "What do you want Shade? I don't have time for your antics this morning."
"You wound me!" Shade complained giving the taller man a full pout. "Would I ever just come to pester you on your patrols?"
"Yes." Was Drayel's blunt reply. His eyes traveled behind Shade as his scarred face twitched and his lips frowned. Then, his eyes turned back to Shade and they flashed dangerously. "You'd best not be doing anything illegal or I'll have your head, understood?"
"Aw come on Dray-yell. I'm not that underhanded." Shade snorted back. "Speaking of bad boys, why are you here? Catching some lovings?"
"Not even close." Drayel replied shortly. "I'm investigating. I'm not as.... whimsy as you or your lovers. I have some pride in whom I lay beside, not just another roll in the hay."
"Have it your way." Shade grunted with a shrug. "Actually, I was hoping for a favor...."
"No."
"Eh? But I never even asked yet!" Shade complained irritably. Drayel just glared at him, unmoved by his displeasure. Shade growled a bit but Drayel growled lower, forcing Shade's body to cringe away instinctively. Realizing what he did Shade huffed but remained lowered, dropping his eyes to glare venomously at the barrel not far away. "Why not?"
"Because I don't trust you." Drayel replied flatly. "I see no other need for my assistance other than releasing your half-form which I have no intention of giving permission. I have enough problems on my plate without dealing with a horny werewolf on the side."
"It's not like that at all!" Shade protested. "I'm just helpin' some kid learn how to fight. That's all!"
"Why would you need your half-form to teach how to fight?" Drayel growled in response. The guard glanced once more behind Shade and snarled, baring his teeth in a threatening disapproval. "Are you the one he wants to train boy? Answer me!"
The Fox and the Hound
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Kitan tailed the other shifter with ease. His fleet feet carried him after the larger, less mobile shifter as he turned his ears forwards. Where Shade followed his nose, Kitan followed sound. He heard the grumbling guard a decent distance before he could see him.
He rounded the corner eagerly, looking for a friendly guard to help Shade out with... something. He wasn’t exactly clear on what. Had Shade ever explained that? He couldn’t remember. Trying to recall their previous conversations for the answer, Kitan absentmindedly missed most of the barbs thrown between the werewolf and the guard.
He rejoined the conversation at an ideal moment, just in time to watch Shade get out-growled by the guardsman. Kitan found the situation a little bit funny really; a snarling contest which a werewolf rather plainly lost. As Shade directed his deflected scowls to the scenery, Kitan turned his attention to the guardsman.
He was another big guy. Certainly big enough to match his werewolf mentor pound for pound, and armed with a two-handed sword to back it up. Kitan briefly imagined him spewing out lines of solid gold, such as “I eat criminals for breakfast!”
Tragically, the thought proved to be too funny for Kitan to conceal. Stifled mirth escaped his lips as he quivered off to the side. The bickering pair had been embroiled in their argument before, but Kitan’s uncontrollable giggling turned Drayel’s vehement glare his way. His laughter died almost immediately as he shrunk himself down, tucking his tail between his legs and flattening his ears.
Kitan had once met an elven guard named Lurus who had suspected him of magic. That elf had possessed the iciest blue glare Kitan had ever had the bad luck to suffer, but this new guardsman put his stare to shame. Quivering, Kitan stammered, “I... yes.” He really wanted out from under those eyes. After a few seconds of an unintelligent “uhhhhh” sound, Kitan blurted out “so why do we need your help? I mean, not that I’m complaining. Guards are nice. People. But can’t he just shift? Or is he like me for some reason I guess?”
Kitan nervously glanced to the side at Shade, wondering what the werewolf wanted him to do, but found no answers in that enigmatic visage. With innocent eyes the size of saucer plates, he peered upwards at the looming threat. “He saved me from some people who were beating me up,” Kitan squeaked, motioning to his badly torn up clothes and the dried blood they did a poor job of concealing, “and I want to learn what to do. Y-you can help, right?” Kitan seemed quite likely to collapse in on himself, so strong was his desire to disappear.
He rounded the corner eagerly, looking for a friendly guard to help Shade out with... something. He wasn’t exactly clear on what. Had Shade ever explained that? He couldn’t remember. Trying to recall their previous conversations for the answer, Kitan absentmindedly missed most of the barbs thrown between the werewolf and the guard.
He rejoined the conversation at an ideal moment, just in time to watch Shade get out-growled by the guardsman. Kitan found the situation a little bit funny really; a snarling contest which a werewolf rather plainly lost. As Shade directed his deflected scowls to the scenery, Kitan turned his attention to the guardsman.
He was another big guy. Certainly big enough to match his werewolf mentor pound for pound, and armed with a two-handed sword to back it up. Kitan briefly imagined him spewing out lines of solid gold, such as “I eat criminals for breakfast!”
Tragically, the thought proved to be too funny for Kitan to conceal. Stifled mirth escaped his lips as he quivered off to the side. The bickering pair had been embroiled in their argument before, but Kitan’s uncontrollable giggling turned Drayel’s vehement glare his way. His laughter died almost immediately as he shrunk himself down, tucking his tail between his legs and flattening his ears.
Kitan had once met an elven guard named Lurus who had suspected him of magic. That elf had possessed the iciest blue glare Kitan had ever had the bad luck to suffer, but this new guardsman put his stare to shame. Quivering, Kitan stammered, “I... yes.” He really wanted out from under those eyes. After a few seconds of an unintelligent “uhhhhh” sound, Kitan blurted out “so why do we need your help? I mean, not that I’m complaining. Guards are nice. People. But can’t he just shift? Or is he like me for some reason I guess?”
Kitan nervously glanced to the side at Shade, wondering what the werewolf wanted him to do, but found no answers in that enigmatic visage. With innocent eyes the size of saucer plates, he peered upwards at the looming threat. “He saved me from some people who were beating me up,” Kitan squeaked, motioning to his badly torn up clothes and the dried blood they did a poor job of concealing, “and I want to learn what to do. Y-you can help, right?” Kitan seemed quite likely to collapse in on himself, so strong was his desire to disappear.
