AIN'T NO REST FOR THE WICKED. DERP. <3 <3 WC: 602

Tonight, Kesho was tired. The recent frigid temperatures had kept his bones feeling less than comfortable, and so he often walked in Optime. This time, though, he'd felt even too tired to bother shifting, feeling that the energy loss from transforming might just force him to sleep for a few solid hours. And that wouldn't do; he needed that time. If he slept, and someone came in the night, would he wake up? Kesho always felt it better to be safe, and so he preferred to rest for short periods. As they said, the wicked rarely slept.

All that was to say, the old man didn't really want to be out here, tracing the borders looking for things that likely wouldn't come. But they might. And if they did, he would be there. Even now.

Every limb felt exhausted, achy, and simply old. Kesho hated feeling old. Grumpily, he slowed his speed to a more comfortably pace and let out a heavy sigh, his breath a misty cloud before crimson eyes.

What was that, in the distance? His eyes narrowed, once again picking up his pace, but only slightly. Some white figure, in the nearby distance, approaching Inferni borders. Their pace seemed leisurely, almost cautious; not the behavior of an enemy, unless their tactics had changed. It was with equal curiosity, and a heavy dose of fatigue that he approached what looked to be a female's figure. A opalescent phantom, glowing amidst a misty night. Something about her make his skin tingle and crawl, once-pleasant memories flashing across his mind's eye. The old man's brows furrowed, annoyed at this late-night disturbance. The Hydra hoped this would not be an long task to deal with.

As he grew closer, the cold breeze managed to carry a whiff of her scent. Immediately, he became more aware. She smelled vaguely of Anathema, but also something else. Something familiar, but something that he didn't know anything of. Accompanied by a distinct but low growl, the rust-colored man approached and stopped several yards away from the woman, staring out from the borders, his body wound betwixt hollow, decayed remains; memories of war, punishment, and justice. They were trophies.

Kesho's hackles remained raised, head lowered but ears alert. Even at this distance, she seemed to bare no sign of ill will. But that hasn't stopped you before, Kesho... hissed a voice at the back of his mind. Thoughts flashed to his scuffle with that russet and red brute, that cowardly wolf. But, no, it was his duty to protect these borders, and that was what he would do.

"Why are you here?" he shouted, gruff voice projecting a vigor and sense of strength that he currently lacked, punctuated by a snarl. His limbs ached; they begged not to be put to work. The Hydra, assuming the woman's lack of desire for confrontation, hoped that this simple display would be enough to get her on her way out of here. It wasn't usually that easy, though. But then again, why would this pretty, lone wolfess be here, alone, now, if she wanted to fight. Who would come alone? Suddenly, Kesho feared that Inferni lacked the respect it once had, and frowned at the thought.

"This is Inferni." he growled the simple words, red eyes peering out, trying to catch her own under the light of the moon. "You reek of Anathema." the Hydra added, yellowing teeth bared, nose upturned as if the smell truly offended him. But still, there was something else to it...

Ohman. Ilu. Also, sorry, I didn't realize she was facing away from him. >< WC: 359

Thankfully, the woman seemed rightfully intimidated by Kesho's brief display, and she acted accordingly. His assumption had been correct, and she seemed just as keen to avoid serious confrontation at this hour as the Hydra was. The woman lowered her head in some sort of submission, and the russet man relaxed his own tense muscles slightly.

“I was going to try and talk to Kaena, but decided against it. I decided to turn around. I mean you no harm,” the ivory woman explained to him with a shake of her head.

A single, large ear twitched at the mention of Kaena. This woman knew the Lykoi queen? His interest was piqued, but his guard would not be let down so easily, no matter her intentions. Kesho did, however, take a few steps forward, out from behind the borderline. His aging body was thankful for the reprieve; he did not want to fight tonight.

"You know Kaena." he stated simply. "You came all the way here only to turn around? Why? Seems a bit useless, don't you think?" he scoffed, touting her for her lack of planning, or perhaps her lack of bravery. Maybe he just wanted something to poke fun at her for, to keep up appearances or whatever. Then, he demanded, "Who are you?"

