Secret Woodlands And I know, I know, I know, I know

Hollow watched the former leader of Secret Woodlands grow angry and then deflate in defeat. His heart twisted for the male and he knew what Koda was feeling, Azariah had left him and it hurt, but the difference was that Hollow had not caused such a thing where as Koda had created his own demise. As much as the dark male wished for things to be different he knew the couldn't be. The feelings he had burning for Nina told him so, one of the two males would leave. But which one, he did not know, and truth be told he almost did not want to know. Koda who was once so trusted now sat at the bottom of Secret Woodlands.... that was at least one thing Hollow could fix.

"Koda, I feel that in spring, one of us will have to leave, whom ever does, just know that I wish to remain as much of friends as we can be. I cannot trust you lead the family that I love so much but you are not an omega. I cannot trust you with this pack, but I can trust you completely as a pack mate." He sighed knowing that Koda would not like what he said but he could not change it. "This is why if you are chosen I will leave. I am sorry but that is the way it must be, I cannot change my heart nor my convictions. But I can tell you that you will no longer be considered the true lowest... if you will accept it."

Hollow was an honest male, still learning his ways around the pack and managing the many lives that were under his control and because of this Koda gave him the benefit of the doubt although his ears perked with disbelief at his words. He could not trust him to lead the pack?! He had been a leader before and had kept his family alive a year prior, despite his leaving, his leadership skills had not gone away and he would remain the same wolf he was when he and Hollow had first met. He would not change simply because of some unfortunate circumstance, but his lips remained close in regard to this comment, he had no more energy to defend his reputation. All he had left was action, and he would do what he had to for his own happiness and the wellbeing of the pack.

I'm afraid that I am in the same boat my friend. So if she chooses you, I will leave. Stay here and lead Secret Woods, they will need you... he trailed off, his eyes coming to his feet. He had entered this encounter with so much anger, his accusations rising high, and now as he stood at his spot he realized how silly he was to have blamed Hollow. His issue was with Nina, and he needed to get some answers from her before this chapter of his life was finally closed. Though he would not assure the male that finally, they were on the most friendly of terms, he respected him enough to allow him to keep Secret Woodlands as his own, the members followed him, they trusted him. He knew that his past made their trust for him fleeting--it would take months before they were satisfied with having him as their leader.

"I can accept your offer, but I do not know how long I can stay as your subordinate. If her decision is for you, then I can no longer call this place my home. he could not sit by and watch Nina be happy with Hollow while he suffered while watching their progress. He would need to escape, and he would hope the two understood the reason for why he would desert them a last and final time, if only for the sake of the pack.

The dark leader of the woodlands gave a weak smile at Koda's words, he was certainly a wise wolf, and Hollow almost regretted his decision, but he just couldn't get over the fact that Koda has disappeared like he had. Some part of him wished to simply give him everything back, but he just couldn't do it, Koda had indeed been capable, but things had changed, for the better or the worse remained to be seen but they had changed. When Koda rose, Hollow reached forward and grasped his muzzle firmly, this decision, he didn't need Nina for. Koda had certainly proved that he wasn't the lowest wolf in the pack anymore. As much as Hollow hurt for him, things would not change further until Nina decided whom she would be with.

"Just know that even if she chooses you, do not hesitate to call if you need anything, this will always be my family." Hollow fell silent, before flicking his tail in dismissal of the encounter, he was tired and ready to get that sleep that Koda had already interrupted. He faded into the shadows knowing deep down that he didn't want anything to change but if it did, he would rise to meet it as he always did. Hollow did not fall victim no despair anymore, he had grown strong now, and did not despair at life, he met it blow for blow when it tried to hurt him. This was what had made him effective as a leader, and he hoped he could continue to lead, even after spring.

I'll archive. Thanks for the great thread! :D

His shoulder muscle twitched, a sign that like his counterpart he needed rest and the time to contemplate his next steps. There was plenty for him to mull over in his den, he only hoped the decision he would make in the future would be the right choice; he hated to break up his family once more. Shaking his skull, his gaze wandering back to the younger male before him he felt the grip along his maw and jerked backward in reaction, only to calm himself when he realized the male's intentions. He would promote him from Omega, it was an honorable task that Koda dipped his head to, giving the male a once over before speaking.

"I respect that from you Hollow"

With the tension in the atmosphere dissipated, he felt a portion of the weight fall from his shoulders but he would not allow Nina to get off this easily. She had a lot of explaining to do, he felt that the least she could have done was acknowledge him of such huge changes, but than again, their relationship was full of surprises lately. With Hollow out of the general area, having promoted him and left for his den shortly after, he took the moment to linger in his spot, contemplating calling his mate to the area but decided against it. He would wait until the morning, he needed a clear mind while addressing him; he was too emotional now. Sighing as he stood, he stood a minute or so more before turning on his toes and headed to his own den where he considered remaining for the rest of the night and part of the next day if time allowed.