Bonds as strong as Time [[For LoneDigger and Myself]]

July 4, 2018

It was going to be a long day for sure, Katsu had that thought locked in his mind already. Looking around his store with those beautifully colored eyes that often drew people to him without him so much as breaking a sweat, the dark haired man exhaled a heavy sigh. It hadn't been long since they had open the doors to their shop and while he usually enjoyed seeing his store so full on inquisitive individuals, both young and old, today he was feeling particularly on the lazy scope of things. Which was probably why he had been thrown towards the register and hissed at by his darling little sister to "man the machine". Truly, between the two of them, Hiyori was much more terrifying than people often gave her credit for. Then again, most didn't see the evil streak in those pale emerald eyes when her patience was beginning to wean.

Parting his lips to release a rather mighty yawn, showing up canines that were just a bit longer and sharper than the average canines, Katsu leaned his weight against the forearms he had set on the counter to bear his slouched position. Finely tuned ears could just grasp the sound of Tsubaki explaining to a customer the importance of an object from somewhere down one of the long corridors of the shop. Towards the left wall of the store, where antique chests were set on display with more sea based items, Natsume was sharing a laugh with another customer as he exchanged stories about pirate lores with the young female. Hiyori was making her presence felt at the front of the store where she handed small trinkets around to a group of young school girls whose eyes sparkled in delight and mesmerized interest in the tales his younger sister was weaving. And above them all, in the living space on top of the store, Katsu could hear the sound of Himora's soft humming as the young male more than likely got to work on making lunches for the "pack" below.

As for the others in his pack, well they were buzzing around the store as well. Katsu could make out each individual conversation if he tried hard enough, but he found himself lacking the effort to do so. Especially when he knew that nothing required his immediate attention.

All in all, that atmosphere was that of relative peacefulness. As it usually was. Ever since making their home here in the world of humans, a world Katsu had been once tasked to protect alongside his world, nothing chaotic ever happened. Things were different here, it had taken months for them all to learn to adjust to this world as opposed to their own. While Katsu had known what they would be facing after years protecting the balance between their two realms, even he had been caught a bit off guard after their banishment. Earth had been different in every possible way and learning to stand on their own two feet here had taken time. However, once they had made their peace with this being their new home and once they had bought this shop and claimed it as their own, things had settled down nicely. They had grown accustomed to this world and Katsu was sure he wasn't the only one who felt this way when he said that he had no interest in going back to their world. Not when Earth had become their home.

Dragging a heavy hand through those long, beautifully soft and smooth strands of jet black hair, the gorgeous man....a compliment he had received time and time again by a multitude of people, exhaled a long sigh. He wanted to sleep...or lay down in the nice shade of one of the overhanging shelves. Anything but stand here and "man the register". Honestly, Hiyori should know by now that it wasn't his fault that his spirit animal lacked the motivation to do much during certain parts of the day. However, his younger sister was a slave driver if nothing else. While Katsu loved her to death and would gladly tear apart any who tried to harm her...he hated when she made him do things. Especially when nothing exciting was happening. Oh well, might as well keep her happy for the time being. The moment Hiyori took her constantly flickering gaze off him. Katsu would be sure to slink off before she noticed and gave him another earful about lacking usefulness.

For now, though, he'd bid his time and wait to greet anyone who walked in through his shop's doors, as any good shop keeper would.

July 5, 2018

"I'll only give this one last chance."

---

The door's to the shop clanged open, the bell letting Katsu know that he had a new costumer. What little did the male realize that this would be a fated encounter.

After searching for broken trails and bits of pieces from his past, finally somehow Dakari was able to find enough information that lead him to the other. It had been a hard trail to follow, if Katsu wanted to fit in the human world no trace could be left behind of his former life and true self, but Dakari had ways of sniffing out the truth.

But perhaps the snow leopard would not even recognize Dakari since even though it had only been three years, those were the longest most painful time of his short life. But those three years had forced the immature prince to grow up, whether it was for better or worse. He was no longer plump and healthy, he had lost a lot of weight. Even royalty was not spared in times of famine. But underneath it he had still had some muscle like before, but it didn't do much in the case of helping him look better. Not to mention he was no longer eating for himself, but for the one that was bundled up so tightly in his arms as if he were afraid his baby would simply blow away in the wind. That was a bit of an exaggeration, but honestly the child would probably always be smaller due to the time he was born in. But everything Dakari had he gave to that child to ensure that he was at least, not starving.

How sad was this that now he was standing right in front of the father of this child who didn't even realize this precious bundle in his arms belonged to a part of him just as much.

There were so many other things Katsu didn't know that Dakari didn't even know where to start, should he first introduce the child? The state of his kingdom? His subjects starving? The corruption? His husband's tyranny? The inevitable war that would be the end of them?

How could he even explain this and beg for help from the one who had been forced to cast out? Exiled to certain demise... But Dakari somehow always knew that Katsu was too clever for death, him and his followers. Sentinals weren't your typical soldiers, they were something almost divine and just as unstoppable as gods.

Maybe that was his own hope seizing his imagination, but right now he needed to believe in a miracle.

July 5, 2018

Blinking and looking towards the door from where his attention had momentarily be taken back by his little sister giving a detailed description of the ancient chambers a particular item had been found in, Katsu felt it the moment his blood froze in his veins. Not literally, of course. Normally calm blue eyes widen in disbelief and shock as they took in the familiar image of the man before his eyes. And it wasn't long before disbelief gave way to anger and shock gave way to hatred. There was no way he wouldn't have recognized who had just walked into his shop, even if he was blindfolded and his nose was rendered useless. This man had always made Katsu feel a certain way around him and despite the years between them now, that hasn't changed.

Dakari.

"Well look at what the wind just blew in. You're a little far from your home and husband, aren't you Princeling?" Katsu greeted the man, tone mocking, vibrating with barely controlled hostility as those eyes turned icy and the temperature in the room itself seemed to drop. "And I actually thought today would go by smoothly.....I suppose I shouldn't make assumptions ahead of time. You never know what might drag itself through your doors....What are you doing in this realm, Prince Dakari? You are not welcome here" he added a moment later as a small yet frigid smile twitched his lips up at the corners. Never once did his eyes flicker from the image of a ghost from his past and the child in his arms.

If he were to care enough to be honest, which he didn't, Katsu could admit that Dakari didn't look well at all. No, he looked like he had recently decided to cut back on some meals and sleep in the dirt for a night or two. The sight of the obviously distressed and malnourished Prince, one he had been forced to leave behind, should not fill him with sick satisfaction....But it did, and there was no way Katsu could stop it from doing so. The rage he harbored for this man in front of him was nearly implacable, it was a feeling he never would have thought he'd feel for anyone. And yet Dakari had proven him wrong...then again, the boy had always tended to do that. Even from the very first moment they had met.

~Flashback~

To be completely honest, Katsu had no intentions of being called from his post in the Sentinel Towers to exchange some words with the Royal Highnesses. He had been far too content to sprawl around on the cool ground of his personal tower and gaze at the beauty of the Kingdom around them. With the time of peace still thriving in their world and the human realm remaining steady for the most part, there was no reason to be forced out of one's post. However, the King and Queen had wanted to meet with him personally, as had become something of a habit with them. Since they had come to age and taken the throne from the previous rulers of the realm, this pair had been particularly fond of getting to know the individual Sentinels in depth. A strange fascination of theirs but one that was tolerated by his kind.

And yet he couldn't help but feel a touch annoyed by being ushered here just to have the Royals ask him questions that were of no true importance and to gush over his spirit animal. Yes, Katsu understood that his species was a rare one, one seen only every millenia or so....but there was no need to come forward and perform like a trained monkey for the King and Queen....Not when he had better things to be doing, like napping...However, to be fair, he supposed they hadn't asked him to perform. Just to simply shift into his animal state so they could the majesty of it for themselves. Still it had been irritating and Katsu could have done without being looked upon from nearly every angle.

At the very least they had rewarded him for the inconvenience. To be allowed to walk through the breathtaking beauty of the castle gardens was a privilege to most. Katsu had been here from time to time during his years serving under previous Royals, nevertheless, the current King and Queen had no need to know that. At least while here he could pick the sweet light blue fruit that his sister, Hiyori, always loved to munch on. Maybe that would get her off his back about being more productive for a few days.

Finding the gorgeous, fruit bearing tree nestled deep within the garden, Katsu didn't hesitate to step towards it and reach up to gently pluck some of its fruit from the branches. He was in no real rush, so he wouldn't hurry the task...at least not for now, Hiyori could wait for a bit longer. At the moment, he was much more intent in relaxing in his surroundings than anything else.