Why was he even bothering to talk to this woman? Did she really deserve his attention? Of course she doesn't deserve your attention, you wailing idiot. She's a wolf, a wolf! Remember! The enemy... came Bael's hiss in the back of his mind. Kesho could suppress him for now, but if he let his lethargy take over any further, he might lack the strength. With a brief shake of his head, his dark crimson eyes rose to meet hers briefly; one sky blue and one a dull red. He remembered his vow to be more accepting, like Gabriel, and though it nearly pained him, he would try. After all, she was in no way aggressive, yet.

"I know," she said, chuckling briefly. If she knew Kaena, of course she knew this place. Then, with distinct disfavor, she added: "but I hardly reek."

Though he wouldn't admit it, she was right. The woman did smell distinctly of Anathema, but it was not the only scent that she carried.

Kesho is awkward. WC: 472

The woman was obviously frightened of him, her movements ceasing the moment his began. And why shouldn't she be? Kesho felt better, knowing that at least some of that old Inferni fear still lingered in some. With a slight smirk, he stopped advancing now, choosing to watch the ivory wolfess silently instead. She seemed surprised by his words, as if it was odd of him to ask those questions. Maybe it was odd. Something about her kept him there, where normally he might have fled. Though she seemed somewhat eager to be getting back, and maybe he should just let her go.

“Tayui Aston. By the time I got here, I realized all I needed was a walk. I don’t need to go bothering leaders of other clans at midnight after all,” she explained, obviously trying to keep herself out of trouble.

Besides his own fatigue, he had not really thought about the time, or whether it was strange or not for someone to show up here so late. After all, the hours he kept were odd, and he knew he wasn't the only one. Perhaps Hybrid was probably among the few who rarely slept, or the few who preferred to prowl at night.

Then, oddly, she added: “But now that I'm here... well, I never used to be an insomniac. It's hard to sleep. I've got too much energy.”

The man raised his eyebrows slightly, mild interest falling across his face. An insomniac? By her description, maybe he had it, too. As quickly as they had raised, his eyebrows furrowed in thought. The Hydra raised his dark eyes to her, watching as very small smile fell across her face. Quickly he cleared his throat and avoided her gaze. Wolves never smiled at him, and to see it on her mouth felt, for some reason, very strange. Something was almost familiar about this white creature.

"I guess so, walking so far for no good reason." he muttered, pausing as a breeze rolled past, an ear twitching and nose raising to catch any other foreign scents that might be lurking. "I don't sleep much either." he said roughly, his voice carrying little emotion. He didn't really care that he didn't sleep much; he had a job to do, after all. But was he even doing it now?

"I'm Kesho." he offered vaguely, feeling somewhat awkward standing here to a woman who should be his enemy, but whom he was forcing himself to have proper conversation with. And why? So that Gabriel would like him? Well, maybe. Maybe he really did want to change... You'll never change so long as I'm around! Bael's voice cackled back, interrupting his momentarily positive thoughts.

"How..." he cleared his throat again, though it never sounded any less rough: "Er, how do you know Kaena?" he asked in a horrible attempt to make conversation. Man, he was bad at this stuff.

Kesho had to remember that the clan was different now. It was more accepting, more tolerant. But he couldn't help but harbor hostility; it was embedded in him, after all.

Blaaahhh!! >> lol. WC: 389

“It’s nice to meet you, Kesho,” Tayui said, her manners impeccable despite the surely bad impression Kesho had made on her.

The Hydra shifted slightly uncomfortably; he was not used to being treated with such polite words by wolves. It made him feel uneasy, in a way that he wasn't entirely sure about; maybe it was a good feeling.

