The Devil's Got a Hold on Me

@Vengeance ;)

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Since he awoke in the tundra, Aries failed to find any answers to his whereabouts. The same could be said for other faces...ever since the boogeyman he had somehow avoided the graces of all other wolves. The fire-clad man knew he wasn't alone, scent trails proved that others walked about in whatever purgatory this was unless ghosts left scents. It was fine and dandy at first, but now it was just boring.

His paws led him south by the mountains over the river and through the woods to...grandma's house? No that didn't sound right— this was some sort of clearing of trees along with some foliage here and there. A low-hanging fog did its best to make the area creepy, but to Aries, it seemed like the chance for some fun. Maybe he could spook someone? Several scents seemed to cross through here, travelers, prey or...

Or something vile.

There was an undeniably familiar stench that hung in the air. Seems like that stinkbug found his way out of the snow too, maybe even a hole to bury up in and call home based on how his scent crisis crossed around the field. Only issue was where? Standing amongst the foggy field, Aries glanced around him finding no one at a glance then tilted his head back and shouted, “AY, YO where everyone at?!”

+2 Discovery Points

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And as if on queue, out came the beast, fog breaking like tendrils around him as he stalked into view. Ugly as ever and clearly unimpressed the warlord stood before him as he spoke. It had almost been long enough that Aries forgot about his jest, but not long enough. A crooked grin cracked his blank expression, “No, it's far too up there to pull out.” Maybe that was what soured his mood. Whatever was rotting inside him couldn't be healthy, poor fellow.

“Seems like you found your meat.” He gestured to the path he had walked, the path he had now left as droppings from his pelt were left scattered in his wake. It was obvious that he was no longer alone from the way other scents mingled with his. A pack perhaps. “What's got ya grounded? A lady?” Unlikely. What gal would want to settle around here, with this. Aries gestured to the beast before him in his mind. Unless it was some poor gal, they could certainly do better.

Maybe it was just for him. The scenery sure suited him like some sort of horrid pup tale meant to keep kids at bay or scare them. A large stinky beast in the woods, shrouded by fog and if you called loud enough he would answer. An offering would be needed, despite plenty of prey surrounding him, he'd much rather crunch on your bones.

Funny thing, he was just about spot on.

+2 Discovery Points

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"There are a few among the men who follow me."

So that was it huh? He had formed his own group, and somehow, managed to convince a few ladies to follow too. Maybe their nose was broken, or perhaps they just liked the promises he made. Surely no one would mess with a wolf when this warmonger was their leader. Hmm...but a leader like him was bound to bring trouble, rather it be from within or those seeking... something else.

“So what's it like? You don't seem like the type to settle down and enjoy whatever so it must be interesting.” Well, interesting was one word he could use to describe a pack of savages. At the very least, consider himself interested.

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The other's lips twisted, a sinister grin of his own taking shape as he simply slipped out a single descriptive word. Exciting. There was a familiar flame burning in Aries' gaze, one that the looming man might remember from the tundra after his lip had been sliced open by his own fangs. Had he ever seen the beast smile before? No, he was almost positive, and now he simply had to see for himself. “A band of warriors?” Exciting indeed. He wanted to see just how strong these others were to receive such praise, maybe even become one.

“And what exactly makes one worthy of your interest?” He could bargain a guess. Strength meant power or a show of force. Unconsciously, his tongue swept over the mostly healed mark along his jowl, his paws taking him a few steps closer moving slowly as if he might circle. Would he be the one to make the first move or would he deny him the chance before Aries had the chance to even prove himself?

+2 Formation Points

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As he paced, the other turned both eyeing each other carefully. He seemed content keeping his secrets, a dare almost for him to advance with a show of strength, or perhaps a death wish for someone foolish. If it was the latter, then Aries would be out of luck. A guttural growl came to life in his throat, though oddly enough it was almost giddy. One step, and then another, then he was off, his paws quickly carrying him towards that matted scroungy pelt.

“Now you're talkin' more my style!”

He bore his fangs, and just like the first time would try and grab hold near the man's haunch, though this time he wouldn't hold back. Surely the warlord would retaliate with a rivaling speed, but he'd find out quick enough that Aries wasn't afraid of a little bite.

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As if they were connected, both men let go at the same time, a whip of their heads to face the oncoming threat as their teeth clashed. A scrabble of teeth ensued though there had been enough breakage that Aries did manage to slice the beast's lip. It came with a price though, too busy making a fitting mark to laugh about later the other had swooped down, jaws finding a hold beneath his own where he had little room to fend off his attacker.

In a true fight, this could be the end, and perhaps it would be his own though did little to phase him. It was strange how in the moment of defeat he still held that stupid grin, or perhaps he hadn't truly admitted defeat. Vengeance could kill him here and now, but instead of begging or waiting for the answer that might be his last, he twisted insistent on grabbing hold of whatever he could along the beast's neck or nape. Unless the hold on his throat tightened he wouldn't give in so easily.

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It was no use. Every bite just slipped from his jaws once more as the pair at his throat slowly closed. He wouldn't give in immediately, but as the pressure began to build he spat out a clump of dirt and fur he had managed to pull free before giving up his struggle. “Fine, fine—” Now he could only hope that to the other it had all just been a game too. His muscles relaxed as he tilted his head up relieving some of the pressure until he was properly freed. “Lucky bite, pal. Yer faster than ya look.”

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The wait dragged on, almost annoyingly so until finally, the fangs broke way as the beast stepped back. "Luck is for those who have no skill."

He snorted, rather it was out of amusement or annoyance would unknown though. The metal taste on his lips was still thick, mixed with the musk of decay and death. Wherever this guy had been, he had some stories. As for his little test, it seemed he had passed. A golden ticket so to speak handed freely for either his bravery or stupidity.

“And here I was thinkin' you'd never ask.” Hell he put a lot of trust in some gross boogeyman to not just end his life, but then again what was life without risks? “What's your name anyway?”

+2 Formation Points

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Vengeance Rache, Warlord of the Nightwalkers.

It was edgy, almost laughably so, but fitting all the same. With the end of their battle, so faded the buzz of excitement. Perhaps he too lived for that thrill, it was hard to tell when a scowl hung heavy on the warlord's lips half the time he saw his face. “Aries. Short n' sweet.” 

He had no last name, at least not that he remembered, but it mattered little to him. The fireborn leaned forward, almost rocking on his pads as a content smile settled on his face. “Show me these Nightwalkers.”

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