• Fenris Okami's Gallery
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  • Artist Info: The breeze was cool, as it typically was for this time of year. Fall was one step closer to winter, yet inside he already felt as cold as the snow that was bound to fall sooner or later. The moon was rising steadily higher, gazing down with beaming light at the crimson winged creature perched on the roof of his home. Inside, he could hear the faint murmur of his sleepy Family, but he couldn't bring himself to join them. Alone he sat, wings curled around his form softly, head in his hands, and legs drawn in. The past few days wore heavily on his mind, and they only kept getting worse. It seemed anything he said or did just brought about more tension, to the point he was scared to speak at all. <br />
    <br />
    Being a demon, he had tried to tell himself emotions would only make him weak. Love was a foolish thing, handing a map to your heart to someone so they could stab you. He had tried to convince himself he didn't need anyone, but deep down, he knew how much his Family meant to him. It had changed wildly since the time where he and Arashi had ruled it side by side, but it meant a lot to him, more than he ever cared to admit. Perhaps that was why it all hurt him so badly. Rose petal eyes slammed shut as he cringed, replaying the memory in his already tormented mind.<br />
    <br />
    "We have to go...", Evelyn's eyes pleaded with him to understand. She reached out to him, but he shied from her touch.<br />
    <br />
    "Please, Fenris, we still love you, we just can't handle this right now. We need to get out on our own...away from all this", Ryuko echoed her sister, her voice soft and pained, but certain.<br />
    <br />
    "It's nothing against Okami, but it's the way things have to be", Rose nodded from where she was, her cherry blossom mane swishing around her.<br />
    <br />
    "But I want you here with me...I thought we were a Family! Family can't just...you can't just...", he tried to speak, but his voice was strained. They were leaving? Just like that?<br />
    <br />
    "It isn't to hurt any of you, we never intended that", Evelyn assured him quickly, frowning.<br />
    <br />
    "We just need our space, time for us, and time away from the drama of it all", Ryuko finished the thought.<br />
    <br />
    "But...", he couldn't think of words. This was the end, wasn't it? Three of his Betas, gone, just like that...    <br />
    <br />
    Slender arms slid around his back, tucking under his wings and snapping him out of his miserable thoughts. He jerked at the sudden contact, but those warm lips against the side of his neck were telltale, and he relaxed into the arms that held him. There was silence for a moment, their opposite energies mingling curiously around one another.<br />
    <br />
    "You can't do this to yourself...you're worrying them all, you know. Myself most of all", she whispered against his scarred skin dyed red from his time in the Netherworld. He sighed softly and lifted his head tiredly from his hands, glancing over his shoulder to let himself drown in the ocean blue of her eyes. Some would find it odd that a demon could ever take an angel for a lover. He couldn't imagine it any other way. She soothed his constant anxieties and taught the hesitant demon how to love. He liked to believe in return, he taught her something about how even the darkest beings desired light in their lives in some form or another. But he honestly wasn't sure what he had to offer the stunning angel that loved him so.<br />
    <br />
    "I don't know how to do this...", he admitted quietly, shaking his head, "every day is a new battle. I'm stuck between fighting and giving up. If I fight for the Family, it only seems to make those who left mad. If I give up, I let down everyone who stayed..."<br />
    <br />
    "It's okay to fight to keep the Okami Family alive, Fenris, but you can't fight against the Family members who left", she shook her head and drew back enough to look at him. <br />
    <br />
    "But they chose to leave the Family! They don't want to be here anymore, and they don't want to be close to us. They said the drama was too much! If I go talk to them, they're tense, and if I stay away, they think I don't care, Lily. What do I do with that?" He insisted, eyes narrowing in distress.<br />
    <br />
    "They left because they felt strained. Lots of things were happening, and they left for their mental health. They're not under your roof anymore, they don't live here anymore, but they're still Family", Lily gazed at him evenly.<br />
    <br />
    "But are you sure they still want to be part of the Family...?" He didn't know what to think anymore. His head lowered and she grabbed his chin gently, lifting his eyes to her's once more.<br />
    <br />
    "Yes, of course they want to stay close to us. They still love us just as you love them. That hasn't changed", she spoke firmly, trying to get across to her lover. He hesitated a moment, eyes dark before lifting his head back and away, rising to his feet and turning to look away, off into the distance. The house was massive, with more than enough rooms for their goofy Family, and out front was filled with all kinds of training equipment for the fighters, as well as some toys that likely the younger ones had dragged out. Some stuffed animals laid in the grass, and Fenris narrowed his eyes when he saw all Star's, his daughter's, dolls had been stripped of all their clothes. He snorted. Tobi. His gaze lifted to beyond the trees surrounding the manor, where there was a fountain and a small clearing. The Clan usually met out there to frolic in the grass and play around. He hadn't been back in awhile, it usually didn't end well whenever he went.<br />
    <br />