~Flashback end~

July 5, 2018

Dakari had never thought he'd ever be in a position in his royal life where he would have to be the one begging for mercy. Yet right here he was with a child in his arms and a kingdom broken beyond any seeming repair.

He shouldn't have expected the other to be sympathetic to his case after what he had done to Katsu was in a way even crueler than just killing him, but humiliating him and making him suffer through it with no way of knowing if he'd make it out again.

But Katsu had, and it seemed he was thriving here in the human's world. Where it was clear that Dakari and his child were not.

He honestly did not want to drag his poor baby along for this fucked up journey. But he had no choice and their bond was still too strong and the baby was still dependent on his nurturing and milk.

The kingdom was so corrupt there was no one he could trust, even the most innocent seeming nursemaid could turn wicked in times like these.

This child was all he left of Katsu and it was something more. Something they had created together out of love, giving life to the next generation...

But his suitor had not seen things the same.

---

Dakari lay next to Katsu, both males were naked, bodies pressed against each other in the warm after glow. There first and last mating. The prince never felt more full filled, being wrapped up in his lovers arms and breathing in his scent while the warmth spread all through him. Warmth from a creature who had always been so cold.

This was his heaven.

But all good things must come to an end...

---

It couldn't have been but only days later when the terrible news was first broken to Dakari. His parents had chosen him a suitor. Even though they knew he loved Katsu, they never suspected that their young son would actually bind them together by mating. Making the separation incredibly painful both mentally and physically.

His parents said if he was bold enough to flirt around with the sentinel, then he was big enough to be the one solely responsible for exiling him. It was the most painful thing he was ever forced to do... He would never forget the look of pure hurt in those stunning blue eyes that seemed shattered pools in that moment.

After Katsu was gone he was forced to accept his suitor, and though he faked it as his will for his kingdom, he could never truly accept him or his cruelty. Their mating the first night was painful, nothing like how it was when he was with Katsu. This wasn't love at all...

---

Months later, after laying in bed after another... he couldn't even call it mating. He didn't know what it was, but it was sick. The prince was covered in bruises and the expression in his eyes was almost hollow, he was numb to the physical pain, but mentally he wanted nothing more than to die. Until... something caused him to reach a hand down to his stomach. There was the faintest of swell there, but that wasn't why he knew. It was something deeper, more emotional. He was carrying a child. A child that was his and he had to live for. Because somehow he just knew that this was Katsu's child.

But he noticed this as well. That his wife was pregnant. He had no idea about Katsu, he thought Dakari was virgin before he took him so he had remarked the child was his and silently the prince had muttered in a fierceness only a mother has.

"It's not your's, it's mine."

That statement of defiance did not end well for him.

---

But one thing that never changed even before the child was born was Dakari's protectiveness. So when even if understandably Katsu showed hostility towards him because he had the child with him he wasn't about to show any shred of submission, not that he was normally very good at doing that, but with a baby in tow? Not happening.

Behind the cloak that the prince was wearing that hooded over his head to hide that his large round ears had pressed back angrily against his head and he flashed some of the biggest, most wicked teeth you would have ever seen. All were canines.

It was as if he were smiling back at the other, but in an equally threatening manner that was almost creepy.

It was as if he completely forgot that he was the one coming around on unfamiliar territory asking for favors wasn't exactly the best idea when you're snarling at the one you need indulgence from.

All because his mother instincts were still in full drive making him a force to deal with, even on the better days.

Wrapping his arms tightly around the precious bundle as his own temperature instead of getting frigid seemed to grow hotter.

The poor baby was the one stuck in the middle, and sensing the disturbances around him and his own mother's anger and fear caused him to start to cry softly. Breaking the silence between the pair.

But that was just the distraction Dakari needed as he gently hushed his child while not once taking his blazing eyes off of the other male.

"Is there somewhere more... quiet where we can discuss some things."

It should have been a question, but because Dakari was a prince it sounded more like a statement or an order.

The garden was so vast and beautiful it seemed almost endless and that Katsu would have had the whole place to himself. That's how quiet and peaceful it was, yet secluded despite being perfectly maintained the gardeners only did work at very specific hours.

But it wasn't only a favorite place of the snow leopard's but also a certain hyena prince~

Dakari always enjoyed playing in the garden, he was such an energetic cub -a teenager anyway- always running around and getting into things. He was very bright for a kid and was always inquisitive and bold, much to dissatisfaction of others. An omega shouldn't be athletic, overly smart, and certainly not pushy!

Yet Dakari was always challenging preconceptions and the old rules. Even if this society was very ingrained in that aspect.

So when the young hyena saw that some stranger was stealing fruit from his trees instead of crying for help or getting one of the guards he decided to handle things himself! He charged at Katsu and probably only because the other had his back turned and wasn't braced for impact the sturdy little boy was actually able to knock the snow leopard onto the ground and pin him.

He was about to give the other a real taste of something until when he actually saw his face stopped him dead in his tracks.

Who was this guy...? Why did it feel like his heart had suddenly stopped as if this stranger had just stolen it from him?

July 5, 2018

~~~~

Rido had to admit that he had gotten lucky when he managed to force the young Prince of the Kingdom to fold under his grasp. He had manipulated the young idiot to bow to his every order and it hadn't taken long to wrap his chains around the fool's young soul. While he would have preferred an older, more experienced and entertaining bride...Prince Dakari had suited his needs just fine. Besides, he had learned his place quick enough. Whatever rebellion he had had at the start of the marriage had quickly found end under Rido's harsh words and even harsher blows. The new ruler of the realm would not be opposed by anyone, not even his little wife. He wouldn't allow anyone to interfere with his plans.

So when the little bitch had the gal to reject his claim to the child growing in Dakari's stomach...well, Rido had had to make his dominance and authority clear once more. He had taken the boy again, far colder and harsher than he had just previously done moments ago. He had made him bleed. He had made him scream and beg for mercy....one that the dark hearted being gave him in the end. However, it was only after Dakari had learned his place once more, after his tears had bored Rido and his sounds of pain had begun to annoy him.

His little wife would need to remind himself who was in charge here. And whether he carried their child or not, Rido would not hesitate to pound that knowledge into the Prince's foolish mind and body.

~~~~

Looking down at the sound of crying, eyes narrowing just so when he took a moment to really note the child's presence, Katsu scoffed under his breath before looking back at Dakari. A child, the man had a child....hardly surprising. He had been married for just about 3 years now since Katsu and his followers had been banished from the realm. No doubt Dakari and his new husband would have spent numerous nights together and this child was more than likely a result of one of those nights. As much as the thought of Dakari bedding another ticked off a part of him that was long forgotten, Katsu couldn't logically direct his irritation at the kid in his arms. It wasn't the child's fault after all.

"I suppose there is, but I don't think I should be bothered to oblige to your request or your orders. We are not in your little realm anymore, Princeling. And we have nothing to discuss....However, this once, to be a gracious host....I suppose I could attempt to be polite" Katsu responded and though the smirk never faded from his features and the dangerous gleam never waned from his eyes at the sign of hostility from the younger male, he did appear a smidgen calmer.

Taking his gaze off of Dakari, Katsu shifted his eyes around the shop until they found those of his sister, which wasn't very difficult to do. The entirety of his followers had stiffened the moment Dakari and his bundle had walked in and though they were still attending to their individual customers, their eyes were locked on their leader and former Prince. The tension in each of their shoulders spoke measures of how far from pleased they were at the presence of Dakari in their shop.

"Hiyori!" Katsu called towards his sister. An action that swiftly had the girl disengaging from her customers and walking over to him and the Prince. The cold glare she leveled on the hyena was far from welcoming even as her hips swayed in what could be called a seductive manner with every step she took. A true lioness the girl was, far from being as submissive as most female Beta's were known to be. Hiyori could tear someone's throat out with her teeth while still looking lovely and barely batting a lash. And at the moment, it looked like she was in the mood to do just that.

"What do you need, big brother" Hiyori asked just a second after having slid behind the counter and leaned her weight against Katsu's side. "Do you want me to take out the trash for you?" She asked with false innocence in her ridiculously young sounding voice while those cold green eyes never left the newcomer.

"No...none of that just yet. I need you to handle the shop for me while I tend to a small nuisance. Make sure things run smoothly for the next few moments" Katsu chuckled, bending down to drop a kiss against the top of his sister's golden colored hair. Easing around her the moment she inclined her head in understanding, Katsu gestured briefly for Dakari to follow as he lead him towards the back door of the shop. While going up into the living spaces would be much more comfortable, he didn't trust this Prince in any way and he wouldn't be allowing him access to his family's private living quarters.

