//calling me home [Typhon]

[Ares]

From the depths of the ocean he rose, his angular shoulders cresting the line of waves, his breath coming in deep gasps. There was nothing but salt on his tongue, burning his throat, setting in his lungs and expanding until he could taste little else. His eyes stung, his vision blurred, all of his senses eradicated…and yet still he swam, his legs aching but treading water, his entire body feeling swollen and weak. And then, just when Ares thought that he might surrender to the merciless current, he felt it. It was the gentlest brush against his toes, gritty and damp and undeniable. It was sand, and blazing amber orbs flew open as the realization hit him. He was close to shore.

It was as if his body was rallying now, his legs resuming their frenzied pace, his head bobbing about the water, lungs desperately sucking in air. And then he could stand – gods, he could stand – the water lapping at his shoulders as he stumbled forwards slowly, his mighty form trembling as at last he stepped from the frigid embrace of the ocean, soaking wet and freezing, yet somehow victorious.

Ina’mos. He’d heard rumors of the place, of course. Even now as he stood upon the shores, it was as if Ares could feel the ancient, endless power of the sacred Empire known as Kairos calling to him. Through his exhaustion, his heard leapt in response, and the brute took a single shaky step forward…and then another. Despite the way his body screamed for rest, for a respite to the aching muscles and ravaged through, still he moved forward. He was strong, and he would not allow the Emperor of this blessed land to find him weakened and pathetic. And so it was that Ares pushed himself, step after step until he stood drenched but proud at the edge of the beach, gazing into the forest before him.

This, he knew, was where he belonged. Even before disaster had struck his family, he’d known of Kairos. It was simply impossible not to. Rumor of them spread across the island – some good, some bad. Ares had chosen to believe the positive; for so long now, he’d admired the strength they’d consistently held, the tenacity.

The moon was high above his head as the Dire brute dipped his muzzle back, lips parted to reveal elongated teeth, his call ringing forth across the island. It was raspy and rough, but somewhere beneath it, there was strength. For some time he allowed it to stretch, pouring his wants and wishes into the noise, calling forth the one who ruled the mighty pack that was Kairos. And long after the call broke off, Ares could hear it echoing through the land as he stood tall there where the shore met the forest, his body weak but somehow still upright, his eyes blazing with a determination unlike any that he had ever experienced before.

TAG: Typhon
WORDS: 489
NOTES: AHHH so excited

[Typhon]

It had been a rough few days; Typhon had spent much of his time struggling to maintain a tough and whole exterior while his interior crumbled to the ground, broken and hurt. Goliath and Datura had left him, decisively, and though they had at least, in their way, said goodbye, the male was not quite ready to accept the abandonment. It tore into him as he slept, secluded from the dens so he did not wake the others with his nightly screams. Each night brought him closer to acceptance, but he was not nearly prepared for the duties he now held upon his shoulders.

All of Kairos knew that their emperor had left and been replaced, but few knew exactly why; Ty had chosen only to reveal that Goliath's wish was that he take his place, and drive Kairos to further glory as was his destiny. Having completed the Agoge and already conquered Kal'dyne, the young wolf was more than qualified for a position of power, but he was not at all prepared for the massive amount of responsibility that had been dumped upon him. There were markers to refresh constantly, disputes to settle, the Agoge to organize, new wolves to initiate... everything was so overwhelming. The only reprieve was that, while he was busy keeping Kairos running smoothly, he had no time to grieve his parents.

Today had been a day set aside for such feelings; Typhon had excused himself from Sabaoth's presence not long ago, having asked him to keep the pack occupied with menial tasks while the fresh Emperor attempted to organize his emotions. Ty had been wandering for some time now, weaving aimlessly about the island, and found himself unable to think of anything in particular. Perhaps the ignorance was bliss, and this was his way of coping with loss, but the male knew he would need to confront his issues some time.

A beastly howl rang through his ears suddenly, and the brute turned his eyes toward the beach beyond the trees, scowling. He had not yet been expected to answer the calls of new arrivals, but he presumed that it was something he would need to get used to. "Who swims in the middle of the night?" he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as the soft sounds of night began to return in the silence after the howl. He had no idea how to approach a wolf who might want to become part of Kairos, but there was no other choice here; he and Sabaoth were the two who decided who could join their ranks, and Typhon was closest.

So, resigning himself, the huge brute stepped through the trees and felt the grass turn to sand beneath his enormous paws, immediately setting green eyes upon a fairly impressive wolf. The male stood tall and confident, and though he was smaller than Typhon, he was still of a great size, and likely powerful. It was with caution that the Emperor approached, though outwardly he showed no signs of such weariness; his own head and tail were raised high, his expression not unkind but not friendly, either. He looked slightly down upon the newcomer, his gaze calculating, and approached within striking distance.

