The chocolate-hued wolf had made a promise and he intended to keep it. He would bring Kriggertarpok back to Broken Shore, back to her family, who lay in wait for her return. And hopefully, Krigger's young mate would travel with her. He didn't see how she'd come on her own, afterall.
His paws took him across the familiar territory of Agua Azul, a place he had once called home. Krigger's Raven was a cousin of his, related by his Uncle Wazaam. He knew this was where Krigger would be. He just had to find them.
Picking up her scent was easy; it was hoping not to startle them that wasn't. His skin twitched underneath his coat of fur as he caught sight of the two lovebird and he smiled. "Hello there, Kriggertarpok."
---
Krigger was happy.
She hadn't left Raven-Blue's side since she'd stopped him from throwing himself into the ocean, off the big cliff. Her tail wagged every time he smiled; it warmed her heart to see his lips turn upwards. This was what she was meant to do: to make him happy. It didn't matter that they were young-- they were Soulmates and not even Father could deny that.
Her ears twitched forwards as the smell of someone rather...familiar came into play. Green eyes scanned the forestline, resting upon the chocolate-and-cream coat of Possum. The one who had given her that reassuring push towards her destiny.
She jumped to her feet, leaving Raven behind as she brushed her muzzle against him. "Possum! What are -you- doing here?" She was both pleased and confused.
---
"What is is Krigs?"
He asked, going to step in front of her in case of danger.
Another male, a large male approached, and he was instantly calmed. Possum. His grandfather Wazaam was Possum's uncle, and they were bonded by blood. He did not fear Possum, though his arrival had caused Krigs to move and leave his side.
It made him frown.
Even happier, he was still a moody, emotional young wolf. He was very pessimistic, and saw the worst in everything. He supposed thats why she was so special to him..
Krigger was his optimism embodied.
---
Possum smiled at the two young wolves, tail wagging as Krigger pranced up to him, full of joy. Just like always. Perhaps she'd left home so she could be this way. He supposed he would find out. "Ah, Krigger... I've come this way in leu of a promise. Your family... They miss you. Siora would like to see you again, and I am sure your father would as well. I've promised them I'd bring you back for a visit." He sat down, looking over to Raven. "I'd like you to bring him as well. What do you say?"
---
Krigger stared. She couldn't help it. Possum had been mingling in her affairs... This wasn't the first time, though it was the first time she was shocked by it. She gazed between him and Raven-Blue, her Raven-Blue, and frowned. Father... He wouldn't like him... But... Oh, she missed Siora. She missed her entire family. Maybe this was a sign. A sign she should return home.
"I... I'll go," she decided with a nod. "But just for a visit. And Raven has to come." She turned to her mate with puppy-dog eyes. "Please say you'll come and meet my sister!"
---
He heard the words from Possum's maw, and at first was nervous she would leave him be. But his worst fear was realized once she asked him to go with them.
Possum had asked, but he wouldnt have gone with Possum's request.. It was Krig's pleading eyes that pulled at his heartstrings. He grimaced a bit.
Oh dear God, He wasnt sure he had signed up for this, though he knew it was coming one day.. He was merely hoping to bipass it.
"I..I.."
He snorted, lowering hsi head with a little whine. Oh he didnt want to go. But today he'd suck it up.
"Fine. I'll go."
He replied, and nuzzled Krigs, hoping for affection. He needed to her touch to feel safe, and he felt so vulnerable right now.
"What if they dont like me....?"
The thought crossed his mind, and he looked at her, with pain struck eyes.
---
Krigger beamed up at him, racing to his side as he said he would go, pressing her body against his, wiggling. Always wiggling. Her tail wagged happily. "Oh thank you! They'll love you!" she assured him, though she wasn't quite sure that was the case. Mother and Siora would. She knew they would. But Father... Father, who was against her 'soulmate' spiels... Oh, well he would have to suck it up.
"Let's go then!" she barked.
---
Possum watched Raven carefully, seeing the displeasure in the youth's dark eyes even as he agreed to go. For her. He smiled, hoping that perhaps someday he'd find someone who he would feel just as strongly for. Perhaps someday.
His tail wagged to the beat of his heart, steady and sure. "Come with me," he murmured. "It's a two-day trip so let's try to keep our spirits high, shall we?" He sent a teasing grin to Raven, then turning to move into the forest. Knowing they'd follow.
---
Siora was standing in the same place that she had met Possum a week before. She had been coming out to the spot everyday for the last three days hoping they’d get back sooner, but it seemed it was going to take the week Possum predicted. Her blue eyes were alert as they looked out into the forest, she was worried about how her parents would react to the visit. She hadn’t mentioned Possum’s visit to them, or the subsequent visit of Krigger and her new mate.