Weaving through his customers, pausing only a handful of times to exchange brief friendly conversations with a few customers, Katsu finally pushed the back door open and stepped through to the small yet cozy garden they had created there. Heading to the shade of a large oak tree, Katsu wasted little time leaning his back against the bark of the tree and crossing his arms smoothly over his chest.

"Talk....and do try not to waste my time. My patience is thin already, I'm afraid" he commanded cooly.

~~~~~~

Grunting at the impact of a somewhat heavy frame colliding against his own, it was only do to being feline that Katsu managed to twist around during the fall and land on his back. The force of the fall forcing a grunt from his lips even as his eyes flashed in warning and a rumbling growl escaped his chest. The fruits he had been picking dropped to the ground around him, much to his inner frustration and after a heartbeat wasted in mourning their waste, Katsu turned his eyes on the boy who had him pinned for the moment. Annoyance flickered briefly through his mind before his knowledge of the Royal family caught up with him and he found himself recognizing the face above him.

Prince Dakari, son of the current King and Queen and quite a handful if the murmurs from the Royal guards and other Sentinels were anything to go by. While Katsu rarely left his tower and he had no true interest in interacting with the Royal family in full, he found his gaze softening just a bit as his gaze swept over the Prince's young features. It was odd to feel a warmth spread across his chest when he had never before felt such a thing...yet he didn't find that it was entirely too uncomfortable. And where he would have normally thrown off anyone who had tried to pin him down, Katsu simply allowed his head to thump down to the ground and raised a brow at the young one perched on him.

"Prince Dakari, I presume? Quite an interesting way to make an appearance, young Princeling. Is there anything I can help you with?" He asked smoothly, amused smile twitching briefly onto his lips.

~~~~

July 5, 2018

Dakari despite being broken down and desperate in need for help walked through the shop with an air of pride that seemed so unfitting for a scrawny prince in rags carrying around a sick child. But that was the one thing about Katsu that never failed him, was that the omega was always able to feel himself as something so much more, so at comfort within that he could display some of his personality and grit. Katsu had always made him feel powerful, even when submitting. But he never felt that way, more like he was willing giving a part of himself up to someone he knew would not break his spirit.

It felt so good to be able to strut and hold his head high, but even then, this was somewhat of a facade, a lot of his old self had been killed by Rido's relentless dominance, and once there was a child involved he learned that trying to fight him would have been the most selfish thing, as it would only hurt his child more. He had learned that the worst way when he claimed the child at first to be his alone.

Katsu brought back so much of the warmth of memories, but also the pain. And suddenly he felt himself being washed away by the sea of locked away moments in time Rido had forced him all but to try and forget until now...