    "Lately everything's been a mess...what will the whole cosplaying thing...then my sister lost her temper, and that whole fight...", he sighed softly, wings flexing behind him. He had remembered Mori storming back into the house in the middle of the night, angry that her parenting skills had been questioned and how the entire fight had happened. He had tried to defuse the situation, but it hadn't done a lot of good. He'd received a letter the very next day from his former Clan mate Mari, angry that any of that had happened, and angry that he had supposedly forbid those in his house from coming out to speak to any of those who had left. <br />
    <br />
    "It's not too much to fix, we all just need to talk. Don't shut yourself away like this. It won't solve this problem. You have to express your feelings, but stay calm about it", Lily rose to her feet too. She eyed him carefully, as if trying to read his expression and body language. He was still for a long time before he decided it was time to go and speak to his Family about it. He had been quiet for awhile, not knowing how to update them on the situation when no progress had been made. He turned and faced his wife, looking worn. She appraised him a moment longer before stepping forward, kissing his jaw softly before reaching up to tug playfully on one of his horns. He started to growl at her, but she silenced his defiance with a kiss, calmly reminding him who the boss was. He begrudgingly gave in to her, letting her win this round.<br />
    <br />
    "Are you sure you aren't some sort of demon? You're not pure enough to be an angel", he grunted and crossed his arms. She rolled her eyes gently and softly thwacked his chest with her palm before she walked to the edge of the roof and leaped gracefully, landing on the balcony that led to their bedroom. He snickered and followed her lead, spreading his wings so he could float down slowly. He walked through the curtains and into the bedroom to find Lily near the door. She bend down to retrieve something and gazed at what appeared to be a piece of paper for a long time. He blinked before stepping a little closer, curious as to what had her attention.<br />
    <br />
    "Fenris, you have to look at this", her voice sounded a little strained, and he was alarmed by her change of emotion. He reached out and took the paper she had offered to him. He gazed into her eyes, now filled with an emotion he couldn't entirely read. So, he decided to read the note instead to try to figure this out. The writing was lovely, but a little off center, as if written with a shaky hand. Two or three stains on the paper...drops of water? No...tears.<br />
    <br />
    Dear Family,<br />
    <br />
    Are we even still a Family...?<br />
    <br />
    with tears,<br />
    Max     <br />
    <br />
    His mouth fell open softly. A few short words...and yet they caused so much pain in his chest. Before he'd realized it, more drops appeared on the paper. He was stunned as he realized that he himself had begun to cry silent tears. Lily watched him silently, sadness in her gaze, but also a waiting air about her. He looked up at her and she gave a soft nod. In a flash, he was moving like a tornado around the room. He went to a desk on the far side, across from the bed. The demon drew out a piece of paper and a pen, swishing out a message before darting from the room, slamming their bedroom door shut behind him. He hurried down the hall and turned, finding the door he sought and calming his anxious adrenaline before tentatively knocking. Even after several taps, there was no reply. He hesitated before deciding to slide the note carefully under the door and backing away. Somehow...that still didn't feel like enough.<br />
    <br />
    He reached out with his senses, trying to listen with his more wolf qualities to the sounds of the house. Several were missing from their rooms...where could they be? He already knew the answer to that. He headed for the stairs, but being the impatient, damned creature he was, he decided to take a shortcut. He opened a nearby window and sprung out of it like a bird from it's nest. His wings worked, pushing against the wind as he rose into the sky, spiraling towards the forest he had been gazing at not so long ago. He wiped his eyes, refusing to let the tear stains show, despite the fact his eyes, which already bore red irises, were now reddish pink all around. He moved over the trees, wings straight as he glided closer to his destination, he could see the fountain from here. As he came up on the clearing, he could see shapes below, and he let himself swoop and gently land a few feet from the fountain, facing them all.<br />
    <br />
    Aki was there, seated with Star at his side as he had expected to see. The idea of his daughter being married...and with children no less. It was still a little alarming, but to see his daughter happy was enough for him. Tobi, his son, was not far off, staring up into a nearby tree at a squirrel. Clearly, the fluffy tailed creature was just as interested in the half-angel, because it stared right back at him....odd. Ayumi, one of his Betas, was leaning against the tree, though she pushed off and gave him a nod of greeting as he arrived. Also beside the tree were Mari and Max, an inseparable duo that always seemed to be in a good mood. Upon seeing Max, emotion welled in him again, and he couldn't hold himself back. In a blur, he closed the space between himself and the younger Okami, holding her tightly to his chest. She returned the hug, though she appeared slightly startled. He kissed her forehead and held onto her for another heartbeat before he let his eyes scan the rest of the group. Ah, Darui was here too, pressed close to Mari. Oh hellfire, he couldn't be a great grandfather yet! He swallowed that mild moment of horror before his eyes fell to Rose, who was seated on the other side of the clearing, though not so far away that they couldn't speak. He nodded once to himself before drawing back to gaze down at Max, eyes soft.<br />
