And there they were just new found acquaintances proceeding to almost rip each other apart. From a distance the two looked like quarreling brothers, and it was almost satirical that they were. They were half-brothers, bound by the same blood that they would hate until the end of their days. The towering masculine figure that shoved him into the dirt and beat the royals pups till near brinks of death sometimes. He exercised his control of their fears constantly and the bloody herculean had learned quickly that he was better off mute. He had spent years not talking, he could have sworn that he’d forgotten how to. His mother had been his only saving grace. Every night he returned to their cramped den she could tuck herself around him whispering to him, I love you darling and no matter what life throws at you I will always be here. I will wait for you every night and each morning I will rise with you to greet the new day with a smile. It was those words that had gotten Horizon through many of the days he’d almost lost control. So many times he’d wanted to lunge for Farant’s throat and so many times he had to tell himself he’d be dead if he tried. He couldn’t leave his mother alone in that cold desolate place, not then.

Horizon screamed almost every word, but his voice so unused gave out. And all he could muster was a whisper. Even as he spoke Akuji’s name the bloody demon couldn’t raise his voice enough to give it a sound of recognition, but the male understood him anyways. Aye, Horizon it is me. So… You are not here to kill me? Horizon could only manage a hoarse laugh in response. That was the last thing he had aimed for. He just wanted a companion to understand him and Akuji would understand so perfectly what his life had been like. Everything he had lost, all the pain he suffered… Akuji was likely to understand and know. Why... Why are you here then? How did you find this land that I was exiled to? There was a change of air around the pair as Akuji spoke up in their silence. Horizon wasn’t really sure how to answer considering he’d never really thought he’d live to see a day where he could speak with his friends again.

I never expected to find one of you ever again… After he exiled you and your siblings I was put to death by combat… Seeing as I was no longer any use to him. I had no one to serve and watch with you gone and so my mother sought out ways to get me away. Her means of finding my escape I will never truly know but from what I had heard she had found someone who knew of a way out. Horizon looked out across the ashen field remembering the look on his mothers face as she walked him out of the packlands. She had gone with him to the border but she didn’t dare cross, Darling, you are on your own from here… just follow the scent trails of any living soul and you’ll find your way to a paradise unknown… It was in that moment that Horizon knew he’d never see her again, ever. My mother took me to the edge of the packlands and told me to follow stale scent trails. I wandered for days after that until I stumbled into Blossom Forest, I never found where I came through and I never intend to… Horizon turned his mismatched gaze back to his half-brother, it was strange to him to think that he had siblings by some relation. He struggled to remember the others, but his memory was failing him… Farant had made sure to never mention the royal pup’s names around him and so he forgot them with time.

Horizon sat back down, his white tipped tail wrapping against the side of his body. Have all of you been exiled here..? He voice was still barely more than a whisper as he spoke. His vocals were scratched and hoarse from their yelling match only minutes ago. My memory fails me when I try to recall our younger years when life was a bit more carefree… Farant made sure I forgot who all of you were even when I served you… What are the names of your siblings? Horizon blinked as he stared out into the horizon, he had finally attained some form of happiness. His mother’s words still rang true in his mind, still clear as the day she had spoken them.