The prince parted his lips to speak, and the flood of truth missing from Katsu's life after exile was released...

~~~

The prince sat perched over the ‘thief’ holding him down for an interrogation after he felt his heart begin to steady. He was laughing slightly, but not because he found this to be funny but because he was just really excited he had caught an apparent criminal. Though he was a tad bit nervous. It had only occurred to him now if this stranger had powers, but nothing was a match for him, right?! This was just like in his games when he would pretend to be an alpha instead of what his position truly dictated. Yet he wasn’t quite mature enough to realize that seeing things as simply a joke could be very deadly. Right now, he was just having fun in his ignorance.

The boy had blond wavy hair with some darker highlights through it, his skin was slightly tanned from the season of sunshine, and his skin was littered with freckles that covered most of his except for his face in sparing spots. He wasn’t very tall yet, but he made up for that in his stocky stature. His eyes were a warm shade of honey brown clashing with the colder yet stunning blue eyes of the snow leopard.

Another sharp chuckle escaped the prince at the ‘intruder’s’ casual yet sophisticated way of addressing him. Dakari didn’t think thieves who were desperate enough to steal from a garden for fruit could even be the slightest bit as charming and dignified as this man was, but his mother had warned him to trust his instincts over appearances and right now his nose was telling him that this could not be a thief, he didn’t smell adrenaline or stench of deceitfulness. But still, this game of him being the one to catch and hold a thief while everyone praised his abilities and finally took him seriously was just too tempting of a fantasy he was no longer ready to get rid of. And if this man really did know he was the prince then he would be forced to play along whether he liked it or not!

So, with all that he rudely sniffed Katsu, his cheeks flushing though he wasn’t sure why he was feeling so excited. Of course, it had to be just because he was having such fun pretending to be more like an alpha? He then nipped down sharply on the man’s neck, a happy whine escaping him. The bite did not break skin nor was meant to, but it sure did pinch like hell.

"I’ll be the one asking the questions from now on, snow cat. Who are you and why are you here?"

Dakari was so confidant and lost in his own world that he didn't even acknowledge that who the stranger thought he was correct, and he didn't cry or threaten to call his mother and father or the guards.

July 6, 2018

Laying comfortably under the laughing Prince, Katsu could do little more than blink up at the male and try to see what was so funny. Yes, he had pinned Katsu down but that was only because Katsu had allowed himself to be pinned. The fact that the snow leopard wasn't making the minimum effort to throw the male off spoke of the tolerance the feline was showing at the moment. Tolerance that most Alphas didn't show when running into a particularly prideful submissive. However, Katsu had a younger sibling and though she was his Beta, Hiyori often made it a point to boss him around when he wasn't being of much use...so the male was quite accustomed to allowing himself to be pushed around on occasion. Besides, it wasn't like the Prince had any malicious intent coming off of him at the moment. This seemed much more like a game than anything else.

Taking a moment to take in the Prince's features, Katsu had to admit that the boy had been blessed with good looks. He bore a resemblance to both his mother and his father instead of simply favoring one. Personality wise, from what little he had seen so far, Katsu couldn't really trace to which parent he got this playful streak from....but if he was being honest, it was kinda cute. Especially when it was coming from a Hyena spirit. Perhaps that's why the feline didn't feel even the slightest inclinations to begin to squirm under the clearly younger male. Instead, the snow leopard appeared to be in complete peace with the world as he lay in the dirt below him. Something that no doubt would have his followers gasping and appalled.

Tensing for just a heartbeat when Dakari leaned in close to sniff him in a way that was not common for one of his standards, Katsu's brow rose all the more in minor intrigue and indulgence. This boy was a curious one to say the least and despite the odds, Katsu was actually enjoying watching him perform this act of his. Nevertheless, when the pinch of those teeth nipped at his neck, the snow leopard couldn't stop a small instinctive reaction. A soft growl swelled out of him, much more gentle and docile than the previous one, and his upper lip curled up briefly to show off a sharp fang in warning. Most Alphas would have slammed their dominance into the boy by this point but Katsu was simply showing the tiniest signs of mild unease. It couldn't be helped though, he was a feline and felines were quite the prickly type.

"Since you seem so intent on getting your answers, I might as well indulge you" Katsu huffed a mild sound of laughter before continuing "My name is Katsu, Priceling....however, if you want to use my proper title, then I suppose you may address me as Sentinel Katsu. As to why I'm here, your parents sent word of wanting to meet me in person. Now normally I wouldn't be bothered to leave my tower, however, you can't argue against the will of the Royal bloodline...now can you?".

As he spoke, Katsu's posture and voice remained at ease and tranquil. He didn't seem at all put off with the fact that he was being rendered "useless" by someone younger than him. If anything, he seemed to be growing steadily more amused by the moment.

"Alas, after the meeting with your parents, I was given access to this garden in which I sought to look for the fruits my sister so adores to eat. That's right around the moment I ran into you...or you slammed into me, either or works for me. And now, here we are...sprawled out on the ground in a somewhat undignified heap, oh well" Katsu replied, smirk beginning to blossom slowly into a full fledged smile "What of you, Princeling? If I'm allowed questions, what brings you here?".

July 6, 2018

Dakari was impossible to deal with at times, often he was shooed to go out and play in the garden when his antics and energy got to be too much for inside the palace. He was still just barely young enough to be at that age where it was excusable for him to act wild. But more and more he kept hearing from the adults that they would have to shape him up and have him learn his place.

Phrases like:

“You mustn’t indulge him so. It will be only all the more difficult to him when he has to accept his position.”

Or:

“How can you let your omega son act so defiant? It’s going to get him in a lot of trouble, mark my words.”

Became all too common place. But the hyena just kept his large round ears shut to such words. Still too immature to understand the true meaning and differences of statuses and royal responsibilities.

Right now all he wanted to do was have fun and be himself, and maybe it was ironically thanks to his royal standing that he had the luxury of even pretending. Any omega who behaved like he did would have been shunned, ridiculed, or even worse killed in the peasant society which had no tolerance for those that broke the ancient set ranks each were born with.

Gazing down at the older subdued male made the prince start to get giggly all over again. It was just so funny that he could have this kind of control over adults, but he was used to it. Being prince meant all adults bowed to his will, but this was different because he pinned the snow leopard down all by himself.

Since Katsu wasn’t fighting him meant that thankfully the biting part didn’t happen again, but the prince wasn’t being very gentle either with the way he was holding him down so firmly and checking his scent every so often as soft whines filled the air. He was starting to learn this scent, and once a hyena knew a scent they would remember it forever.

Katsu smelled… well, he could even describe it. But it was really enticing somehow. Like he couldn’t get enough of it. He exhaled softly, trying to get the scent out of his head as his warm breath blew against the cool skin of the snow leopard.

“I was just play— I mean, protecting the garden.”

He yipped, but then pushed the other down a bit harder against the dirt since it was funny to see the dignified male get his shiny hair dusty.

A part of Dakari knew that he was being a bit cruel, but the childish side to him didn't see this as bullying, but truly as just playing.

When the prince stopped and let the words of the other male repeat in his head it suddenly dawned upon him.

Sentinel... Sentinel?!

That was so cool! He wanted to be more like one of them, instead of just an omega prince. But that was a secret he wasn't ready to let the other know. But he was seriously pinning and playing with an actual Sentinel? This was like a dream come true. He was so happy he began to whine again and more gently wrestle with the older male, knowing who he was had changed his attitude to slightly less rough and just a tad of his submission shined through.

"... Oh, and you won't be needing the fruit. You will be staying for dinner!"

The cub giggled as he rolled over in the grass, a big toothy grin on his face. What better way to show their gratitude then by hosting Katsu? And honestly it was an offer the snow leopard wouldn't be able to refuse, whatever the prince said was never an invitation, but an order.

July 6, 2018

Ears twitching ever so slightly at the sound of the soft whines lifting into the air, Katsu kept his curious gaze on the child above him even as he felt his patience begin to wane just a touch when the boy pressed him further into the ground. This little Princeling was truly one of a kind...a sort Katsu hadn't seen much of since he had been born centuries ago. It was interesting, yet allowing the little one to grow too confident in the situation at hand wouldn't be for the best. While Katsu himself paid very little mind to status and the heavy weight it bore on most minds, he knew that should the Prince do something like this to someone else...it wouldn't end well....And yet, he couldn't find it in himself to simply toss the young one off.

It was strange, he usually didn't appreciate people touching him if they weren't amongst his followers. As a snow leopard, he preferred solitude and isolation from the outside world. He did his job as Sentinel and never had an incident happened under his watch or the watch of the others. He was by far the most elusive of the batch, only being seen during meetings or by being summoned. Other than that, Katsu spent his time with the few that had managed to make their way into his inner circle. His followers, his family. They all spent their hours in the snow covered peak of the North Tower. It was a hard area to gain access to, especially when it was surrounded by a wintery landscape and vast mountains. A scenery reflective of it's current Sentinel. And as such, there was hardly any visitors. Just as Katsu preferred it.

The feline lived his life to fulfill his duty....very little else mattered. He was one of the eldest and one of the most powerful of the Sentinel. No one questioned him and they allowed him to live as he pleased. As long as he kept them safe, then no one questioned his desire to be separated from the realm and it's people. And yet, after months spent within his mountain terrain, the first day he stepped foot in the Palace....he was ambushed by a lively youngster. One who didn't quite seem to know who he was and exactly what kind of personality the snow leopard was known to have. Strange enough, it didn't bother the Alpha in the least and that was a truly peculiar thing to have happen.

Noting the subtle change in the boy's playing to one of more submissive nature, the feline scoffed briefly amused even as he pushed himself to sit up the moment he was released. Brushing grass off his robes and out of his long hair, the feline eyed the hyena laughing on the ground with a shadow of a grin on his features. A expression not many often got to see in person.

"You truly are a energetic little one, aren't you?" He commented absentmindedly as he tucked his feet under him and rose to his feet. Continuing to brush his robes off, Katsu had to cringe a bit at the thought of what Hiyori would do when she got her hands on him and the state of his appearance. He wouldn't be getting out of this ruffled appearance easily....perhaps it would be simpler to simply shift to his animal form and arrive at the tower as such. His sister wouldn't be the wiser and he'd have time to change there before making certain that the balance between the worlds still remained as firm as it had been earlier in the day.

Hearing the young one's speech of dinner, one that sounded more like an order than anything else, Katsu sighed and raised his eyes skyward for patience. Dinner was not something he was about to indulge this family in. He had been here too long already and he need to return home. No matter how interesting and quite adorable he found this cub to be...he had duties to attend to and sleep to catch up on.

"I truly appreciate your invitation to dinner, young one. Nonetheless, I find that I must decline the offer. I've left my post for too long a time now. I have much to attend to when I return to my Tower" he replied good naturedly as he leaned down to ruffle the boy's soft hair affectionately. "Now if you'll excuse me, I truly must be on my way" he added a moment later while he began to slowly walk off. Mind focusing on reaching in and bringing the change to life in the next seconds. Truthfully, even as young as he was, the Prince should know by now that felines did not take orders well. In fact, they did what they wanted to do, when they wanted to.

It wasn't but a moment later that the soft sounds of bones snapping and reforming filled the air and as Katsu's form began to change steadily, everything grew just a bit sharper and more focused. Standing on four legs instead of two, the smoky furred cat turned those intelligent blue eyes over to the young Hyena and inclined his head in farewell before with a mighty bound he was racing out of the garden and into the forest on the outskirts of the palaces and villages. Home was calling and it would be improper to ignore the call for much longer.