    <br />
    "I'm so, so sorry, Max", he murmured, staring down at her bright, smiling face. That smile wavered only a moment before she beamed.<br />
    <br />
    "It's okay, Fenris, don't be sad!" She nuzzled against him in her usual warm way. He chuckled and ruffled her hair softly before turning to glance at the rest of the group.<br />
    <br />
    "Hi, Daddy", Tobi said, not breaking eye contact with the squirrel. <br />
    <br />
    "Hello...son....", he blinked at the child, making a mental note to ask his son later if he had the ability to communicate with animals. <br />
    <br />
    "Hello, Fen", Aki rumbled from where he sat at the same time his daughter waved at him. He grinned at them both and nodded before he turned his attention to Mari and Darui, who seemed to be content with each other. He waved once to them both and Mari came over to give him a soft hug.<br />
    <br />
    "I'm naked, baby, come back", Dar whined as soon as he was deprived of her warmth. She laughed and returned to his side. That left Fenris to turn to Rose, who was quietly and patiently waiting for him to make his rounds. When his eyes fell on her, she lifted her head softly and nodded in greeting, which he returned.<br />
    <br />
    "Alright, I suppose I'll start then", her voice was calm and collected, though there was a soft darkness in her eyes, perhaps a concern that this talk would or would not go over well. <br />
    <br />
    "Go ahead, I'll listen", he encouraged, crossing his arms gently as he settled himself where he stood. A sound behind him made him glance up, and he was aware of Ayumi at his shoulder, offering silent support. He gave her a nod before turning his attention back to Rose. She took a deep breath before sighing.<br />
    <br />
    "I've been called a lot of things since we left, Fenris. We've all been called traitors and such. Mari and I got called whores and sluts. We've been so stressed out, and the Clan jumping on us like this hasn't helped at all. With my depression, and the anxiety the others have, it's really not fair of you to treat us like this. As for what happened the other night, Mori outright attacked us", fire flickered in her eyes a moment, he could see her holding back rage, "calling us names, insulting my relationship, and all kinds of horrible things. I don't appreciate that. I didn't join with Fang's group to attack Okami. There is no master plan to take all of you out. There is no war. Can we just stop this?" She looked genuinely upset, and Fenris realized he wasn't the only one taking this hard. She waved a hand to offer him the floor, and he cleared his throat gently.<br />
    <br />
    "I'll start where you started then. I can't control how the Clan feels about the fact you all left. I never called anyone a traitor, nor did I encourage them to do so. I didn't encourage Mori either. Lately, my presence has seemed like nothing but a tension and a strain, so I've stayed back. But when I do, fights spring up too. I've talked to the Clan about their words, and they don't think of you that way any more. People say things when they're angry that they don't always mean. It doesn't mean what they said is okay, but it does mean they were caught up in a moment. As for my sister, I've heard lots of sides to that story, including sides where my Family was insulted...", he trailed of briefly, eyes narrowing.<br />
    <br />
    "I never insulted the child", Rose spoke up, shaking her head, "I questioned her parenting skills, I was caught up in a moment and was speaking out of anger myself."<br />
    <br />
    "Her parenting skills do not reflect on what she has said to you. I assure you my sister is a wonderful mother", he said calmly, shrugging once. "Point being that both you and Mori said things I don't think you exactly meant, but anger and emotions lead us to get ahead of ourselves when it comes to solving conflict."<br />
    <br />
    "True enough", she nodded once to his words, and he let his shoulders sag just a little as he spoke next.<br />
    <br />
    "I guess what I'm here to say is...I'm finished. Also, I'm sorry, for all that I've done or said to make you feel like I didn't care anymore. I still love you, all of you. I don't want any more name calling or who did what to who or whatever. I'm done with this, I have been from the start. If any more hate it to be spread from this, it won't come from me, because I choose love", he finished, and he saw Ayumi nodding from over his shoulder.<br />
    <br />
    "I apologize for my actions as well", she replied with a light nod, though she still appeared a little tense. Hopefully, in time, he would be able to prove that his words were truth.<br />
    <br />
    "Amen", Ayumi relaxed at his side, sighing in relief. Fenris glanced over to see Aki and Star exchanging hopeful smiles. Tobi gave a thumbs up, but didn't stop his staring competition. Mari squealed happily and hugged Dar, who blushed, but looked pleased despite himself. His eyes then rested on Max, and the absolute delight in her eyes. She danced about and yipped happily, coming over to hug him, and then Rose, and then him again...and then Rose again. He was happy to bring them all that sense of relief that they could put this all behind him. But as he saw Max nuzzled against a smushed Rose, his smile grew. Waiting for her at home, right under her door, was a promise. One he vowed he would never break.<br />
    <br />
    Dear Max, <br />
    <br />
    Of course we're still a<br />
    <br />
    Of course we'll always be a Family.<br />
    <br />
    I promise.<br />
    <br />
    with love,<br />
    Fenris
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