The ivory Anathema woman began her story, and Kesho's eyes narrowed in suspicion. It seemed she had been here nearly as long ago as he had. And if that were true, why had they not met before? Of course he knew; back then, he would have done as he normally had, and attacked on sight. He shook his head vaguely, mostly to himself. The Hydra felt awkward standing here, bothering to listen to this Tayui woman speak. His brain itched, thoughts battling constantly as he forced himself to remain calm, remember the words he and Gabriel had exchanged. Even Kaena was more tolerant, now. He wondered if it might not do him some good to make a few friends outside of the clan. But, then again, why? Did it really matter? Wasn't the clan all that mattered?

"I lived in Inferni in the years before the fire. I also left before it happened." he grunted in short form. Even as he spoke, his body tensed; his mind was discomforted by her mere presence. Kesho sighed heavily, adding: "I don't remember you." But of course he didn't.

The woman spoke highly of Kaena, and he couldn't help but feel a swelling of pride, of something akin to gratitude for Tayui's praise. A wolf's praise. An Anathema wolf's praise. Instantly he wondered why she was there. She didn't seem like she belonged to such a ruthless anarchist group. But then... he didn't know her at all.

"Kaena is a remarkable woman." he said, unable to contain his admiration for the Centurion. "I don't know much of Gabriel, but he seems noteworthy." he paused for a moment, red eyes sweeping over here again. She seemed awfully curious, so he wondered aloud: "I don't see many wolves so curious about coyotes as you. Why?" Kesho's large ears rotated and twitched as the wind rustled through the trees once more. What was she here for, really, anyways?

Yay for Kesho's inner turmoil! WC: 413

At Kesho's words of Kaena, Tayui had managed a distinct and honest smile. Though he knew it wasn't directed towards him, Kesho still felt that ball of awkward tension sitting in his chest. He had felt the warmth of someone's company with Talitha; she had treated him fondly and no differently than anyone else, despite his age. Could he find that again? To Kesho, he was a washed up old man with little future, and certainly no possibility for romance. Who would love him? Red eyes peered into Tayui's bi-colored ones with wonder, but his expression remained rather lacking. He was a fool to even consider this...enemy in that way.

Her expression changed as he demanded answers from her, and she launched into a string of words that Kesho hadn't prepared for. Every accusation, every admonition of ignorance, of intolerance, stung him deeply. This is what Gabriel meant, what Kaena meant. He suddenly felt terribly out of place, and it took every ounce of self control inside of him not to bolt from the spot, feeling worthless, uncapable of change, unable to look past appearances. Was this what he had become? Don't listen to that garbage! Bael screamed as it became clear that Kesho was considering her words, She speaks lies, she's deceiving you! Don't let her convince you. You're a demon, after all. Must he believe that? He could not be sure, but he supposed had always been this way, really. A racist beast who was controlled by anger, hatred, by the ferocity of his past. Controlled by Bael, tempted, teased, forced into blinding rage. But what more could he be?

Kesho sat. He could not think of words to say as his mind broke apart her words, each fragment echoing through his thoughts. He felt intense defeat and sudden, heartbreaking sadness at his pathetic life. Maybe Bael would finally win, this time.

"I...I can't..." he began, but failed again to find words. Sighing with frustration, he forced himself to speak. "Everything that you said..." he choked out gruffly, "is the opposite of what I know."

The Hydra was lost, and didn't know how to be found. Did he want to try? Did he really want to?

"I don't know. Maybe I should go..." he said awkwardly, turning his head with a paw raised hesitantly, crimson eyes seeking solace in the darkness. Who would help him now?

<333 So much self-questioning. I think this is a turning point. xD Feels weird, man. WC: 526

Why was he still standing there, like an idiot? Why not just leave, walk away, ignore this woman and not worry about what she said or how it might have affected him again? Something kept him there. Was it a desire to learn, a desire to prove himself wrong, a desire to be something more than what he'd been for so long, or something else?

Tayui spoke, her words an attempt to comfort and encourage him. They hardly helped.

“I don’t think you need to go,” said the creme-colored lady, offering gentle redirection, “If you’re doubting yourself, know that you asked me first. You’ve already tried to learn more and that’s quite noble. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings; it certainly wasn’t my intention. They were just some observations I’ve made over the years.”