July 6, 2018

Dakari whined as he bumped his head against the snow leopard's hand, nipping at it to show that he was not about to accept any affection when the other sounded almost like... No, he couldn't be saying that.

He stared at the Sentinel with a perplexed expression that in a instant turned to aggression when he found the other was not doing what he wanted. The small shred of respect towards the male's status suddenly disappeared as the cub launched himself in a fury at Katsu. He was laughing again, but this time it was a cruel and wicked sound.

"You wouldn't dare refuse my offer. Besides, mother always says it's not healthy to be on an empty stomach."

That would definitely be something that the prince had no idea about... Judging from the sight of his slightly plump belly.

In fact he was always eating, and anything at all. Even bones were delicious.

But Katsu wasn't even listening to his warning, instead the other was ignoring his orders and starting to change.

Hyenas were not canines despite common misconception. Even if some of their behaviors seemed so. Actually hyena if anything were in a class that was more closely related to felines, but unfortunately that didn't make it any easier for the cub to understand that the other wanted to be alone. His kind always lived in large groups and were highly social animals.

He wouldn't be able to catch and take down a snow leopard as a human, and a hyena cub likely didn't stand a chance either. But that's not how Dakari chose to look at it. If the other wanted to play this game, he'd gladly go along.

So it was his turn to morph into a sandy colored hyena with many dark spots. The older he got the less spotted he would become.

Despite being young, he was still incredibly strong and fast. In hot pursuit of the snow leopard his hunting instincts seemed to kick in, the only problem was he didn't have the rest of his clan to help him. A solo hunt never ended well, but he was still learning these things the hard way.

He bounded after the leopard, snapping at the thing closest to him which was the beautiful tail. Too bad he'd have to shred it off if he captured it~

But then the hyena changed tactic and instead tried to cut the snow leopard off and make a dive for his legs.

July 6, 2018

Oh for the love of the Gods. It was one thing to indulge Dakari in allowing himself to be dropped and held to the ground, it was another to be pursued by the young one. Clearly the Prince had no concept on how to give up, an admirable trait at that, but truly trying at the moment. Katsu didn't want to frighten him by whipping around and swinging paws at him but the Prince had to return to the Palace. It wasn't safe outside of the protection of his home for one so young. And despite finding the Prince rather enthralling, Katsu was not the type to babysit little over energetic Cubs. He might be more patient than most Alphas due to his age and experiences, but even he had a limit to how lenient he could be.

That limit was drawn not only when the cub snapped at his tail, causing the cat to swing it out of reach, but also when the cub went for his feet. Releasing a frustrated hiss, Katsu leapt high into the air and used his natural agility to flip gracefully while in mid jump and land just a few meters in front of Dakari, this time not running but facing the boy. Crouching low to the ground, tail lashing back and forth in an open sign of his irritation, Katsu peeled his lips back and hissed at the little one. A warning if there ever had been one given. He wouldn't hurt the cub, but he wouldn't just let him continue to chase him all the way to the tower.

"Go home, cub. I lack both the time and patience to continue this game. I'm sure your parents will be missing you" he reprimanded Dakari, voice sounding as clear as could be even if his mouth didn't move to say such words. The temperature around them dropped just a few degrees and small icicles began to form on the leaves of trees above them.

Keeping his eyes one Dakari, Katsu inched half a paw step back, thinking of the best way to handle the situation. He didn't want to accidentally hurt or terrify the boy. The cub was young, full of energy and unfocused pride...it wasn't his fault that this was the only way he knew how to let it loose. Yet that didn't mean he couldn't be put in his place. Even the Royal bloodline gave way to the will of Sentinels on more occasions than not. Perhaps teaching the cub a little lesson in dominance wouldn't be too bad. Then again, it might turn around and bite him in the tail later when he wasn't expecting it. Either way, at the moment, he was at an impasse as to how to handle this little tornado on paws.

"I have indulged your game long enough in the gardens. As Alpha, I have no requirements to listen to the orders of others. As I've stated, I have much to do in my Tower and little time to spend here. You will return home and allow me to do the same. As is proper" Katsu added after several heartbeats.

If the cub charged, he would have no choice but to bat him away but he would do so without drawing blood. Soft paws should do the trick in dissuading the cub to continue on with this silliness.

July 6, 2018

Dakari had an amazing amount of energy, despite having ran as fast and hard as they had, he was barely panting and just seemed ready for more.

He was very clever for a cub, but even he couldn't figure out that Katsu's agility meant that he didn't stand a chance.

Who would have guessed that snow leopards could move like that? It amazed the prince but he was still pissed about the other trying to ditch their game before he was done playing.

The hyena was about to charge forward, but one hiss from the larger animal and he was suddenly debating that idea. He stood his ground definitely and scratched his paws against the ground eagerly, his tongue licking over his own snarl of a grin towards the large cat.

Yet the sudden drop in temperament quite literally helped the cub to cool down so to say. And when the other mentioned his home and parents the realities of being still very dependent on them suddenly hit the young hyena and he found himself bowing his head in shame, but he was still mad at Katsu for telling him off so he lifted his gaze slightly to send the other a sharp glare, but with his eyes still being puppy-ish it was more adorable than threatening.

"... It's not fair! You left our game and you were supposed to be staying for dinner!"

He defiantly plopped his butt down on the ground and let out a nervous whine. Katsu was telling him to go home and he didn't even know the way back, he had actually never left the garden before and the vastness of the outside world was both thrilling and terrifying.

The cub shivered slightly and was forced to curl up into a tight little ball of fluff, even if the action was very undignified to being doing in front of someone he so desperately wanted to impress and show that he too one day would grow up and become something great...

July 6, 2018

It took an effort to not huff in exasperation and roll his eyes as best as a leopard could. Straightening up slowly from his crouch, Katsu exhaled a long breath of air as he sat properly and slowly wrapped his long fluffy tail around his paws. Blinking at the cub that had seemed to lose some of his flare that had been obvious within the previous moments, Katsu tilted his head to one side and twitched the tip of his curled tail. He wasn't good with cubs, he rarely was around them and most of the time, he didn't know what to do with them anyways. Hiyori was an exception because she was his sister, but Dakari....well Katsu wasn't sure what was the best way to handle the situation. All he knew was that for some reason, seeing the boy so crestfallen bothered him.

"Life isn't fair....and if we're being honest, I never once agreed to go to your dinner. I told you that I had to tend to my duties, they are not things to be taken lightly" Katsu murmured, surrender heavy in his voice and he weighed his options.

He couple leave the cub to his own devices and head back to the Tower, regardless of what the little one wanted. However, that would be both rude and cruel of him....something he was sure would have his parents rolling in their graves. Being that as it was, the only other option would be returning the cub safely to the palace and then proceeding to go home....after he made sure the little one didn't follow him once again. It was a trying option, one he normally wouldn't have been bothered to consider. But Dakari was proving to be more than just an every day occurrence and the cub had managed to soften a part of the snow leopard's cold walls.

Ears twitching back towards the direction of his home when he spared a moment of resignation to the fact that he'd be arriving later than planned, Katsu rose to his paws and began to pad over the curled ball of fluff. With every step he took, the temperature began to warm and his previous annoyance faded away. Whatever ice had gathered on the trees and grass around them began to melt and drip onto the ground as the leopard reached the hyena cub. Katsu had no intentions of being nipped again, but he longed to show just a touch of affection for the little one's obvious distress. So with a heavy breath, he leaned his head down to gently rasp his tongue between those perked ears.

"If I walk you home and promise to come by tomorrow to continue this game of yours....will you allow me to return to my Tower without any further interferences?" He asked softly, taking just a small step back to sit down rather gracefully once more in front of the younger male.

July 6, 2018

Dakari didn't imedieately respond to the others remarks, because the young prince knew all too well they were true. But he didn't like admitting he was wrong. Nor was he used to being put in his place. The cold sapped his fiery spirit, like a flame being snuffed out and all that was left was a stubborn little wisk of smoke as a sign of refusing to die out.

Slowly however things began to heat up again and if that wasn't enough to perk the cub back up then certainly the warm tongue caressing over his head was enough to do the trick. His large dark ears perking right up as a content whine escaped the hyena.

Katsu wasn't mad at him anymore and promised they could play again tommorow! All he had to do was go home now. All his problems solved the world didn't seemso scary anymore as the cub sprung back up and ran excited around the snow leopard this time however his head was low and body curved in to show his submission. Tail also pressed low. Only once did he get a bot too excited again and jumped on the older's back a little but then quickly retreated and pressed his belly against the dirt in his own self correction.

"You... You really mean we can play again tommorow?!"

He was so happy, but yet it almost seemed too good to be true.

But before the other could even answer the energetic cub was already racing ahead.

"Come on!"

He urged, wanting to be the leader yet he knew Katsu would have to go in front since he knew the way back better.

July 6, 2018

This time, there really was no way Katsu could get around without rolling his eyes at the energetic bundle of fur. Honestly, what exactly did he just agree to get himself into tomorrow? Shaking his head and holding in an equally exasperated grumble when Dakari jumped briefly onto his back then jumped off again.. Katsu climbed to his paws with never ending grace and quickly set off after the young one. While he wasn't as large as his warmer climate cousins, the snow leopard was rather fast and catching up to the young Hyena wasn't much of a task for him. Keeping himself beside the young male, ears constantly swirling on his head for even the smallest of noises that might alert him danger was near, Katsu took the lead with the smallest of efforts.

"For one who doesn't even know where he's going....you sure seem determined to lead the way" he spoke, this time his tone carried across his clear amusement even as he brushed his tail momentarily against Dakari's flank. "If you can keep up and not trip over your own paws in the processes, then I will keep to my word and promise to wait for you in the garden tomorrow. But only if you can keep up, Princeling" the leopard teased, casting one side eyed look to the younger of the pair before he picked up the pace.

The woods weren't like his mountains, the terrain was different and the warmth in the air pricked his fur in all the wrong ways....but the company he had made him forget the small discomforts. As he leaped over fallen logs and weaved through the underbrush and large trees, the Sentinel found himself enjoying this little game he had initiated. His pace was fast and he moved without making the slightest of noises, however, he made sure to not leave the young cub too far behind. He was pushing the male, sure, but it was for the cub's benefit to arrive back home exhausted and winded. And more than likely, his parents and palace staff would be grateful for the tired state Dakari would be in.

Lifting his head to sniff the air lightly, the leopard felt mild satisfaction that the palace was just a few places away now. They were close and the moment he deposited the little hyena back in the safety of his home's gardens, the more at ease Katsu would be. Speaking of little hyena....Sparing a glance over his shoulder, pausing just briefly the moment after he had taken a rather large leap over a thick fallen tree, Katsu purred amused while he gave the cub a chance to catch up.

"Hurry up now, Princeling! Surely you don't want me to have to take back my promise? Where is all the energy you had earlier?" He teasingly called back to Dakari even as he sprang forth once more, closing the distance remaining between them and the gardens.

July 6, 2018

That remark though a slightly teasing one coupled with the touch from the snow leopard's tail caused the young hyena to momentarily swell up with pride, his posture straightening up and his his head was high.

And he was just about to inform the Sentinel about what a great leader he would one day turn into, but before the cub could utter a single word the elder was already taking off without him!