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Shade forced his face to remain neutral as the eyes of the boy traveled to him, desperately frightened and stumbling over himself in order to try and appease the frowning guard. This male was clearly a submissive creature by nature. Good thing too or Shade would have to teach him the hard way. Drayel however was frowning at...Kitan was it?
"He saved you did he?" Drayel's dry tone was riddled with suspicion as he glared warily at other male. "For what purposes I truly wonder? It isn't out of the good nature from your heart Wolfman. I don't like where you're going."
"I've done no wrong to him." Shade snapped irritated. "I saved his life from some lowlife thugs that wanted his hide. I'd of done the same for any of my kind, especially idiots who wander around with a damn sign practically posted on their backs!"
"Settle your anger dog or I will unsheathe this sword of mine." Drayel's voice rippled with promise as he straightened and stared down at Shade. "I have no interest in helping a man who brings a boy down the wrong path. He needs to learn his defence true, but you are not the one to teach. I have had enough of this foolishness."
Shade stiffened as Drayel turned and began to walk away, with it the last easy chance to get his collar temporarily lifted. He didn't want the other guards to know, the less who knew the better. So, Shade puffed out and raised his voice.
"I give you my word!" Shade barked clenching his fists. "I won't harm the boy!"
That made Drayel pause. Turning his head, he glanced back at the stiff shifter with a suspicious frown. Then, ever so slowly he turned his whole body to stare first at him, then at Kitan. He watched Shade blush as he slumped his shoulders, eyes still locked but body bowed with submission.
"I won't hurt the boy. I'm teaching him lessons I wished somebody would teach me when I was young." Shade grit out as he huffed. He didn't lie, he wished somebody taught him the rules of the street instead of him finding out the hard way. He wished somebody actually mentored his into his life. He left out his plan of course, but the guard didn't need to know all the details.
"When the boy leaves, it is of his will." Drayel said sharply. "You won't harm him, won't mislead him, and you will not bind him to you. He can go and come as he pleases without being mixed up in your schemes."
"What he does after is his choice." Shade growled back. "I have no influence what he does after I train him."
"That's not good enough wolfman. You won't involve him nor introduce him to any of your... companions. Understood?"
"I can't take word in something I cannot control!" Shade protested. "How could I stop what he does when I'm not around?"
"Then I want his word!" Drayel roared as he pulled himself to full height and turned his hard glare to the boy. "Give me your word that after, you will go back to whatever you did before without protest! You will not follow his orders, nor his lifestyle! Give me your word and Wolfman, yours as well! I will not help either of you until I know the boy will not regret it later!"
"He saved you did he?" Drayel's dry tone was riddled with suspicion as he glared warily at other male. "For what purposes I truly wonder? It isn't out of the good nature from your heart Wolfman. I don't like where you're going."
"I've done no wrong to him." Shade snapped irritated. "I saved his life from some lowlife thugs that wanted his hide. I'd of done the same for any of my kind, especially idiots who wander around with a damn sign practically posted on their backs!"
"Settle your anger dog or I will unsheathe this sword of mine." Drayel's voice rippled with promise as he straightened and stared down at Shade. "I have no interest in helping a man who brings a boy down the wrong path. He needs to learn his defence true, but you are not the one to teach. I have had enough of this foolishness."
Shade stiffened as Drayel turned and began to walk away, with it the last easy chance to get his collar temporarily lifted. He didn't want the other guards to know, the less who knew the better. So, Shade puffed out and raised his voice.
"I give you my word!" Shade barked clenching his fists. "I won't harm the boy!"
That made Drayel pause. Turning his head, he glanced back at the stiff shifter with a suspicious frown. Then, ever so slowly he turned his whole body to stare first at him, then at Kitan. He watched Shade blush as he slumped his shoulders, eyes still locked but body bowed with submission.
"I won't hurt the boy. I'm teaching him lessons I wished somebody would teach me when I was young." Shade grit out as he huffed. He didn't lie, he wished somebody taught him the rules of the street instead of him finding out the hard way. He wished somebody actually mentored his into his life. He left out his plan of course, but the guard didn't need to know all the details.
"When the boy leaves, it is of his will." Drayel said sharply. "You won't harm him, won't mislead him, and you will not bind him to you. He can go and come as he pleases without being mixed up in your schemes."
"What he does after is his choice." Shade growled back. "I have no influence what he does after I train him."
"That's not good enough wolfman. You won't involve him nor introduce him to any of your... companions. Understood?"
"I can't take word in something I cannot control!" Shade protested. "How could I stop what he does when I'm not around?"
"Then I want his word!" Drayel roared as he pulled himself to full height and turned his hard glare to the boy. "Give me your word that after, you will go back to whatever you did before without protest! You will not follow his orders, nor his lifestyle! Give me your word and Wolfman, yours as well! I will not help either of you until I know the boy will not regret it later!"
Re: The Fox and the Hound
The kitsune flailed about for a bit, trying to reconcile the new information with his existing desire to flee from the guard. “B-b-but, I don’t even know what he does!” Kitan protested. “How can I not do something when... when I don’t know what I’m not supposed to do?” Kitan did a small, jittering motion which made him skip closer to the guard and look upwards with the biggest puppy-dog-eyes he could muster. With his hands clasped together, as if in prayer, the little shifter leaned towards the tall guardsman.
“I-I can promise you that I won’t be a bad guy.” Kitan stammered, wondering if that was the guard’s concern. “I will always use what he teaches me for good, like my father would want me too.” He hoped that would reassure the guard of whatever worries he had over the situation. If it didn’t Kitan wasn’t really sure what Shade and he were supposed to do.