"No, I...it's not you." he stammered, wondering why he was having so much trouble, now. Was he just that tired? Maybe he really did want to befriend this woman. Maybe it would give him some insight, too. But would he, could he accept it, believe it? Or would he just use it against her, in the end, as he was so prone to doing?

"Is that how everyone sees Inferni? A bunch of ignorant beasts that kill for fun?" he asked grimly, truly wondering; maybe that was really all he was.

The Hydra stood again with a heavy sigh, turning to pace in a deliberate but slow circle, clearly uncomfortable with himself. Crimson eyes found hers searchingly, wondering more about this calypso of a woman that had stumbled quite accidentally into his life. Did she really matter, or was it just the idea of her...her ideas?

The old man settled right back into the same spot he'd left, falling back to his haunches again, feeling deflated and still unworthy. Did he want to be like Hybrid, who had diluted his own personality with hatred and anger so much that it was all he knew? Well, Kesho had certainly been headed down that road. But that wasn't what he wanted. The old man, in his golden years, wanted to be able to have the luxury of friends, people he could count on. Surely he had that in the clan, but how many of them actually cared for him? Were they really friends? Besides Kaena, he was unsure. There had been a time when the clan was all he needed. Even now, he still believed that; but it wasn't working, he needed something else. Maybe this was it.

"You didn't...hurt my feelings," he said, a bit annoyed that it had been questioned. Really, though, she had caused a near crisis inside his head.

After a long pause, Kesho's voice rose again, now in an attempt to converse under the night sky, dark red eyes scanning the atmosphere, picking out what few constellations he knew. "Look, Orion is out with his dogs..." the Hydra offered coolly, struggling with his attempts to make idle conversation after his near-breakdown. What was he doing, talking about the stars. Oh, god. How would he ever make friends this way? What a pitiful attempt, Bael spat back, confirming his fears and making the Hydra swallow hard. That instinct to run was still so prevalent. One more wrong move and he would bolt; there was no sense in sticking around just to make an ass of himself.

Lawl random knowledge. WC: 453

The ivory woman shook her head in response to Kesho's inquiry, but then she seemed to reconsider that gesture, interrupting it and saying: “A little, yes. Just the ones that don’t know any Infernians personally, I guess.”

The old Hydra's frown deepened, and he chose not to respond to this comment. They were right to hold that opinion, weren't they? After all, there were still some in Inferni that were that way. Kesho himself once was, and may still be. His mind still itched, fighting a constant inner battle. His aging morals held steady in his mind, though he fought them to flex with the changing times, and the changing clan. The graying coyote knew that while he might not be able to fully embrace these new standards, he would at least attempt to make himself a little more updated.

Crimson eyes had turned towards the stars now, preferring to get away from political issues for the moment. Kesho couldn't remember who exactly had taught him about the stars, but he had found it fascinating. It was true that he didn't know any massive amount of information about them, but he did know more than most. Some nights, they took him away for hours.

"Hmm,” she said, following his gaze, asking: “I don’t know much about the stars, unfortunately. Which one’s Orion?”

"It's..." he started, but quickly realized that it would be near impossible to point it out to her where he was. So, the Hydra stood and slowly, tentatively walked towards her, awkwardly seating himself next to her so that he might show her from her own view point. The old man was careful not to touch her, feeling his skin nearly itch from being so close at all. Kesho cleared his throat(though it did little to ease the roughness of his voice), and raised a paw in an attempt to point out the star. "You see that cluster of bright stars?" he began, "The brightest one is part of Canis Major, one of Orion's dogs. The other is directly to the right. Canis Minor." he gave a small chuckle. "Not very clever names..." he said, trailing off. With a shake of his head and the realization that he was dropping his guard, Kesho then added: "Anyways, Orion is directly above the two dogs. His torso is made of three smaller stars in a diagonal line."

Had he really just bothered to explain all of that? Either his standards for good company really were changing, or he was simply delirious from lack of sleep. Kesho couldn't say, though, that he wasn't enjoying himself, at least a little bit. It was certainly more entertaining than patrolling the borders for hours without any company; though now that he thought about it, maybe he should be getting back to doing that...