He didn't even have time to whine as he pressed himself to catch up, but even as impressive as the prince had been so far at keeping up, he was still only just a cub and finally some of that energy seemed to be draining. His legs were still shorter and he was starving from all that running around worked up a big apatite.

Dakari could run fast through brush and flat lands, but the forest was not something his kind had evolved for, the tight turns from the dense trees and fallen logs slowed down the determined cub quite a lot. His normally effortless lope when going over a flat terrain was constantly being broken whenever he had to climb over the obstacles. Completely ruining his momentum.

Even more worrying was the threat that he couldn't keep up even worse then being left behind or lost was that of Katsu promising not to play with him.

He had to rely more on his sense of smell to keep track of the snow leopard bounding ahead of him, but if the other wanted to play unfair and be a bully then he'd play dirty to.

Knowing that he could win the race he suddenly plopped down on his butt stubbornly refusing to move another inch.

"If... if you don't play with me then I'm telling mother and father that you tried to take me away from home and eat me!"

He whined, it really was quite a childish remark. But it was still a big threat just because anyone who harmed royal blood could be sentenced to a fate even worse than death.

July 6, 2018

Coming to a halt once he heard the sound of the Prince stopping behind him, Katsu angled his body back just to look at him even as the younger dropped down on the ground. The threat the left the little one wasn't quite an empty one and should the cub be older....he might have taken it seriously. But Katsu had confidence in his position as Sentinel and he had confidence that he could easily convince the boy's parents that the cub was simply huffing and puffing over a silly promise. He hadn't been alive as long as he had to not know how to handle situations where the truth was omitted. Nevertheless, he didn't want to have to spend more time than was neccessary away from his mountains. He had been gone long enough and explaining the truth to Dakari's parents would take too long a time.

"Eat you? Princeling, my appetite may be large but I have no intentions on eating a plump little Princeling such as yourself. Besides, I doubt you'd taste that well anyways. No....if anything, I'd more than likely keep you as a toy of sorts for the days I truly grow bored" Katsu commented, tongue rasping over his lips as he made his way back towards the younger of the two, eyes dancing with laughter.

Circling the little one for a moment, Katsu settled down beside him, not bothering to sit but instead opting to lay elegantly down on his side. Tail twitching every few minutes, Kagsu yawned before saying "Speaking honestly though, if you wish to be impressive....running to your mother and father isn't how you do things. I do not fear them nor do I fear any punishments from them. You may whine your false illusions, but Princeling, I can guarentee I'm far more convincing than you are. And spouting lies would be a sure way to keep me as far from your palace as possible. I don't have the tolerance to deal with little weasels....something I'm sure you are not?".

Dropping his head to the ground with a soft grunt, Katsu carefully kept his body angled somewhat around the young hyena even while he was sprawled on his side. A protective gesture perhaps, one that spoke of how ill advised it would be to try to get anywhere near the Prince while Katsu was around. Even with no threat in the general area, Katsu couldn't help his protective instincts. Especially when it came to one as Dakari who was still so young and unfamiliar with the world outside the protection of his walls. The Prince could very well be a walking target without even noticing it and that was why Katsu wouldn't allow anything to approach him.

"Now...the way I see it you have two options. Either you get back on those small legs of yours and continue to run home. Or I can carry you back by the scruff of your neck like a true cub that you are. What do you choose?" The leopard asked, shifting his head against the ground just so so that he could look upon Dakari and wait for the answer to his question.

Truth be told, the Prince would probably be a tad heavy to carry back the remaining distance to the palace but the feline didn't care. Whether Dakari chose to move or not, he was going to get to the gardens. One way or another.

July 6, 2018

Dakari was still breathless and even simply uttering that idle threat about telling his parents that it was Katsu's fault had left him panting harder for oxygen.

And when the elder did not respond to him the way he wanted only made him even more frustrated as he let out a loud noise of protest and shook his head.

He loved to play, but that did not make him anyone's toy! Not even a Sentinel.

The cub tensed when he felt the other moving around him seemed almost predatory, and the cub spun around to keep his eyes on the feline and even snapped his teeth a little. Until the other settled down next to him, and he just couldn't behave himself, he stumbled over right into the snow leopard's side. It was sort of a tackle, but since he lost so much energy it was a lot softer and even when he nibbled on the snow leopard's soft neck it barely pinched as he cub decided to rest his head over it instead.

He sniffed at the other's ears and breathed in his scent as his own ears flicked forward and his brown eyes focused on the other's expression, trying to read his body more than his words now.

If anything, the cub's snuggling up to Katsu's side was his silent way of apologizing and answering that he was certainly not a sneaky lying weasel, but a noble hyena... Well, truthfully hyenas were well known for being cunning creatures. But it was only a sign of their true intelligence since manipulation took great judgement.

"I'm not a baby!"

Dakari suddenly yipped out when the older threatening to scruff him. But truthfully it was something that his parents were still able to do to their son when he was just being too much or needed to learn the hard way. But there was nothing more embarrassing at his age when his mother did it, let alone a Sentinel.

But the cub was too tired to rise so he tried to distract the other by rubbing against him and nuzzling into the plush fur. It felt so plush... his own fur was fluffy, but when he reached maturity it would unfortunately turn coarser and not so soft. He also liked the other's unique scent that carried with Katsu the scent of mountain pines.

July 6, 2018

If this cub wasn't rather fiesty and downright entertaining, Katsu didn't know what he was. Grunting lightly at the impact of the little one colliding against his side, the cat didn't bother to move aside from a brief twitch of an ear. The nipping at his neck had his tail sweeping from side to side against the ground in mild impatience but other than that, he allowed the cub to do as he wanted. Besides, it wasn't like he could feel those sharp teeth much, the double layer of fur covering his body made it near impossible. Maybe when the cub grew older he might feel bites such as those but for now, they were simply mild nuisances. Ones he didn't bother to react to.

Letting out a quiet, low purr the moment the cub seemed to settle down against him, Katsu watched the little one with open amusement in his feline features. No matter how much he thought it, he wouldn't get tired of marveling how truly interesting this young Prince was. To bring about such a reaction from Katsu, to have the large cat tolerating what others more than likely wouldn't....that was certainly saying something. There was just something about this little one that the Sentinel couldn't place his finger or paw on. The more he spent tolerating those huffs of temper and brief demonstrations of attitude, the more the warmth in his chest grew for the Prince. Katsu couldn't remember the last time he had felt like this for anyone outside his followers or the other Sentinels.

"Truly? You seem to continue to carry childish tendencies though. Had I not known just how old you were, I'd still consider you just a little baby. Regardless, whether you are or you are not....it doesn't take away the fact that your reactions could be considered rather adorable" Katsu chuckled, curling his tail in just a bit to wrap the length of it around the area Dakari had settled into.

Despite his flare of boyish temper and his Princely attitude, the feline had to admit that Dakari was almost precious when he began to rub and nuzzle against him. Lifting a heavy paw to drape it over the smaller animal, Katsu lazily lifted his head in order to begin to rasp his tongue over any stretch of fur he could reach. While the barbs on his tongue might have been uncomfortable against plain skin, they worked to comb out the ruffled mess of the cub's pelt. Eyes half closing as he continued the self appointed task of grooming the young one, Katsu couldn't help but wonder if the cub had anyone else to play with aside from those he stumbled into.

"Tell me, little one. Are you alone the youngest in the palace? Have you no other creature to engage with and burn this energy that lays within your soul? Surely you have playmates your age" he asked after a momentary pause in the grooming.

Lowering his head just a bit more to to begin to lick against Dakari's neck and rasp out whatever loose pieces of fur the cub might have gotten during his run, Katsu waited patiently for an answer. He truly found himself interested about what environment this cub was growing up within.

July 6, 2018

Dakari let out the softest of indignant huffs in response to the other thinking him as nothing more than some little baby. And he was certainly not liking being called cute either, he was tough and Katsu should be scared!

When he felt the soft tail curling around him though creating a sort of barrier between the outside world and instead being surrounded by the snow leopard's presence made him feel so safe... Not that he was afraid or anything. Of course not...

He almost let out a yip of surprise when a rather large paw fell down on him, but the touch was soft. Followed by the feeling of a cool tongue. He would have thought all were warm, but not this one. But being as he was already panting and huffing the coolness felt good, and almost soothing.

He usually fought and protest for bath time because the restless cub couldn't stand to hold still long enough to be done, but since he was so tired he gladly accepted the attention and lay calmly at the elder's side, closing his eyes as he almost went limp. That's how relaxed he was getting. Even more so when it was apparent that the young prince was actually falling asleep. He had missed his nap time yet again, and after all that playing had Dakari tuckered out.

July 7, 2018

Chuckling softly under his breath as the knowledge reached him that his soothing licks were putting the cub to sleep, Katsu continued his gentle ministrations on the boy. Having him lay against his side like this was better than the child bouncing around with that buzz of energy he seemed to never fail to produce. The sight of the cub limp like this was nearly as endearing as his previous noises of protest and little snippets of the temper that lay within that small body of his. Dakari would grow large and strong, like most of the Hyena bloodline. He would be a good Prince once he learned more manners and to control his impulsive tendencies. Katsu was sure that the child would impress them all one day....but that day was still far away. For now, it would seem that the most the child needed was to rest.

The snow leopard kept on his grooming for the better part of half an hour before he determined that he truly had to get the little one home before panic arouse. Slowly unfurling his tail from around the small form, the feline rose to his paws with a wide yawn and gazed thoughtfully down at the bundle of fur. He could try to rouse the cub, make him alert enough for the rest of the journey again. However, that would probably lead to impossible amounts of grumbles and flashes of spunky attitude from the little one. The easiest thing would be to simply carry him home, something the cub had protested in full earlier. Nevertheless, in his drowsy state of being, Katsu doubted the cub would notice all that much at all.

With that thought in mind, the snow leopard slowly lowered his head to gently bury sharp teeth into the scruff of the cub's neck. Once he had a secure enough hold, the feline rose to his full height once more, tilting his head just a bit further up so he could carry the cub without bumping him around to much. Ears flickering above his head and tip of the tail twitching in mild concentration, the snow leopard took off in a brisk pace once more. This time though, he didn't have to worry whether the cub would keep up or not...not when he was safely being carried in his jaws. Casting his eyes up to the setting sun briefly, Katsu murmured a soft internal grumble even as he leapt past remaining obstacles and weaved through the last of the trees.

By the time he reached the gardens and spotted the guards that had more than likely been looking for their Prince, he felt he had worked himself much harder than he usually did. Then again, it wasn't every day he decided to carry a hyena cub back to the palace after said cub embarked on an ill adviced journey after him. Setting Dakari down at the edge of the garden, between his paws, Katsu produced a deep chuffing sound to alert the guards of his presence. When they looked up to acknowledge the Sentinel amongst them, their eyes instantly landed on their Prince and the tension in their shoulders seemed to wane as they quickly approached.

"Take him to his parents, if you will. I'm sure they've been anxiously looking around for him. Tell them he simply dozed off in the gardens and his chosen location was harder to locate than previous ones" Katsu ordered the guards, earning himself quick nods from the group before he lowered his head back to the young cub. "Behave yourself for the rest of the night, little one. I will try to come visit tomorrow" he mumbled softly giving Dakari one last lick between the ears before he was spinning around and heading back off the way he had come. His pelt melting into the growing shadows and making keeping a visual on him nearly impossible.

July 7, 2018