“But I want it known!” The fox shifter said, poking Drayel in the stomach with a sudden burst of courage, “That I can and always will use my skill and abilities to help people as much as I can, and if that means I am going to go somewhere bad for me then so be it! I think that is all the more reason to know what to do with myself.” He frowned and turned his head away. “Judge that as you like. But you’re a nice person, or you wouldn’t be concerned about this at all. You shouldn’t hide yourself behind this mean face you’re showing.”
He clutched his head and grimaced a bit. “Aw, that was dumb. You’re never gonna let me get taught now!”
“I-I can promise you that I won’t be a bad guy.” Kitan stammered, wondering if that was the guard’s concern. “I will always use what he teaches me for good, like my father would want me too.” He hoped that would reassure the guard of whatever worries he had over the situation. If it didn’t Kitan wasn’t really sure what Shade and he were supposed to do.
“But I want it known!” The fox shifter said, poking Drayel in the stomach with a sudden burst of courage, “That I can and always will use my skill and abilities to help people as much as I can, and if that means I am going to go somewhere bad for me then so be it! I think that is all the more reason to know what to do with myself.” He frowned and turned his head away. “Judge that as you like. But you’re a nice person, or you wouldn’t be concerned about this at all. You shouldn’t hide yourself behind this mean face you’re showing.”
He clutched his head and grimaced a bit. “Aw, that was dumb. You’re never gonna let me get taught now!”
Re: The Fox and the Hound
At first neither Shade nor Drayel said a word. The poke in the chest, the 'hiding his grumpy face', even the groan of realization was simply too much to handle as the cowering fox boy suddenly found his backbone and actually stood up to the guard. It was Drayel who broke the silence in the strangest way Shade could think of.
He threw his head back and roared with laughter.
"You've quite the gut on you boy!" Drayel laughed as he reached out and ruffled the boy's head, taking care not to pinch the boy's ears with his glove. "Your words are as true as that heart of yours, that in itself makes you better than half the bastards in this place. If it is your request, then I shall grant it but before then there is a few things I wish to make clear."
"You asked earlier why Wolfman needed my help. That in itself tells me he hasn't told you much." Drayel sighed as he stopped rubbing the others head with a grim expression. "The way you walk now will change who you are. The man whom you wish to teach you is unkind to males, even ones as young as you. You are no longer a child, therefore no longer under his protection. My belief is he is keen to use you."
"I'm right here you know." Shade grunted irritated. Drayel glanced over at him with a raised eyebrow before rolling his eyes and continuing to ignore the him. Shade bristled as he clenched his fists and bared his fangs. "Hey! Don't turn away from me!"
"The wolfman was jailed for being a womanizer." Drayel continued ignoring him still. "He was recently released due to the orders of a few higher ups. During his time in jail however he made rather... nasty connections. You're a good lad but you look at the world with innocence. Following him you will likely find something you'd rather not know or see yet are forced to acknowledge. You will lose a part of you that will be gone forever as I had."
"He has killed before, taken women and used them for his pleasures. He's left children he's fathered without a glance back. He hides from work and lacks responsibility. Whatever he does to train you will undoubtedly harm you. Yet, if you still wish his release I will grant it but only on my conditions."
"Shade, should the boy wish to give in and go home you let him without hassles. Boy, when this 'training' is done you will no longer have communication with Shade. I understand you may disagree later on, but I believe it best for you. The last thing is that should you need my help again boy, you come to me without pause. Find a guard and send them for me, then meet me at the Barracks. It does not matter why nor the time, should you need my assistance with anything come for me. I will not turn you away."
"Fine fine, I agree." Shade grunted rolling his eyes irritably. He frowned a little as his eyes shifted to the boy, distantly wondering if these conditions would get in his way at all. The second one would be a pain in the ass but the first one he could try to prevent with careful planning and sweet words. All he needed was for the boy to agree.
"What is your choice?" Drayel asked roughly as he lowered his head to peer into the boy's eyes. "Will you turn back as I wish I did or continue on and become strong? This choice is for you to decide."
He threw his head back and roared with laughter.
"You've quite the gut on you boy!" Drayel laughed as he reached out and ruffled the boy's head, taking care not to pinch the boy's ears with his glove. "Your words are as true as that heart of yours, that in itself makes you better than half the bastards in this place. If it is your request, then I shall grant it but before then there is a few things I wish to make clear."
"You asked earlier why Wolfman needed my help. That in itself tells me he hasn't told you much." Drayel sighed as he stopped rubbing the others head with a grim expression. "The way you walk now will change who you are. The man whom you wish to teach you is unkind to males, even ones as young as you. You are no longer a child, therefore no longer under his protection. My belief is he is keen to use you."
"I'm right here you know." Shade grunted irritated. Drayel glanced over at him with a raised eyebrow before rolling his eyes and continuing to ignore the him. Shade bristled as he clenched his fists and bared his fangs. "Hey! Don't turn away from me!"
"The wolfman was jailed for being a womanizer." Drayel continued ignoring him still. "He was recently released due to the orders of a few higher ups. During his time in jail however he made rather... nasty connections. You're a good lad but you look at the world with innocence. Following him you will likely find something you'd rather not know or see yet are forced to acknowledge. You will lose a part of you that will be gone forever as I had."
"He has killed before, taken women and used them for his pleasures. He's left children he's fathered without a glance back. He hides from work and lacks responsibility. Whatever he does to train you will undoubtedly harm you. Yet, if you still wish his release I will grant it but only on my conditions."
"Shade, should the boy wish to give in and go home you let him without hassles. Boy, when this 'training' is done you will no longer have communication with Shade. I understand you may disagree later on, but I believe it best for you. The last thing is that should you need my help again boy, you come to me without pause. Find a guard and send them for me, then meet me at the Barracks. It does not matter why nor the time, should you need my assistance with anything come for me. I will not turn you away."
"Fine fine, I agree." Shade grunted rolling his eyes irritably. He frowned a little as his eyes shifted to the boy, distantly wondering if these conditions would get in his way at all. The second one would be a pain in the ass but the first one he could try to prevent with careful planning and sweet words. All he needed was for the boy to agree.
