PRP] Portents of Chaos (Ticasuk + Hana-akari)

[Tsunake]

As the grip of summer lessened its choking grasp upon the world, Ticasuk had gradually broadened her hunting range. The cold would come soon enough, and an abundance of prey were required if she were to survive the worst of winter. The white bear lumbered carelessly through the forests, not the least bit concerned that her bright fluffy coat had her sticking out like a sore thumb. Bells jingled merrily every time she walked, announcing her presence no matter what she did. A curse, some might say, but Ticasuk now welcomed the challenge of hunting prey who knew she was coming. She paused underneath a particularly sturdy tree, rubbing her shoulder against it with a grunt and a cacophony of bells.

There was a clearing just up ahead, and she stepped out into the light of the sun with much squinting and blinking. She could grow hot and irritable in too much warm weather, but it was a small price to pay if it meant she found plenty to eat. The wind blew through her thick fur, and she paused to sniff the air. Her nose never led her astray. If there was something to eat nearby, she would find it.

((WC: 202))

Inari Miko

 

[Tsunake]

Something changed in the air.

Ticasuk swayed to a halt, her ears pricked and nostrils flared as she tried to determine what had changed. The hiss of a predator behind her was almost completely ignored--a potential enemy paled in the wake of this anomaly. When her nose and ears told her nothing, she suddenly realized that things seemed to be... growing more dim? She craned her neck up towards the sky, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Shadows were consuming the sun. They had already devoured one side, chewing away the light. Never before had the purewalker seen such a thing, and as she continued to watch with something that felt like excitement in her chest. With a low, growling rumble, the bear shifted her stance, swinging her large head around to finally locate the sound that had been behind her.

((WC: 142))  

[Tsunake]

Oh, him. The bell thief. Hana-akari. She snorted loudly at his pompousness, both amused and annoyed by his presence. "You are beneath my notice, cat." Ticasuk rumbled, planting her formidable paws in the soil just in case he decided to pounce. Hana-akari's delight was not unnoticed as the wind blew past, and she merely tilted her head in silent regard. The light still dimmed around them, but she said nothing. Why bother guessing when she knew he probably couldn't bear to keep his genius to himself? And indeed, she found herself almost... impressed by his implications once he finally got around to sharing.

"A sign of chaos to come," Her throaty growl of a voice was thoughtful. "Of shadows that can strike even when things seem brightest." Her dark eyes bore into the feline, now assessing him in a new light. This had... potential. They would need to work swiftly to spread rumors of danger brewing deep in the forests, and Ticasuk knew a mangy coyote she could threaten into assisting the cause. These lands had been peaceful for far too long, but they were only two. Ticasuk was far from being a carnal creature, and her mindset was anything but maternal; reproduction was only a means of ensuring chaos and the continuation of her legacy.

But was he worthy? She continued to look him over, rumbling deep in her throat. They would see.

((WC: 234))  

[Tsunake]

Ticasuk wrinkled her muzzle to bare her sizable teeth, sneezing at Hana-akari to show what she thought of that. Still, she made no move to lash out at him... yet. "Spare me the banter and tell me your intentions, cat." If his plan was a good one, she would lend him her aid. Though she relied on her brute strength and power more often than not, Ticasuk knew the importance of cunning. If the catshifter was clever enough to truly plant seeds of chaos, it would raise his potential value. Her thick claws dug into the soil a few times as she mulled things over before the white bear relaxed her stance.

While a fight would be satisfying, the thought of spreading discord was infinitely more so. Even to the point where she would ignore her solitary nature and work together with others. Then again, Ticasuk expected a large pay off at the end of this little stunt, and if she didn't get one... well, then everybody would be in her sights as a potential victim.

((WC: 176))  

[Tsunake]

Her dark eyes glinted for a moment, imagining the situation. Surely no one would be so stupid as to buy Hana-akari's little act, but she knew very well that foals and less experienced Soquili might do just that. "Then we move now," Ticasuk decided, for as annoying as it was to admit, the cat was correct. The darkness would only strengthen their message... and no animal could control their terror when they were hunted in the dark. There was no question as to what her role in this little hunting party would be. A full grown bear such as she could easily smash a Soquili off its feet before it could react or flee.

Besides, the sooner they started, the higher their chances of finding their first victims.

((WC: 129))