~~~

It almost felt as if he were back at home in his parent's den, curled up to his mother's side. He would never be able to sleep alone, it went against his survival instincts, no matter how old he grew. He would always have that need to feel a presence beside him in order to feel relaxed and at peace.

Even if there was nothing that could truly harm him inside the palace walls, he would still dream hyena memories that did not even belong to him, but to his spirit animal previous soul.

~~~

As the cub went deeper into sleep, he envisioned himself running through the tall grass after a herd of black and white zig zags, -animals did not name other animals the same language of humans- the sound of her clan mate's hunting cries filling the air around her and entering her very being. They did not have to speak to share thoughts as one mind, one heart beating together.

Then the dream began to morph, and suddenly a chill like never before ever felt gripped the Savannah, but the hyena was the only one to feel it. She was being frozen in place, while the world kept moving so fast without her, she tried to cry out, but her voice froze in the air.

However fear did not grip the hyena, instead she felt... calm, accepting of this new found silence and cold. The opposite of her hot and loud world.

The coolness was caressing her, tucking her in... she closed her brown eyes and when she blinked them back open they were sparkling icy blue...

~~~

Dakari awoke with a start, letting out a soft gasp as he felt himself floating! Suddenly coming to, he remember everything. Playing in the garden, finding the Sentinel, chasing after him, and then getting outsmarted and then falling asleep.

How embarrassing that the other had actually made good on his threat to carry him home scruffed!

But he was still too dazed to really react, the whole time even when he was sleeping his body had instinctively tucked in his legs so they wouldn't drag against the ground.

When he was finally set down the young prince at first seemed to want to hide between Katsu's paws, and he even tried pressing his head against the snow leopards belly to disappear from the guards, but it was too late. They had already seen everything.

His ears flicked and he carefully scooted back so he could look up at his hero, only to receive another lick that had him longing up at the elder. And for the slightest of moments when their eyes locked the honey brown seemed to fleck with blue before turning back it's normal color as if it had never been there.

"... Promise you'll really try to come back?"

The cub asked almost tentatively, sounding uncharacteristically soft. But before he could wait for an answer one of the guards had already picked up the hyena and was carrying him back to see his very worried parents awaiting inside.

July 7, 2018

Watching the cub be carried off before he could grace him with an answer even after he had begun to walk away, Katsu sighed softly. He had made a promise and he intended to keep it. While his position as Sentinel required his constant presence in his Tower, while it required concentration and focus far above anything that the cub had seen and would yet still see....two days away from his post wouldn't threaten the balance. He just had to be careful that this didn't become a habit of his...conceding to the little one's every will. As interested as he was in the little hyena, duty came above all else and he couldn't allow himself to forget that. Not even for the Prince.

Turning without looking back this time, Katsu ran in his full speed back towards his terrain. His paws longed to feel the cold bit of the snow and his fur longed for the frigid brush of the mountain's icy air. He had been too long in this warm environment already and every fiber of his being was beginning to reject and protest against it. His species wasn't made for the warmth, regardless whether it was physical or emotional. And yet, he found it hard for himself to acknowledge that when the little cub had awakened something inside the feline that he had long thought impossible.

Katsu hadn't missed the strange flecks of blue in the eyes of the Prince when the cub had looked up at him one last time. It had been a strange sight indeed and one he had never seen before. That was, one he hadn't seen in anyone but his parents. His father's eyes had often been flecked with blue when he looked into mother's beautiful cerulean gaze. And his mother's eyes would share flecks of green when she's look at his father's emerald hues. It was odd but Katsu nor Hiyori had ever questioned that. They had simply accepted it as something unique their parents shared. However, experiencing it for himself now....well it roused a curiosity in him that he couldn't deny. Perhaps speaking to the other Sentinels might clear a few thing up for him. He might have been one of the oldest living at the moment but that didn't mean he knew everything.

Reaching his wintery terrain just as the moon rose to grace the skies, Katsu released a heavy breath of relief as he prowled into the snow covered grounds. Cold winds ruffled his fur and combed away any scent of warmth that had previously claimed him. It was a calming action yet something inside protested against the lost of the cub's scent to the winds. Shaking his head in exasperation towards himself, the snow leopard wasted little time in continuing his journey towards the huge white Tower that lay encased between two enormous mountains that had been his home for many centuries now. The sooner he was home, the better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As for the guards, well they wasted very little time in carrying the little one inside to where both the King and Queen had been anxiously waiting his arrival. Both had looks of deep worry etched into their features and it wouldn't take a genius to know that they more than likely had spent the moments pacing back and forth within the palace walls as the search for the cub began. The queen even appeared to have tears in her eyes as the King softly mumbled words of reassurance to her. No one would be able to doubt that Dakari was a loved Prince. The ruffled appearance of his parents spoke levels about that.

The moment the guard appeared with the bundle of fur, the Queen released a soft cry of relief before rushing over to retrieve her cub. Arms quickly snatching the little one from the arms of the guard, she sniffed at his pelt and fussed over him quietly while his father addressed his men.

"Where did you find him?" The King asked, baritone voice feel with relief yet still managing to hold a regal sense to it.

"He was asleep in the gardens, My Lord. We did not suspect he would choose a different area to curl up in, but he did. If it wasn't for one of us stumbling across his scent, we might not have found him" the head guard reported, carefully omitting the fact that it was Katsu that had delivered the cub to them. The snow leopard hadn't appeared to want to be mentioned and the guard respected the man too much to betray him by telling the truth.

"Thank the Gods.......very well, you are dismissed. Return to your posts" The King exhaled a heavy breath, turning to look at his mate and cub as the guards all bowed politely and marched off.