"What is your choice?" Drayel asked roughly as he lowered his head to peer into the boy's eyes. "Will you turn back as I wish I did or continue on and become strong? This choice is for you to decide."
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Kitan hesitantly opened his mouth, its frightened edges turning into a silly looking smile. He looked over at Shade, wondering how much of what Drayel said was true. He blushed a little bit as he recalled the parts involving women—his father had raised his kitsune as properly as a hermit could.
Kitan had seen death before. Even Alexandros, easily the nicest guard he had ever met, had been forced to kill people in defense. He rationalized that surely Shade had needed to do the same, overlooking the fact that he had been seemingly willing to kill the two helpless muggers.
Kitan turned back to the guardsman. He needed to be stronger if he was going to survive; harsh experience had recently proven that much. The first step to helping others, he supposed, was keeping one’s self alive. Which meant he really had little choice. Receiving tutelage could very well be a matter of life and death.
“Okay.” Kitan said softly. “I accept.” He could always go back on it later, if he thought it was really necessary. Drayel was like his father in some ways; what he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. Words, Kitan thought, were all well and good, but Kitan had never quite understood his father’s lessons on honor. Why should one keep their word if bigger things were at steak? The idea was simply foreign to him.
“I need to be stronger, ‘cause I know I can’t rely on other people all the time. The guard won’t always be there, especially for me, because of my ears.” It pained the little shifter to admit it, but his experiences with Lurus and the muggers had finally pushed the concept of racism into his skull. “I need to protect myself from bad people.”
“So...” Kitan said, scuffling his feet along the ground. He was getting very curious as to a certain point, which the guardsman and werewolf seemed to be dodging around a bit. “What happens now? You two still haven’t really told me why we need your help, Sir Drayel.”
Kitan had seen death before. Even Alexandros, easily the nicest guard he had ever met, had been forced to kill people in defense. He rationalized that surely Shade had needed to do the same, overlooking the fact that he had been seemingly willing to kill the two helpless muggers.
Kitan turned back to the guardsman. He needed to be stronger if he was going to survive; harsh experience had recently proven that much. The first step to helping others, he supposed, was keeping one’s self alive. Which meant he really had little choice. Receiving tutelage could very well be a matter of life and death.
“Okay.” Kitan said softly. “I accept.” He could always go back on it later, if he thought it was really necessary. Drayel was like his father in some ways; what he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. Words, Kitan thought, were all well and good, but Kitan had never quite understood his father’s lessons on honor. Why should one keep their word if bigger things were at steak? The idea was simply foreign to him.
“I need to be stronger, ‘cause I know I can’t rely on other people all the time. The guard won’t always be there, especially for me, because of my ears.” It pained the little shifter to admit it, but his experiences with Lurus and the muggers had finally pushed the concept of racism into his skull. “I need to protect myself from bad people.”
“So...” Kitan said, scuffling his feet along the ground. He was getting very curious as to a certain point, which the guardsman and werewolf seemed to be dodging around a bit. “What happens now? You two still haven’t really told me why we need your help, Sir Drayel.”
Re: The Fox and the Hound
"It's this damn collar." Shade answered flatly as he walked over with his hands on his hips. "When I was arrested for being a good lover, I was shackled with it in order to keep my... temper in check. Now, since I'm not technically trusted by the guards I'm forced to wear it."
"Though it looks like mere worn leather, that collar holds an enchantment." Drayel explained with a wave of his hand. "Should he attempt to transform into his half form without the permission of a guard, the buckle will hold fast and the iron spikes that are embedded inside it will puncture his throat."
"Yeah, so that's where old Tin-can comes in. Seeing how he's a guard, he can temporarily disable the enchantment, letting it slide looser when I change instead of getting killed." Shade finalized scratching his head. "Pain in the ass part is whatever conditions and whatnot that are agreed upon must be held up or else the enchantment comes back and won't be able to come off until I get cleared by a higher up."
"Yes, how unfortunate you have some risk for doing damage." Drayel snorted. "Now, you know of the conditions. You agree to them?"
"I already told you yes." Shade snapped crossing his arms foully. "I thought the memory of a guard was better."
"I simply wish to be clear." Drayel answered rolling his eyes. Turning his gaze to the boy he let out a sigh before giving the boy another pat on the head before letting his hand drop to his side once more. "You agreed to the terms as well, so there is no stopping it. Come here Wolfman, lets get this over with."
"About time." Shade grouched as he edged a bit closer to the suddenly glowering guard.
"Shut your jaws so I can focus." Drayel growled as he reached over and seized the collar with an unneeded jerk. Shade yelped a bit before scowling but Drayel closed his eyes and took in a slow breath. Deep in concentration he muttered under his breath, so mumbled Shade didn't understand what he said. Yet the collar began to glow a light blue then faded once more, signalling the enchantment was temporarily disabled. "There, it is done. Take care of that boy, you understand Wolfman?"
"Yessir. Come on kid! Time to find a place to start." Shade chuckled as he gave his body a shake, eager to start the training and release a form he hadn't been in ages. Bounding off he barely heard Drayel's sigh and heavy clomps as he continued whatever he was doing. No, he was too excited about this. Nothing else mattered. "Onward!"
"Though it looks like mere worn leather, that collar holds an enchantment." Drayel explained with a wave of his hand. "Should he attempt to transform into his half form without the permission of a guard, the buckle will hold fast and the iron spikes that are embedded inside it will puncture his throat."
"Yeah, so that's where old Tin-can comes in. Seeing how he's a guard, he can temporarily disable the enchantment, letting it slide looser when I change instead of getting killed." Shade finalized scratching his head. "Pain in the ass part is whatever conditions and whatnot that are agreed upon must be held up or else the enchantment comes back and won't be able to come off until I get cleared by a higher up."