The scent of saltwater clung to the male, but Typhon could detect little else; it was clear that this wolf had just swum to the island--as that was the only way to get there, of course--and the sand that clumped at his paws seemed cumbersome. Seconds passed before Ty opened his mouth, and when he spoke his voice was calm and rumbling. "You appear to have summoned me, stranger," he said evenly, continuing to stand dominantly on the sands of his home. "My time is not to be wasted. Tell me what it is you want, concisely, or turn tail and go back the way you came."

Words || 656
Tags || Ares
Notes || AHHHHH< 3

[Ares]

With Ares’s body in the exhausted condition that it was, it seemed to the brute as if he waited hours after his ringing call had given way to silence, though truly it could not have been more than several moments. The chill of winter was swiftly chasing the dampness from his fur, replacing him with ice and cold, his very bones seeming hollow and frozen. And yet still he did not allow himself to move, remaining frozen in place until at last there was a flicker of movement in the trees, a rustling of branches, and then suddenly a massive brute stood before him.

Ares was no small male by any means, but the mottled creature who towered above him was absolutely massive in proportions; a single cream-flecked brow quirked in open admiration as Ares studied him, sure in that moment that this was the rumored Emperor of Kairos. He was a beast, as Ares had suspected he would be, and the words that slipped from his parted maw were frank and swift. It did not bother Ares; a smile pulled at the corner of his muzzle as he straightened, determined to show no sign of his exhaustion.

”I am Ares,” he said, voice still rasping and rough but carrying easily in the silence ”And to turn tail now would be my greatest shame.” And indeed he spoke truly, for Ares was not one to give up on the things that he desired. In this moment, the Dire brute wanted this with all of his heart; he wanted to prove himself to the most infamous pack upon the continent, to at last show what he was worth to someone who would have use of him. His heart burned with the very desire, his very blood seeming to boil and hum through his veins as he lifted his gaze, briefly, to meet the towering brute’s gaze. It was a show of confidence, but Ares was careful not to hold the male’s stare for too long; he had no wish to issue a challenge.

”I was born on the mainland, and there I resided for some time. But my family is no more, and for so long now I have heard rumors of the tenacity and power of your pack.” His fiery gaze flitted briefly across the forest behind the brute, before coming to rest once more upon the pelt that was not entirely unlike his own. ”And so I wish to join your ranks. You will find, I think, that I am determined and unshakable. It would be the greatest honor you could bestow upon me to allow me to serve Kairos – until my dying breath.”

While these might have been no more than sugar-coated words from the mouth of another, they were truths when Ares spoke them. His eyes flamed with the intensity of his words, his lips arched upwards into a grim but fierce smile. He’d said his part, and so now the only thing left to do was wait.

TAG: Typhon
WORDS: 501
NOTES: yaaaas

[Typhon]

Typhon did not miss the changing facial expression of the male as he approached, nor did he mistake his confidence for challenge. Clearly this male was certain of himself, and simply attempting to convey that through his eye contact--which he quickly retracted, as was wise. Since he had taken a good look at Ty, he would have noticed the still-fresh scar upon his forehead, as well as the scars that so sharply outlined his shoulders, and likely would realize that, young as he was, Typhon was not to be trifled with. He had quite a few pounds on this male, and would not be made the fool if it came to blows.

The stranger replied swiftly and surely, his words acceptable to the new Emperor. He spoke of the shame in disappearing, and Ty grunted in approval, nodding his head slightly and keeping his eyes trained upon the wolf as he revealed a snippet from his past. Typhon was not surprised to hear what he did, for his story was similar to many of those who had washed upon the shores of Ina'mos, including his dearly departed mother. No pity came from the larger male as Ares revealed the loss of his family, though he did make a mental note of the fact to save for later--perhaps they would bond over their losses, if the chocolate male truly wanted to join the ranks of Kairos.

With his confident introduction, Typhon felt the urge to test the newcomer, and so he quickly and decisively lunged forward, snapping his jaws shut with a clack near one of Ares' ears. It was a move meant to test the 'unshakable' nature of the wolf, and the result was impressive--Ares had not moved, had hardly blinked until the younger male stepped back again, eyes narrowed. "A liar you are not, it would seem," Ty said quietly, setting his paws to motion in the sand and carrying himself around the other male, the tips of their fur nearly touching. "Though any wolf can learn to sense a feint and hold their ground without fear."

When he had made a full, tight circle around Ares, he stood before him again, his head still tall but his tail now hanging peacefully behind him, twitching in the soft but chilly breeze that flew past the pair. "Tell me, Ares," he continued, tilting his head curiously to the side. "What service could you provide to me and mine? I'm sure you have heard that Kairos is not lacking for bodies, and if you truly wish to become a part of our family, you had better have something more to offer me than bravery." Though his words were harsh, his tone was beginning to soften; Typhon did not know what type of leader he would become, but it was important to show his harder side in the face of a potential enemy or new member. Power was what drove the world.