She stopped worrying and was filled with excitement when a familiar scent reached her nose. ”Krigger” She whispered the words to herself and then took off after the scent her tail wagging rapidly and barking loudly, unable to contain her excitement. She was running so fast that when the trio came into sight she couldn’t slow down and she went barreling into her sister. ”Krigger!” She wiggled against her sister filled with joy, she hadn’t seen her in so long!
---
Krigger took a traveling spot between Possum and Raven, keeping the boys separated and hopefully solacing her worried mate as she did so. Ever few minutes she'd double back, dancing at Raven's side, licking his face, trying to get him to smile. She herself became more and more nervous as Broken Shore came into view and then they crossed the boundaries, Possum obviously uncaring to Faile and Jaxom's leadership. Silly brute...
All her nerves were extinguished, however, as the sight of someone furry and blue racing towards her. Siora! Her tail began to wag as she leapt from Raven-Blue's side to greet her sister, her body wiggling against hers, licking Siora's face excitedly. "Sio! Oh Sio! How have you been? It's been so long." And then she froze, dropping her head. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry I left... I was foolish, but..." But she didn't regret it.
---
There was a grin on Siora’s muzzle that she couldn’t keep down. Krigger had gotten grown just as she had, but she still felt connected to her. Her tail was going a mile a minute as they reunited and she nuzzled her lovingly. Catching her words she shook her head. ”It’s alright, Krigger, I understand why you left.” Of course she hadn’t until Possum had explained to her, but she didn’t mention that. ”I’ve been alright, Mother and Father have been worried about you.” She tilted her head slightly her enthusiasm fading for just a moment before perking back up. ”But forget about that, how’ve you been!? I’ve missed you so much!” She nuzzled her almost bouncing with joy.
---
He had kept his head high the entire way there, though he stole glances at Possum here and again, before lookng back at Krigs and trying to keep up and carry a good pace.
His paws were almost dragging across the earth, and he so badly wanted to turn around and just go home. He was not part of this pack.. He was bloodline of another dangerous pack.. He felt so vulnerable and exposed here..
He nearly ran when Krigger ran off, leaving him with Possum alone, but he forced his paws to keep moving forward, not to turn around.
He didnt say a word, but almost smiled watching the two sisters.
---
Krigger grinned widely at her sister, at her best friend. They had been raised as such. She had missed her terribly, and it was obvious Siora had missed her just as much. Sio was bigger than her, but only a tad. She was used to being small so it didn't matter. "You understand!" she squealed happily, feeling at peace, though she rolled her eyes at the fact that their parents had worried. She knew they would; that's why she never said goodbye. "Thank you! Now come with me! Come!"
Dancing away, she lead Siorauyak to where Raven-Blue was. He stood there uncertain, looking so lost. She pushed up against him, tail wagging as she nipped his ear. "Siora. This is my mate." She said it carefully, enunciating it. "Raven-Blue. Meet my sister, Siorauyak. Sio for short!"
---
Siora smiled nodding, yes she understood, she supposed she would have done the same thing if she had found someone she loved. When Krigger told her to follow she finally realized that they had an audience. She looked up at the two other wolves and smiled fondly seeing Possum, he had reunited her with Krigger and she’d always remember that. The other male she didn’t recognize but knew it must be her mate.
Eagerly she followed after her sister heading towards the two males. She smiled at Possum, ”Hey Po, thank you again for bringing them.” Her gaze went to Raven-Blue and she smiled, tail wagging. ”Hi, it’s great to meet you.”
---
Raven backed away slightly, unsure of the female, even if she was his mates sister. He never felt comfortable with anyone, save for Krigger and Tada!.. He just wasnt easy to win over.
But he mustered a little smile, nodding his head in a sort of bow.
"P-Pleasure to meet you."
He responded, trying his damndest for Kriggers sister to like him.
---
Krigger felt her body swell with happiness as Raven offered her sister a tiny smile, the tiniest she'd seen yet. A grin broke out upon her face. "Oh Raven! You'll love Mom." She was sure of it. And Akko would love him...
---
Possum smiled, easing himself into a sitting position. He was a young wolf, but the trips here had taken a toll on him. Nothing a nap wouldn't take care of. He nodded at Siora. "Anytime," he replied. To Krigger: "If you want to go on ahead, I'll wait here. When you're ready to go home -- back to Agua Azul -- just come and find me." With that, he stretched out on his side. To wait.
{FIN}