"Yes, how unfortunate you have some risk for doing damage." Drayel snorted. "Now, you know of the conditions. You agree to them?"
"I already told you yes." Shade snapped crossing his arms foully. "I thought the memory of a guard was better."
"I simply wish to be clear." Drayel answered rolling his eyes. Turning his gaze to the boy he let out a sigh before giving the boy another pat on the head before letting his hand drop to his side once more. "You agreed to the terms as well, so there is no stopping it. Come here Wolfman, lets get this over with."
"About time." Shade grouched as he edged a bit closer to the suddenly glowering guard.
"Shut your jaws so I can focus." Drayel growled as he reached over and seized the collar with an unneeded jerk. Shade yelped a bit before scowling but Drayel closed his eyes and took in a slow breath. Deep in concentration he muttered under his breath, so mumbled Shade didn't understand what he said. Yet the collar began to glow a light blue then faded once more, signalling the enchantment was temporarily disabled. "There, it is done. Take care of that boy, you understand Wolfman?"
"Yessir. Come on kid! Time to find a place to start." Shade chuckled as he gave his body a shake, eager to start the training and release a form he hadn't been in ages. Bounding off he barely heard Drayel's sigh and heavy clomps as he continued whatever he was doing. No, he was too excited about this. Nothing else mattered. "Onward!"
Re: The Fox and the Hound
As the kitsune scampered off to follow the werewolf, he found it awfully strange that the magic fearing guards would have put such a device on his tutor. He rather reasonably decided not to voice the concern, since there was a guard nearby. Speaking of the guard, he had nearly forgotten something important. His feet screeched to a halt and he flipped around, waving goodbye to the big guardsman.
“Thanks again, sir guard!” He hollered back. And with a spin, he was off, catching up to the werewolf easily. When the werewolf rounded the corner of a building ahead of him, Kitan decided to cut the corner; he sprung up onto a nearby box, leapt from that to the rooftop, and then decided to comfortably sprint along the roof after the ground-bound Shade, careful not to overtake him. If there was one thing he was good at, it was speed.
He took a brief look around, and noted that they were in a poorer district of the city. The buildings would all be single or double story for some time and the roads would be narrow, made for people rather than horses. It would all make for easy travel.
A glance forward showed him the faintest lines of orange light across the horizon, far over the Sooqui plains. He smiled momentarily at the scene before dropping his focus back to his footwork.
“So do you know where we are going?” Kitan yelled down at the other shifter. He shivered as a morning wind whirled about his shoulders. From now on he was going to set out to deliver mail later than early morning. The favor such dedication earned him was not worth enduring the cold. Or the muggings.
“Thanks again, sir guard!” He hollered back. And with a spin, he was off, catching up to the werewolf easily. When the werewolf rounded the corner of a building ahead of him, Kitan decided to cut the corner; he sprung up onto a nearby box, leapt from that to the rooftop, and then decided to comfortably sprint along the roof after the ground-bound Shade, careful not to overtake him. If there was one thing he was good at, it was speed.
He took a brief look around, and noted that they were in a poorer district of the city. The buildings would all be single or double story for some time and the roads would be narrow, made for people rather than horses. It would all make for easy travel.
A glance forward showed him the faintest lines of orange light across the horizon, far over the Sooqui plains. He smiled momentarily at the scene before dropping his focus back to his footwork.
“So do you know where we are going?” Kitan yelled down at the other shifter. He shivered as a morning wind whirled about his shoulders. From now on he was going to set out to deliver mail later than early morning. The favor such dedication earned him was not worth enduring the cold. Or the muggings.
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Shade grunted as he kept an eye on the foxboy from down below, watching him jump and run with grace and speed that he doubted even he could match. Hearing him shout however made his eyebrow twitch a little. Glowering ahead he looked around the small alley, planing his way up and followed through without a second guess.
Stepping on a high barrel he leaped as high as he could, grabbing a second story window ledge without much thought. Hauling his body high enough to grab the roof edge he pulled himself on top of it with a grunt. Coming level with the boy he gave him a sharp look.
"If you wanted to give away where we are, you should have sang out who you're with as well. Damn knows we'd be killed by not just the bandits but the people you just woke up too." Shade scowled as he gave his body a bit of a shake. "Don't speak any louder than you have to. It's easier to move if your not being noticed."
"Anyway, answering your question." Shade grunted rolling his eyes. "We're headed to the powerplant. It should be pretty empty about this time of day. Perfect place to train you, no?"
He grunted as he started off at a steady walk now, pacing his steps to avoid tiring himself out before they even got there. That would end embarrassing. Instead, he began making small talk.
"So, whose your Father? Anybody I may know?"
Stepping on a high barrel he leaped as high as he could, grabbing a second story window ledge without much thought. Hauling his body high enough to grab the roof edge he pulled himself on top of it with a grunt. Coming level with the boy he gave him a sharp look.
"If you wanted to give away where we are, you should have sang out who you're with as well. Damn knows we'd be killed by not just the bandits but the people you just woke up too." Shade scowled as he gave his body a bit of a shake. "Don't speak any louder than you have to. It's easier to move if your not being noticed."
"Anyway, answering your question." Shade grunted rolling his eyes. "We're headed to the powerplant. It should be pretty empty about this time of day. Perfect place to train you, no?"
He grunted as he started off at a steady walk now, pacing his steps to avoid tiring himself out before they even got there. That would end embarrassing. Instead, he began making small talk.
"So, whose your Father? Anybody I may know?"
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Kitan grumbled under his breath. He had just been trying to make sure Shade could hear him over the wind of running and him being all the way down there on the street. Sometimes it was hard to tell how well other people could hear; just because he had ears like saucer plates didn’t mean everyone else did.
