Things had taken an unexpected turn in the Backwater, an unwelcome one, as far as Vasco was concerned. Not only did Clover’s stepping up to lead mean that Rochus had risen to second rank, bringing him level with the Halex, but now Vayko had returned, alone. Everything that had looked so promising mere months ago was seeping into the sand – spring was just around the corner, and it was looking more and more likely that the Wards were gonna come out on top.

It was looking more and more like Vasco would need to take action if he wanted to preserve his line’s superiority, not a prospect he took lightly. So, in search of a quiet moment to clear his mind, he’d headed into the western woods, hoping to get away from the visiting horde from the Cove. He hadn’t done much exploring in this direction, but the denser, mixed forest was attractive to his brooding mind.

Subconsciously, he might also have hoped the evergreen cedars had kept back some of the snowfall, making it easier to pace beneath them. That hope was quickly quashed though, as he found the ground here as covered in ice and snow as everywhere else. In fact, he was just thinking to himself that this area seemed especially icy, when his paws suddenly dropped out from under him, his body hitting the slippery ground with a thud.

Like a pre-set trap, the strip of ice carried him swiftly downhill and into a puddle just deep enough to not be frozen solid, depositing the pale wolf in a pool of icy water that quickly soaked through his fur. So much for his villainous brooding.

Thoughts ”Speech”

It was quite the undignified position he found himself in, sloshing among the ice, drenched to the bone. He was just happy no one had seen his mishap, or so he thought, until an all too unwelcome voice pierced the silence. A shiver that had nothing to do with the ice ran down Vasco’s spine; Of course it had to be HIM! The only thing worse than Rochus’ son would have been the bastard himself.

Scrambling to his feet, the skinny wolf shook himself off hurriedly, glaring towards his nephew. The ridicule in his voice had come across plenty clear to Vasco, his ears flattening back and one corner of his mouth curling in a humorless smile; “Vayko, fancy seeing you out here.” And then, whether because of his earlier thoughts, or simply his ire at being seen in such a humiliating situation, he couldn’t stop himself from adding: “Running away again?”

It was unwise, dangerous even, but his frustration had grown to a bursting point and Vayko had become the center of it all. Rochus’ son, the bad seed, source of all his problems – it was awfully easy to blame it all on the young, former leader. And why shouldn’t he? Vayko was no longer in charge, he was at the bottom of the totem pole now; The omega! Vasco’s smile grew wider, tail rising high behind him, wet or not, he was the top wolf here.

Thoughts ”Speech”

Whether it was instinct, or simply his mistrustful nature, it would seem Vasco had read his nephew correctly, and he wasted no time in revealing his intent.  He shouldn’t have been surprised, Vayko’s ambition was no secret, and neither was his opinion of Vasco, yet the older man still felt rage bubble in his chest. Of course, he would choose this very moment, to make Vasco’s humiliation complete – his offer to delay earned him no credit in the Halex’s book – it was clear that Vayko had no respect for his elder and all that had happened while he was off galivanting.

Vasco’s smile twisted into a true sneer, his own tail rising in response to his nephews. “And I suppose you expect me to just hand it over?” he asked bitterly, squaring up against the younger wolf. Sure, Vayko was younger and burlier than his uncle, but strength wasn’t everything, especially when it came to deciding the future of their family. In Vasco’s eyes, Rochus’ son had proven himself incapable of leading, looking out for his own best interests rather than the packs, and on top of that, he was a threat to the supremacy that the Halex had established within the Backwater. He needed to be dealt with, one way or another.

Knowing he would have to rely on speed here, Vasco spared no more time, barring his teeth in a full-on snarl as he rushed his nephew; Well think again! His target was a front ankle, jaws parting briefly to clamp down on the bone as he barreled forwards. He might lack a good bit of weight on the younger wolf, but with the aid of surprise, he hoped to be able to knock him off his feet, gaining the upper hand.

Thoughts ”Speech”

His teeth found their mark and he clamped down hard, willing to pierce all the way to the bone, if necessary, but as he continued forwards, he didn’t feel the shift he’d expected. Despite his attempt at surprise, Vayko had managed to steady himself enough to push back against his uncle’s smaller weight.

However, his defense wasn’t as effective as he’d hoped, Vasco using his smaller size to his advantage, sidestepping and wiggling under the projected shoulder to continue his attack. Having found little success with his first assault – other than what he hoped would be a notable wound – he instead went for softer tissue, aiming to end the fight quickly. From his already low position, it was easy to launch for Vayko’s belly, teeth bared to slice deep and cause a serious wound.

Thoughts ”Speech”

Another success! As teeth hit flesh, Vasco moved eagerly to gauge deep, happy to leave permanent damage which would ensure the younger wolf never challenged him again. But Vayko was quick to respond, pulling away from Vasco’s hold and forcing him back with his paws.

The older man snarled as he was pushed down by the combination of higher weight and strength his opponent possessed. He had known this was the danger, that up close he had no chance to defeat his nephew. The stench of his blood filled Vasco’s nose, yet Vayko did not relent, grabbing for his uncle’s muzzle to further subdue him, and this time, the Halex wasn’t fast enough to evade. Though he tried to back up, he stumbled on the slippery ground, and as he fought to right himself, he felt teeth close around his nose.

Vasco suppressed a whine as he felt teeth pierce his skin, forced to lower himself until his belly touched the ground, to lighten the pressure. He wanted to struggle, to make another attack, but even the smallest amount of wiggling would deepen the wounds around his muzzle, threatening to do permanent damage. So, he conceded, growing still in the stronger man’s hold, he had no other choice.

Thoughts ”Speech”