Words || 504
Tags || Ares
Notes || SHORT YUCK

[Ares]

For the briefest moment after Ares spoke, all was quiet. His words faded to nothing, and the only sound was the waves lapping gently against the shore behind him. The moon was radiant, blessing the two wolves beneath her with her light, the tips of Ares’s fur shining almost golden, his eyes blazing in the light. And then, the Emperor struck. There had been little indication in the male’s form other than the slight tensing of his muscles. Seconds later, the large brute was lunging towards him, jaws spread wide, ivory teeth glistening in the moonlight. Despite this, Ares did not move; he’d taken similar snaps and beatings from his own father, and he’d become well versed in the maze of twists and turns that was dominance. The brute’s teeth clacked together sharply very near to his ear, though still Ares did not move, his gaze remaining trained upon the distance as the mahogany Emperor stepped away.

"A liar you are not, it would seem. Though any wolf can learn to sense a feint and hold their ground without fear."

Upwards Ares glanced at last, the familiar grin that usually rested upon his maw tugging at his lips. ”It is not altogether unfamiliar to me,” he said, ”though I’m used to the blows landing. I had two brothers and a father, none of whom were terribly gentle with me as I learned.” It was almost as if he could feel the nip of his brothers teeth in the stinging wind as it tugged at his fur, or his father’s sharp words in the howling gale. His childhood had not been unpleasant, but it had also not been easy, and it was something that Ares would never forget.

Once more the Emperor spoke, and Ares dipped his head in acknowledgement of the brute’s words. ”I am sure that you are not particularly in need of warriors, from what I have heard,” Ares commented, his head tilting to one side just slightly. ”And that is what I have come to offer. And yet…I do not consider myself to be an ordinary warrior.” Here he paused, brow furrowing as he considered how to phrase his next statement. ”My brothers and I were taught to hunt, to fight, from a young age. But while my brothers favored teasing their prey, drawing out their enemies weaknesses, I never did. There was no point. I was capable of killing, and so I did. I would not prolong the suffering of a stag, or extend spar sessions when there was a clear shot at my brother’s necks. They saw sport in it all, but I…” His gaze flitted up once more to meet the Emperor’s, frank and abrupt, ”I have always known how to kill. I see no point in extending the affair; one way or another, my enemies will die, and I will deliver it swiftly and ruthlessly. If Kairos is in need of one who will not falter, who will not spend precious time drawing out the bloodshed that is inevitable when one is killing…then I daresay that I would be an exceptional match for the job.”

TAG: Typhon
WORDS: 522
NOTES: I'M ON A ROLL WIFE

[Typhon]

Typhon nearly scoffed when Ares revealed that he was no stranger to such acts as he had endured--the young male had no intention of landing a hit on him, for he had no reason to. The point was to see how he reacted, and the strange male had reacted well. Not flinching, and more importantly not fighting back, was an ideal reaction. Ty would not have blamed him for falling into a defensive stance, but he did nothing of the sort, simply stood there as though his life were inconsequential. "A childhood of abuse can be a blessing, beneath the pain," he said simply, wondering briefly if his own pain would eventually become a blessing. Though he doubted it, he still supposed that anything was possible.

Flushing thoughts of self-pity from his mind, the male gazed steadily at Ares as he spoke at length, weaving a tale that eventually came to a compelling point. Warriors were abundant in Kairos, it was true; the whole pack had been based on strength and size from the start, and with so much land now under his control, Typhon could never have enough wolves willing to fight in his stead, or at his side. As for executioners, the only wolf who was designated solely for eliminating threats was Far. She was fierce, and very determined, but there was only so much a wolf her size could accomplish. This male, on the other hand, was much larger, very nearly presenting as threatening a front as Typhon and Sabaoth did based solely on appearance.

His skills, of course, would need to be tested, but there was time for that. Ty did not see the harm in accepting this wolf into the folds of Kairos, so long as he would serve loyally and accept that Typhon's word was law. "You will prove yourself to me, in the coming weeks," he said after a lengthy pause, his tone only slightly betraying him with a hint of excitement, his own face revealing the trace of a smile. "Pledge to me your undying loyalty, and swear that you will serve Kairos to the best of your abilities until the day of your death, and I will accept you graciously into these lands."

His voice turned steely and cold to rival the wind, however, when he spoke again, and his gaze sharpened fiercely as he spoke. "And know that, should you betray myself or any of my kin, you will die with my teeth buried in your neck," he said quietly, seriously, all traces of kindness and humor gone, his face devoid of any emotion. Sabaoth had taught him to be an unstoppable beast, and it was his uncle whom he emulated when he extended his threat. Typhon was young but he was not stupid, and he would not allow anyone threatening to enter his lands unless they knew the consequences they would face in the event of any betrayal.