He leapt over a narrow street as Shade ran down the road beneath it, only to be surprised as the werewolf lunged up to the roof after him. Kitan couldn’t help but think he was a little big for this sort of thing, but he halted his run with a flourish to watch the werewolf clamber onto the roof after him. The kitsune would have offered his help, but he felt that Shade would just been insulted by that, and he wasn’t sure he could have pulled the large werewolf up over the edge in any case.
“I’ve never been to the power plant. They don’t get many letters, at least not the ones I deliver. Maybe gnomes launch letters to each other in cannons or something.” He chuckled at that thought, his tail curling faintly about his leg for warmth.
He set off in that direction, jumping the roofs with ease. “Look out for the weak spots until we get to the plant.” He cautioned. Shade was heavily built enough that Kitan was genuinely concerned he might fall through the roof. Now that would be an interruption rather more prominent than his yelling.
He set off in that direction, deciding to take the lead. A brief jump took him over the roof, and a simple test of its touch told Kitan of the building’s stability. He waved Shade after him and started speaking of his father. “My father is a dwarf. I was adopted at a very young age and never met my real parents. Unless you’ve met a lot of kitsune I doubt you’d know either of them.” He paused to let Shade catch up to him. “My dad lives out the Virdara woods, just a ways off the roads. People say he’s a crab or something. I think it was a ‘hermit,’ whatever that means.” He dropped down to the road with a lithe step from the edge, bouncing on the crates of pipes like it was the most natural thing in the world. As Shade stumbled after him with comparative clumsiness, Kitan watched and continued. “I’ll grant that he can be kind of crabby sometimes. But either way, you’ve probably never met. Anyways, we’re almost there now.” He waited for Shade to take the lead again, figuring the werewolf had a better idea of a good training spot.
He leapt over a narrow street as Shade ran down the road beneath it, only to be surprised as the werewolf lunged up to the roof after him. Kitan couldn’t help but think he was a little big for this sort of thing, but he halted his run with a flourish to watch the werewolf clamber onto the roof after him. The kitsune would have offered his help, but he felt that Shade would just been insulted by that, and he wasn’t sure he could have pulled the large werewolf up over the edge in any case.
“I’ve never been to the power plant. They don’t get many letters, at least not the ones I deliver. Maybe gnomes launch letters to each other in cannons or something.” He chuckled at that thought, his tail curling faintly about his leg for warmth.
He set off in that direction, jumping the roofs with ease. “Look out for the weak spots until we get to the plant.” He cautioned. Shade was heavily built enough that Kitan was genuinely concerned he might fall through the roof. Now that would be an interruption rather more prominent than his yelling.
He set off in that direction, deciding to take the lead. A brief jump took him over the roof, and a simple test of its touch told Kitan of the building’s stability. He waved Shade after him and started speaking of his father. “My father is a dwarf. I was adopted at a very young age and never met my real parents. Unless you’ve met a lot of kitsune I doubt you’d know either of them.” He paused to let Shade catch up to him. “My dad lives out the Virdara woods, just a ways off the roads. People say he’s a crab or something. I think it was a ‘hermit,’ whatever that means.” He dropped down to the road with a lithe step from the edge, bouncing on the crates of pipes like it was the most natural thing in the world. As Shade stumbled after him with comparative clumsiness, Kitan watched and continued. “I’ll grant that he can be kind of crabby sometimes. But either way, you’ve probably never met. Anyways, we’re almost there now.” He waited for Shade to take the lead again, figuring the werewolf had a better idea of a good training spot.
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Shade couldn't stop the aggravated bristle that shivered across his body. Not only had the kid warned him of danger as if he didn't know about it already, he actually lead him to the spot specified. Shade growled a little as he landed with a heavy huff beside him, grunting a bit as he felt his muscles burn.
Am I really this rusty? Shade frowned as he gave his body a bit of a shake. Dammit, I'm getting too soft.
"We're going to train here." Shade stated flatly as he gave the place a once over. Spotting what he figured to be the best place in this joint he gave the kid a raised eyebrow. With a subtle jerk of his head he signaled that was where they were to go. "Get movin', I'll be up in a bit."
With that said he turned his attention to his shirt, pulling it off to reveal his scarred chest below. Stuffing it into his trouser pocket he began fiddling with his belt instead. With quick hands he undid it and pulled it off again, glancing almost casually at the fox.
Cracking his neck he dropped to all fours, digging his fingers in the dirt as he forced himself to shift. Like his wolf shift, the change was painful and odd. Bones moved themselves beneath his skin as his joints twisted and bent in odd angles. He forced down a howl of pain when his teeth pushed themselves back while the canines pushed through his gums. His muzzle and tail began to appear along with his fur, starting out slow but quickly picking up the pace the farther he went. His nails were lengthened and became stronger, clawlike things that tipped each finger.
Shade let out a low groan as his ears twisted and pointed, sliding across his skull until they were farther back and higher up. His feet cramped up as they lengthened, his toes now supporting him more then his actual feet. Finally, his back crackled in a long series of pops signalling the end of his transformation. Opening watered eyes he panted softly, peering through greyed vision at the young boy.
Well boy, this is my half-form. he thought with a distinct grunt. What came from his lips was a heavy growl. I hope you're ready for this cause I'm not going easy on you.
With that he let out a mighty roar, slamming his hands down as he bared his fangs. Ears curled back he put on his vicious face, bristling his fur in order to intimidate the boy farther. Then letting out a throaty howl he charged after the boy on all fours, his mouth wide and baring.
Let's see how fast you run.
Am I really this rusty? Shade frowned as he gave his body a bit of a shake. Dammit, I'm getting too soft.
"We're going to train here." Shade stated flatly as he gave the place a once over. Spotting what he figured to be the best place in this joint he gave the kid a raised eyebrow. With a subtle jerk of his head he signaled that was where they were to go. "Get movin', I'll be up in a bit."
With that said he turned his attention to his shirt, pulling it off to reveal his scarred chest below. Stuffing it into his trouser pocket he began fiddling with his belt instead. With quick hands he undid it and pulled it off again, glancing almost casually at the fox.