Sorry about the wait! <3 WC: 308

It was weird, what he was feeling. He wasn't sure if he liked it, either. Really, he wasn't sure what he should like it. The old Hydra had to constantly remind himself that yes, it was alright to talk to... them. But it didn't feel right, not yet. And not to mention, Bael constantly hissed inside of his mind, trying to rot his impressions away, determined to cause quick decay to any positive relations outside of Inferni. No, maybe he shouldn't befriend her. Then she spoke, though, and still he stayed to listen. Still, his attention was drawn.

“Hmm,” she muttered, staring up, “I’m afraid all I see are dots. How can you always find the right ones? They all look so similar to me.”

With a vague chuckle, he nodded, leaning his body away from her a bit now as his eyes wandered. "Yeah," he said, "I thought that too, once."

The old coyote cleared his throat, crimson eyes staring out at the familiar landscape, feeling it luring him back. It was now that he patrolled these borders that he cherished so greatly, and it felt almost wrong to be skipping his duty, and especially to be passing the time with a wolf. The Hydra suppressed a slight shiver at the thought, at the hateful words being whispered in mind.

Kesho inhaled briefly, nearly speaking, but then stopping to consider his words for a moment. His head tilted to the right at a slight angle, eyes casting once more to the skies. "I suppose when you're alone, the stars are better friends to have than none," he said quietly, stealing a quick glance at her before turning his head upward once again. What did he have to lose by being honest with her? Kesho was too old now to harbor regrets.

He's all over the place, hurrr.

Kesho was aware of her confused glance, but ignored it. He said what he had wanted to say, after all. The old coyote became once again aware of the constant pull away from there, away from her. He still waged small battles in his mind, only barely remaining there, by sheer will power. It was fading, though; Kesho wasn't sure how much longer he could force his body to stay there. He needed to patrol, didn't he? If he didn't, who would? Hybrid would, he knew, but that was not enough, not really.

“You’re right,” she said.

Kesho grunted a reply, tuning in an out of her following words vaguely. Almost as quickly as he'd started talking to her, he'd regretted it. What had he gotten into with this? The Romantic Era? What's she on about, he thought. Trying to be polite, he gave a rough nod as she ended, hardly catching the slight compliment she'd given him. Was she enjoying his company? Rare. Strange.

"Right," he managed back with a slight grin.

What was wrong with him, that he couldn't just sit and enjoy someone's company? She's a wolf! Bael screamed. Kesho knew that, though. And still, there he was. It may have been for Kaena or for Gabriel, or somehow perhaps himself. But for one reason or another, he managed to stay, awkwardly glancing to the stars, not knowing now how to continue. He constantly planned a way out, should it go awry. For now, though, he would become violent.

Short, sorry. D: Having trouble posting with him lately, arrghh! WC: 241

His head was swimming, and he suddenly felt intensely uncomfortable in Tayui's presence. It would be rude to just leave, he knew that, but he wasn't sure how much longer he could stay here, either. She questioned him, "Is something wrong?" She even apologized. But she hadn't done anything; it was just him. Kesho sighed deeply, looking away again.

The old Hydra stared off into the empty, dark spaces between the trees, sure that he would soon see something moving there. Even if he never caught sight of anything, he would forever be watchful. After all, it was his job to make sure nothing moved here but Inferni.

He felt so torn. He wanted to stay, he needed to get this insight that Gabriel and Kaena so coveted, that they now embraced, but it felt so wrong. His body protested, nearly screamed at him where he stood. Kesho clenched crimson eyes shut tight for a moment, shaking his head as if it would help him snap out of a momentary mental collapse, but he knew it wouldn't. With a frustrated, low sigh, he spoke.

"No..." he said, though it was clear he was somewhat unsure. "No, nothing's wrong...I just--I think I need to go," he managed to look her in the eye for a brief moment before adding, "Sorry, I...need to get back to work," Kesho grunted as he slowly stood, taking small, unsure steps away from her.