"You mustn't ever disappear like that again, Dakari! You had us all terribly worried. We thought something horrible had happened to you!" The Queen reprimanded her cub, tone sharp yet there was a gentleness in it as she nuzzled his softly even as they began to walk down the halls towards their bedchambers.

July 7, 2018

Usually the guards wouldn't have been able to hold the hyena cub at all, especially not when he was in his animal form. The only one who he let cradle him was his mother, and apparently Katsu to an extent. But he was still so tired from his little adventure that he didn't even so much as hardly squirm. That was until he saw his parents and let out a soft whine, calling out to them but his words would not form. Hyena tongues cannot speak like that. But his demeanor screamed louder than words what he was feeling was relief to be reunited with his family.

Another sharp whine escaped him when he was close enough to smell her tears and he began to lick them away. He then nuzzled underneath the crook of her neck firmly before resting his tired head against her chest. Closing his eyes and beginning to doze again until he felt his mother tensing, followed by some scolding.

The prince flattened his ears and tucked his tail to show her with hyena body language that was very very sorry for worrying her sick. He bowed his head to be nuzzled before returning the gesture with a few gentle licks to her chin.

But Dakari's mind was still on the snow leopard and despite being sleepy and hungry his tail twitched excitedly when he thought of the promise the other had made to him. He would be sure to rest well so come the next day he would have plenty of strength again to show Katsu that he wasn't just a baby but a strong warrior. Or... well, at least that's what the prince liked to pretend in his head. Sometimes he pretended her were a guard, or his favorite fantasy of all, a Sentinel. All of his imagery positions included practically everything except for what someone would expect of an omega to dream for.

There were so many things he wanted to know, so that Katsu wouldn't just think he was pretending. So as they got into bed, he yawned and tiredly curled up between his parents and looked to his mother first for some answers.

"... Mama? Can you tell me another bedtime story about the Sentinels?"

He wanted her words to fill his mind so as he slept he would be sure to dream about it. And maybe even about the snow leopard if he were lucky. He never wanted the day to have ended at all, but maybe if he were lucky it would last forever in his dreams.

July 8, 2018

Sighing softly as her cub nuzzled against her and apologized in the only way he could in the form he was in, the Queen and her husband ushered their way down the halls. Now that they were reunited with their cub, nothing else seemed to matter. The anxiety and immense concern of previous moments was all but forgotten in favor of having their child back home and safe.

And some time later, when all three lay in bed with their cub safely between them, the Queen hummed softly at the cub's question before exchanging an amused glance with her mate.

"Another story of the Sentinels, hmm. Oh very well, I don't see the harm in it. I will tell you the story of one of our most special and elusive of the Sentinels. The guardian of the North Tower and our Sentinel of Ice. I will tell his origins and how he came to be who he is today and I assure you that you're dreams will be filled with the magic our Ghost of the Mountains weaves with every paw step he takes" she began, running her fingers against her cub's head lovingly while her mate nuzzled against him affectionately.

"A long time ago, long before my birth or the birth of your father. Even before the birth of your grandfathers, right about the time when your great great grandfather was a young male....a beautiful snow leopardess prowled the Tower of the snow covered northern mountains. She was a sight for the eyes of many, lovely without measure and limitlessly gentle natured. Her name was Asami, a name that meant 'Morning Beauty', and my was her beauty was something that pulled the gazes of all she walked by. Asami ruled over her mountains with a gentle yet firm grasp and her fame as a Sentinel was one that reached far across the lands, even further than the reach of our Kingdom. She was a mistress of mysteries...a creature seen in brief glimpses. One moment she was there, the next she wasn't. And while her absence was noted by many during times of meetings, Asami never once failed her position. She protected our realm with her fellow Sentinels without hesitation and kept the balance intact, as was her duty. She was their leader and she was a great leader in truth"

"However, despite the murmurs some often spoke of cold winds that blew across Asami's heart, making it impossible for her to love someone as much as she cared for her duty as Sentinel....they were wrong. Asami was not as duty bound as many would have thought nor was she lacking warmth to her her heart. Her heart beat with warmth but for only one male...one male that had followed her throughout her long centuries of life and had never once allowed her to escape his grasp. He was a Sentinel as well, one belonging to the Southern Tower yet his love for our beauty of the frozen mountains often made him leave his post to visit her for many days a time. The two had loved each other since cubhood, never once faltering in their affections for one another. Many thought that the mating would not work, her chosen mate was of lion descent, craving the warmth of the sun and heat of the ground beneath his paws and Asami was a creature that could only thrive in snow covered lands. Nevertheless, the two never allowed their difference to get in their way"

"Out of their love, Katsu, 'Victory', was born. A strong, majestic cub already...one who bore the bloodline of his mother alone. It was odd for a cub of two different bloodlines to simply take to one side of his parentage....in fact it was nearly unheard of, and yet Katsu was defying everyone even then as just a little one. He was loved as fiercely as the hearts of both his parents could and he grew strong and courageous under their care and affection. Not long after his birth, he was graced with a small sister. Hiyori, 'weather', was born and my did she bring quite the sense of constantly shifting weather with her. She was bold where Katsu was calm mannered, fierce where Katsu was cool headed. And she too bore the bloodline of only one parent, her father. Siblings that bore no resemblance to one another aside from being feline. An odd mixture but loved regardless, because how could one not love the offspring of such a strong mating".

"Years went by and the throne was changed from your great great grandfather's hands to your great grandfather. A young man at this time, one who only recently had mated himself. By then, Katsu and Hiyori had grown into beautiful mirrors of their parents. Both young and full of life, ready to take on the world without missing a step. They were the pride of Asami and her mate's hearts....but not all good things could last. A great war was upon the horizon and when the cries of battle cleared and the haze of bloodlust waned, our realm found themselves missing several of our Sentinels. Brave warriors, the first to defend our kingdoms, had fallen in the midst of the fighting...giving their lives for those that could not. Our realm mourned their passings, as did the remaining Sentinels...bht chaos and panic grew as the balance between our realm and the next threatened to fail without all the guardians present. Our world would have plummeted to great darkness and a great many of lives would have been lost had a solution not been found"

"However, through the panic, a young creature took the step forward to fulfill what would have been expected of him. Katsu and Hiyori had lost their parents in the war....Asami and her mate had left them defenseless and afraid of what the future would hold for them. The siblings were still just cubs, yes perhaps they were older than you are now, my love....but they were still very young and terribly afraid to face this world without the protection of their parents. Nevertheless, Katsu knew what he had to do. Hiyori might not have been quite ready, but he was. It was with that determination that the cub moved forward to fill in the empty paw steps his mother had left behind. Katsu learned quickly from the older remaining Sentinels, he had no choice, he had to help protect this realm as well as his mother had for so many centuries. Moved by his determination, other offspring of the fallen Sentinels stepped forward as well to fill their fallen parents places. And in the days to come, they learned faster than anyone would have ever imagined"

"When the balance between our worlds grew too precarious....when the Sentinels couldn't afford to wait any longer, Katsu lead those as young as himself to stand beside the older...fading Sentinels. Together, they formed a seal between our world and the next and they reestablished the tilting of the balance that ruled us all. They saved us all by doing what would have nearly been considered impossible. And as the seasons came and went, Katsu grew stronger and older along side his dear Hiyori. They claimed rule to the Northern Tower, taking the post previously held by their mother and through Katsu's work as Sentinel...legends grew of him. Sentinels came and went as new chosen ones filled their former positions and yet, none came close to matching the majesty that had become of our snow leopard. Katsu became a name revered by many and stories of him grew to overshadow even tales of his mother. Despite the cold winds that blew across his mountains, he held a heart of kindness...holding an inner warmth that had been born from both his parents"

"Centuries have passed since the start of Katsu's task as Sentinel, and yet the legends remain strong of him. He is one of our most powerful Sentinels, holding a profound bond with the ice that covers his terrain. It is said that he can even make the skies of his home answer to his moods. Impassive winds cause destruction and chaos in his anger, violent rain storms rage during his sadness, and snow falls throughout his tranquility. He is our ghost of the mountains, seen only when he wishes to be seen and by only a select few. Rumor has it, any who venture into his domain can hear the quiet sounds of his mother's voice in the winds....a voice that is said to guide his paw steps. And any who are graced by his presence should feel themselves honored because it is doubtful to see him more than a handful of times throughout your lifetime" the Queen finished quietly, gentle eyes watching her cub as she spoke with respect and even awe in her voice.

Bonds as strong as Time [[For LoneDigger and Myself]]

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