Cracking his neck he dropped to all fours, digging his fingers in the dirt as he forced himself to shift. Like his wolf shift, the change was painful and odd. Bones moved themselves beneath his skin as his joints twisted and bent in odd angles. He forced down a howl of pain when his teeth pushed themselves back while the canines pushed through his gums. His muzzle and tail began to appear along with his fur, starting out slow but quickly picking up the pace the farther he went. His nails were lengthened and became stronger, clawlike things that tipped each finger.
Shade let out a low groan as his ears twisted and pointed, sliding across his skull until they were farther back and higher up. His feet cramped up as they lengthened, his toes now supporting him more then his actual feet. Finally, his back crackled in a long series of pops signalling the end of his transformation. Opening watered eyes he panted softly, peering through greyed vision at the young boy.
Well boy, this is my half-form. he thought with a distinct grunt. What came from his lips was a heavy growl. I hope you're ready for this cause I'm not going easy on you.
With that he let out a mighty roar, slamming his hands down as he bared his fangs. Ears curled back he put on his vicious face, bristling his fur in order to intimidate the boy farther. Then letting out a throaty howl he charged after the boy on all fours, his mouth wide and baring.
Let's see how fast you run.
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Kitan wandered off in the direction Shade had indicated, his bandaged feet stepping lithely around scraps left over from the surrounding industry. To his strong ears, the area was a true sensory based delight; the grinding of gears melded with the clank of steel on steel far away. It was all remote sound. The area they had descended into was very nearly abandoned at this time in the morning. But it provided Kitan with subtle, discordant background music all the same.
The bloody cracking and snapping of Shade’s shifting made Kitan halt in his tracks. The organic crunches sounded completely out of place with the harmonious steel symphony his ears had been previously listening too. It made him shiver to think he might one day do the same. Hunching his shoulders and flattening his ears he glanced cautiously backwards.
Seeing the werewolf’s glistening teeth were all it took to set the kitsune at a dead run. He sprinted off, looking around for any sort of escape; training or not, he couldn’t possibly hope to fight werewolf-Shade head-on. His sprint had brought him to the wall opposite the crates they had descended upon, but meeting the sheer vertical face proved no obstacle. Without a second thought he sprinted onto the wall at an angle, carrying him all the way up to a window a few feet down the surface. His fingers quickly found a slender, inch long frame to grip.
Using this precarious perch, Kitan let his horizontal moment continue and swing upwards by grabbing the side This led to a bizarre cartwheel motion which flung the kitsune upwards, wherein he kicked off the wall to reach out and grab a chain pulley system hanging from the building’s side. He blinked, wondering how he had known that would be there for a moment before recalling that he had sighted it during his sprint away from the wolf.
A brief decision to climb the heavy chain led him to scramble up it with the dexterity of a squirrel. It swung outwards with his weight, but before the pulley system could have even swung back Kitan was perched atop its structure, a full three stories up. The rooftop was just behind him.
Kitan wondered how good werewolves were at climbing. He thought that Shade couldn’t possibly be better than in his human form. Kitan also wondered why this sort of thing never seemed to occur to him when his life was actually in danger, though he was willing to admit that regular houses didn’t have convenient chains dangling from their sides.
He crouched on all fours from the pully's crest and looked downwards, checking Shade’s progress.
The bloody cracking and snapping of Shade’s shifting made Kitan halt in his tracks. The organic crunches sounded completely out of place with the harmonious steel symphony his ears had been previously listening too. It made him shiver to think he might one day do the same. Hunching his shoulders and flattening his ears he glanced cautiously backwards.
Seeing the werewolf’s glistening teeth were all it took to set the kitsune at a dead run. He sprinted off, looking around for any sort of escape; training or not, he couldn’t possibly hope to fight werewolf-Shade head-on. His sprint had brought him to the wall opposite the crates they had descended upon, but meeting the sheer vertical face proved no obstacle. Without a second thought he sprinted onto the wall at an angle, carrying him all the way up to a window a few feet down the surface. His fingers quickly found a slender, inch long frame to grip.
Using this precarious perch, Kitan let his horizontal moment continue and swing upwards by grabbing the side This led to a bizarre cartwheel motion which flung the kitsune upwards, wherein he kicked off the wall to reach out and grab a chain pulley system hanging from the building’s side. He blinked, wondering how he had known that would be there for a moment before recalling that he had sighted it during his sprint away from the wolf.
A brief decision to climb the heavy chain led him to scramble up it with the dexterity of a squirrel. It swung outwards with his weight, but before the pulley system could have even swung back Kitan was perched atop its structure, a full three stories up. The rooftop was just behind him.
Kitan wondered how good werewolves were at climbing. He thought that Shade couldn’t possibly be better than in his human form. Kitan also wondered why this sort of thing never seemed to occur to him when his life was actually in danger, though he was willing to admit that regular houses didn’t have convenient chains dangling from their sides.
He crouched on all fours from the pully's crest and looked downwards, checking Shade’s progress.
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Shade watched in amusement as the little fox leaped and climbed to what he presumed was freedom. What he didn't realize however was now he was cornered. Stalking the way Kit had went he took his time to peer way up at the smaller boy. Then with a howl he crouched and leaped higher then even possible in his human form.
He moved quickly, knowing if he was too long the boy would no doubt find a way to escape him farther. He climbed the walls by digging his talons into them, heaving himself up by sheer strength as his back legs dug deep into the side. Then, being near level he leaped and grabbed the chain as well though he didn't want to climb. He wasn't good at climbing chains in this form. No, he wanted to spook him. See what he'd do now.
So he let out another roar as he bared his fangs, dragging his nails against the steel releasing shrill shrieks. Locking eyes with the opposing male he reached up and heaved himself higher on the chain. Then paused again when he was nearly up to the boy. Their eyes locked and he let loose a low growl.
What now, boy? How're you going to get away?