Words || 500
Tags || Ares
Notes || YOU ARE I'M SO PROUD

[Ares]

Abuse. For some reason, Ares had never thought of what he’d endured from his brothers and father as such. Truly it had been Ares himself who’d come to succeed more often than not, landing blows and triumphing over his siblings. And yet as Typhon spoke the word, there was something so very knowing in his gaze, something that brought Ares up short, has gaze intent his but words nonexistent. He supposed that in comparison to other wolves childhoods, his own had been harsh; despite his mother’s pride, his father had never been lenient, always expecting the very best from his sons. There had been pressure, of course, and sometimes despair when one of his brother’s managed to best him. And the fact that this male, perhaps younger even than Ares was, might relate to him….well, it was certainly a revelation.

All thoughts of this were temporarily washed from Ares’s brain, however, as the Emperor spoke once more. While his words had originally started as lighthearted and almost kind, they swiftly turned grave, and the smile that had begun to forum upon Ares’s muzzle swiftly slipped away. He was solemn now, his gaze serious, and despite the clear exhaustion that radiated from his chiseled frame, he drew himself up to his full height. He’d reflected over his decision when he’d first decided to swim to Ina’mos, and he knew now in his heart that it was the right one to make. Even now he stood before a fearsome and determined Emperor, and Ares knew should he ever betray his pack, then there would be no greater dishonor that could have been laid upon his grave.

”I swear to you now,” he began, voice rough and grave, ”that I will remain loyal to Kairos for as long as there is breath in my lungs, and blood in my veins. I will perform my duties unflinchingly, happily, as if they were my sole purpose for living.” Now he met the vivid emerald gaze of the Emperor, letting his emotions show in his eyes, hot and determined. ”Should I ever conspire against Kairos, or fail in my duties, then death shall be the very least of what I deserve.”

From anyone else, this pledge might have seemed long-winded or fabricated. But from Ares…he allowed his intent to show in the eager set of his shoulders, the blaze of his gaze, even the parting of his muzzle as he spoke. He was a vessel made for Kairos in that moment, made to demolish any who stood in their way, made to make his Emperor proud in the coming weeks, months, years. A fierce grin spread across his muzzle now, elongated teeth flashing in the moonlight as he dipped his head to Typhon, pledging his fealty in one simple, primal move. ”I will serve you faithfully until the day that I die. And I will not disappoint you.” It was as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders as he stood gazing into the bright eyes of the other brute, as if at last Ares had found his purpose. ”It is simply not in my nature.”

TAG: Typhon
WORDS: 522
NOTES: eheh

[Typhon]

Young though he was, Typhon was no fool, and he could see the tenacity radiating from the hulking frame of the beast before him. It was the same fierce determination he shared with his siblings, and though he had shown no such kindness, Ty felt a kinship with this male. Ares and he could very well become friends, if the newcomer was showing his true nature, and the Emperor was curious to see what sort of wolf he would turn out to be. He had made up his mind about accepting the male into Kairos, and felt his pack would be better for the addition.

But he stretched the silence, as he had been doing, to see what the other wolf would do about it. His steely emerald gaze did not waver, even when Ares dipped his head in a simple display of respect toward Typhon. His words had been heartfelt and intense, and the young wolf trusted him to have spoken the truth; he had accepted the threat issued in the event of betrayal, and so knew the consequences he would face if he broke his promise. That, truly, was good enough for now. There was time enough for the new male to prove himself to all of Kairos.

"I am Typhon, Emperor of Kairos, and I accept to into my lands," he said in a regal way, his expression changing to one with a smile, his eyes flashing with humor as he spoke. "You are free to explore the island until the sun rises twice. After that, you will seek me out for a trial of your abilities." Though his words and tone were authoritative, his face remained friendlier than it had been at the beginning of the confrontation; Typhon could not hide his altruistic inner nature, nor did her particularly want to. It was a shame that he felt the need to intimidate as an Emperor, but perhaps he would have a different way of greeting each new wolf he happened upon.

Without another word the wolf turned on his heel and began to walk back the way he had come, seemingly done with the conversation and trusting the new wolf not to attack him while his back was turned. If he did, Typhon would kill him then and there; he had no qualms taking a life, and would do so without any remorse. But Ares did not seem the type, and would not have called out in the middle of the night if his intention had been to attack anyone. Besides, he had pledged his loyalty with a fervor that rivalled Typhon's own, and there was a mutual respect to be had. When he reached the trees, Ty tossed his head over his shoulder and grinned in a manner similar to the way Ares had looked at him only seconds before, flashing his teeth as both a jest and a warning.

"Welcome to Kairos, friend."

Words || 496
Tags || Ares
Notes || SUCCESS