And there it was. This was what he was as he stalked his son with the energy of a madman. It all played out before him like a motion picture. He watched through narrow eyes as his son sprints across the border, his form gaining ground quickly as he zooms to a little alcove before turning to face him like an adult. Leo’s ears twitch only slightly at his son’s call. He would not retreat before his son or his pack. He would not bow nor would he grovel for forgiveness…at least not yet. Instead he slows to a stop before the posturing male before him. Mismatched optics flint across his form, noting his exposed daggers and the glint of determination that shone from his son’s orbs. It was quite impressive. Drawing his own body to full height he allows his own lips to pull away, his body prime and poised as if he owned the world. ”Hmmm. I could very well leave. As history illustrates I have no problem leaving, but I do so when I decide. Not when told.”

The words leave his maw upon a snarl and he takes a threatening step forward, hackles rising to antagonize his son into attacking. Energy crackles down his bones with the intensity of live wire as he readies his body for combat. Every sense sharpens as stares the boy down, years of experience causing it to happen in mere seconds. He was borne to combat for only the strong survived and only the strong were respected. Mind summons all possible ways to lead the assault, on how to defend, and how to end if this were to leave to a skirmish. He ticked them off one by one until he snags on one detail. Did he truly want to maim his son? During his years alone he had come to rely on maiming his opponents for it curtailed further battle. One surely could not fight if one had only two or three legs. He had taken to blinding wolves and even ripping out tongues when he saw fit. Gruesome yes but it was highly effective. But this was not another wild wolf competing with him for survival. This was his son. And suddenly he felt old.

A step back is given as his fur falls back to his body and his lips cover pearled daggers. The aggression that once screamed from his eyes melts into shock, and then into calm acceptance. The boys earlier insult returns to his mind and he gives more credit to the old man statement even though it did not hurt him as the boy meant it to. Leo knew his failings and had come to accept them long ago. He accepted them the moment he saw Jericho and his Dragon together. He accepted them when he fought Flame. He accepted them when he chose to leave all those years ago. He was not fit for a family nor was he fit for his Dragon. He was not able to sit around and be the stable father figure that so many wanted and he was okay with that. He did not know that he had sired pups and for that he was sorry. He was sorry that he was not there to watch them grow. He regretted not being there to show them how to fight or how to be fierce. He regretted a great many things yet at the end of the day it was his decision and he would stand by the consequences like a man. With every ounce of strength in him he throws a bucket of water on the fire that dances within his core. He will not give into the bloodlust today.

A sigh is given as he lowers to his rump, all fight gone from his entire visage. If the whelp still wanted blood then he could take it, Leo will not lift a paw against his own blood. He could not. ”How is Dragon and Jericho? Do you have siblings?” The words are soft, pained, and raw as they escape his lips. He had left her to him. He knows that he should at least apologize for his earlier action but some misplaced pride sticks his tongue to the roof of his mouth. ”You mentioned a sick pup…are you mated?” So many questions welled up from within him that they even take him by surprise. A certain vulnerability appears for a second as his queries are born and for a few moments he allows it. This is his only chance to learn before reinforcements arrive and then he will die knowing nothing. That thought is almost too much to bear but it is no less than he deserves. ”You have every right to be angry and you do not have to answer me. I am who I am and who I am is hard on others.” He pauses, eyes glancing up at his old home. This time his voice is but a low whisper so terrible racked with emotion he is. ”At least I got to see you. It was a mistake coming back for all I am is pain. I did not know about you but you are truly dragon borne. Good luck my son.” And with that he turns to leave. How’s that for confusing.