He moved quickly, knowing if he was too long the boy would no doubt find a way to escape him farther. He climbed the walls by digging his talons into them, heaving himself up by sheer strength as his back legs dug deep into the side. Then, being near level he leaped and grabbed the chain as well though he didn't want to climb. He wasn't good at climbing chains in this form. No, he wanted to spook him. See what he'd do now.
So he let out another roar as he bared his fangs, dragging his nails against the steel releasing shrill shrieks. Locking eyes with the opposing male he reached up and heaved himself higher on the chain. Then paused again when he was nearly up to the boy. Their eyes locked and he let loose a low growl.
What now, boy? How're you going to get away?
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Kitan recoiled in horror, nearly tripping from his suddenly unstable seeming perch. He was biting metal. That was just horrifying. A simple vault took Kitan to the rooftop where he swerved about, again dropping to all fours; he didn’t know why, it just felt right to do so. To his own shock, he snarled right back at the wolf shifter.
The little shifter shimmered slightly as his magic unwound itself around him. It recoiled with serpentine grace before swerving right at Shade’s face, where it condensed into a dark sphere of shadows. All Shade could see now was darkness. After seeing the rest of Shade move, a moment’s thought was all it took to expand the shadows to completely encase the werewolf.
Kitan breathed a little sigh of relief. Hopefully Shade wasn’t crazy enough to try climbing further while completely blind. Even he wouldn’t climb while blind. The question now was what he should do next. Kitan’s panicked attention dropped and the shadows wavered for a moment. Kitan flinched backwards and created two more images of himself doing the same thing; in his haste to create the duplicates his focus on the shadows dropped even more; they were merely a excessively blurry haze now. Kitan’s sole comfort was that since both of his copies were doing the same thing, he was fairly certain they counted as one spell so he would only have to pay off one delusion later. He sprinted for the faraway edge of the rooftop with his copies, not really wanting to know how close Shade was behind him.
The little shifter shimmered slightly as his magic unwound itself around him. It recoiled with serpentine grace before swerving right at Shade’s face, where it condensed into a dark sphere of shadows. All Shade could see now was darkness. After seeing the rest of Shade move, a moment’s thought was all it took to expand the shadows to completely encase the werewolf.
Kitan breathed a little sigh of relief. Hopefully Shade wasn’t crazy enough to try climbing further while completely blind. Even he wouldn’t climb while blind. The question now was what he should do next. Kitan’s panicked attention dropped and the shadows wavered for a moment. Kitan flinched backwards and created two more images of himself doing the same thing; in his haste to create the duplicates his focus on the shadows dropped even more; they were merely a excessively blurry haze now. Kitan’s sole comfort was that since both of his copies were doing the same thing, he was fairly certain they counted as one spell so he would only have to pay off one delusion later. He sprinted for the faraway edge of the rooftop with his copies, not really wanting to know how close Shade was behind him.
Re: The Fox and the Hound
Shade yelped when magic hit him, covering his face in pure black. He struggled to hang on while fighting down the panic that began to pull at his chest. He forced his instinct to shriek and claw at his face, knowing it would only further his danger life. Instead, he sat still and thought.
Then, it moved again. The shadows weakened until he could partially make out the outlines of the buildings and... three? Three people? He stiffened. What in the hell? Where did the other two come from? Was it a guard? Did the workers come early and find him? No, couldn't have. They were moving the exact same way.
Clones then? He frowned the best his wolf features would let him. Taking a sniff he let out a growl, realizing it was pointless. The wind was at his back. They're probably magic too. Damn, I've got to break that from him. Damned be known he's going to hallucinate later.
Letting out a roar Shade jumped off his chain, aiming for the outline of the building and landing with a grunt. Seeing them running he chased after them again, this time taking pace as he tried to think around his disablility. Catching up with them wouldn't be easy but he could do it. What he needed to figure out is which one it was. He barked and they all jumped. No, he couldn't use reactions to find the boy then.
No smell, all the same movements. Even his sight was out of the question. Grinding his teeth he tried to think of what the boy had told him earlier. What was it? Sound? Didn't his conjuring not have sound? Well, his hallucinations didn't at least so what was to say his castings didn't. Whatever it was, he needed the boy to stop. If somebody below saw he'd be screwed seven days past midwinter.
He forced himself to pause and listen, pushing away his heaving breath to focus on the boy. No, the wind took away that sound too. He fumed as he charged again, moving at full speed in an attempt to tackle one of them to the round. Aiming for the middle one as he plowed into it.
Damn kid's a smart one.
Then, it moved again. The shadows weakened until he could partially make out the outlines of the buildings and... three? Three people? He stiffened. What in the hell? Where did the other two come from? Was it a guard? Did the workers come early and find him? No, couldn't have. They were moving the exact same way.
Clones then? He frowned the best his wolf features would let him. Taking a sniff he let out a growl, realizing it was pointless. The wind was at his back. They're probably magic too. Damn, I've got to break that from him. Damned be known he's going to hallucinate later.
Letting out a roar Shade jumped off his chain, aiming for the outline of the building and landing with a grunt. Seeing them running he chased after them again, this time taking pace as he tried to think around his disablility. Catching up with them wouldn't be easy but he could do it. What he needed to figure out is which one it was. He barked and they all jumped. No, he couldn't use reactions to find the boy then.
No smell, all the same movements. Even his sight was out of the question. Grinding his teeth he tried to think of what the boy had told him earlier. What was it? Sound? Didn't his conjuring not have sound? Well, his hallucinations didn't at least so what was to say his castings didn't. Whatever it was, he needed the boy to stop. If somebody below saw he'd be screwed seven days past midwinter.
He forced himself to pause and listen, pushing away his heaving breath to focus on the boy. No, the wind took away that sound too. He fumed as he charged again, moving at full speed in an attempt to tackle one of them to the round. Aiming for the middle one as he plowed into it.
Damn kid's a smart one.