The Hundred Acre Wood

[HeadlessKoko]

Lost in the woods somewhere...

Separated from Honey at some point during a mission outside of Konoha, Saekki got hopelessly lost. Luckily, Honey found him by tracking his scent, so now the two are lost and wandering through a strange land together. Certainly, an improvement from before.

Their trek in what felt like unending circles, through all sorts of scenes and environments, from marshes so dense with foliage that it seemed as dark as night and meadows filled to the brim with blooming wildflowers beneath a gaily shining sun, at last takes them to a wood popping with colors of all sorts, as if perpetually stuck between seasons. Springtime flowers of all colors blossom like rainbows upon the ground and the brooks and rivers gurgle with the result of cold snowmelt. Summer's deep, vivid green crowns the deciduous trees of the forest alongside autumn's burning reds and oranges. The snow-covered ground characteristic of winter seeks repreive from the sun in the shade of trees and underbrush. The only thing that appears to have decided upon one season are the stately evergreens, though that is more because they are steadfast in their greenery regardless of season, even against winter's chill.

In this place where the four seasons cross, it is impossible to tell how or even when one came to such a destination so... yeah. Good job, Saekki. You done messed up. Now how is Honey supposed to clean up your mess?  

[HeadlessKoko]

An irritated flick of blue sleeves. An angry bite into a chunk of raw meat from a freshly killed hunt maybe a few turns back. Usually, Saekki did not eat his meat raw, despite enjoying it and having the digestive system to cope with it. He didn't like the attention it drew, but when he was alone with Honey, he had no reason to worry. He was more than free to indulge himself. Perhaps, having no one to bother him was about the only good thing that came out of this frustrating ordeal.

A less than happy Saekki leaned upon the giant, brown furry mass known as Honey as they looked down two paths for what felt like the bazillionth time that day. In fact, Saekki would even say that he and Honey had passed this exact spot before, at least twenty times, if not more. Sure, maybe hunting that deer had taken them backwards. Let's say even Honey's immaculate sense of direction was fooled by this forest. However, that didn't explain the previous nineteen, unbroken times they had passed by this very same spot between eating their morning hunt and hunting for their afternoon meal. It just wasn't logical.

Turning his face away from the decision set before him, Saekki nuzzled his chin into Honey's soft fur and looked off to the side instead, at a tree blooming with cherry blossoms right next to one warmly lit by the orange hues of autumn. For days now, or at least he thought it was days, the hours in this place seemed to pass by strangely as well, they had been following path after path. The large majority of them were narrow animal paths, like the one they were on now. Though, occasionally, they'd find a dirt path that looked like it had been constructed intentionally, which led Saekki to believe that there had to be humans living here... Whatever he believed, however, the reality of the matter was that neither he nor Honey had caught sight or whiff of a single human.

He sighed, closed his eyes, and then opened them only after he turned his head. Looking upon the hateful sight of the crossroads once more, Saeeki pinched the chub of the bear besides him with one hand while he popped the remaining meat into his mouth with the other. Speaking through a full mouth, he asked, "What do you think, Honey?". With some difficulty, he finished chewing and then swallowing the meat shortly after asking. Then proceeded to lazily lick his fingers clean of the deer blood as cats do.

Saekki was hopelessly lost. However, Honey had been making each and every one of these decisions with confidence. Some contemplation, perhaps, but no visible hesitation as far as he could see. The bazillionth times and twentieth times Saekki whined about in this forest were just that, his inner whinings. Everywhere in this forest pretty much looked the same to him and he certainly wasn't keeping his count straight, so of course he exaggerated the numbers out of frustration and of course everywhere that looked vaguely similar was the same to him.

[28 sentences]

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[Evanescently Magnificent]

tab Whilst humming to herself the greatest of the known bear symphonies, Honey trotted down the forest path. The sheer level of contentedness that she felt at that moment was couldn't be rivaled by anything in the world. I mean sure, depending on your definition, it could be said that having to track down Saekki after one of his 'adventures' had gotten the pair so hopelessly lost that even the bear herself was having troubles. But when it came right down to it there was no one Honey would rather be lost with.

Of course that wouldn't keep her from her mercilessly teasing. Oh noooo far from it in fact. "Are you sure you don't want to choose this time? I do smell another deer we could spend a hour chasing around you know." Her laugh came in the form of a snort from her powerful nose before she quickly returned Saekki's earlier affection with generous bear kisses and rubbing her face on him, similar to a mother rubbing her scent on a cub. The fear the she might actually hurt his feelings was just too much for her.

Only after Honey felt as though she had sufficiently drowned Saekki in her affections did the bear respond in earnest. "But if I were to choose... I'd say we go to the right. Because the right is always right, no?" The answer was simple and childish certainly but that was enough for Honey. Being born in the wild was like playing a game of chance, you had to get lucky everytime and only unlucky once. You learned to trust your instincts in these types of situations.

Doubling back behind Saekki, Honey snuck her way underneath his legs and thus forcing him to straddle her the same as a horse. "Are you ready my little one?" Whatever his answer it didn't much matter to her however, as the bear quickly took off barreling down the forest path at a speed greater than her size would suggest. No twig or bramble was safe from her rampage as much as the narrowing path seemed to thrown them into her path. It wasn't naught but a few passing breaths of traveling in this manner before Honey froze in place, caught by the sudden shift of the scent in the wind. Was it a feral beast? Some foreign ninja? No, it was too musty for that.

Being thrown into the defensive, Honey prepared herself as there came a sudden shaking from the bushes when... pop! Out came a little grizzly bear cub. It's innocent stumble lead direct center on the path causing Hiney to freeze in place, ears flattered against her head in a manner that Saekki would be able to recognize from years of studying bear body language, as her feeling uncomfortable and possibly threatened. No love existed for bearskin it seemed, but then again why should it? It wasn't as if humans felt the same kinship with themselves that they expected in animals and worse this could still be a trap in disguise. No matter how you cut she was weakest with her back turned, and the only one who would Honey would shake that weakness was Saekki.

 

[HeadlessKoko]

Saekki was not a defenseless kitten. He gave Honey a sidelong glance as he slid his tongue across the width of his palm, eyes narrowing. As soon as he finished with his present lick, he was going to return the favor with words of his own. He never did get the chance, however, losing to the bear's sheer size and kisses. He got a big taste of bear tongue, not a pleasant taste, mind you, as soon as he opened his mouth, and spent the rest of the cuddle session simultaneously ridding his mouth of the taste, trying to breath, and trying not to fall over. It was a ridiculous sight, to be honest. How his hair remained in place through it all would be a mystery for the ages.

Nonetheless, in place it remained and balance did Saekki regain after Honey had her fill of affection. Saekki sighed, no longer having the energy or will to come back at her. A good friend to banter with. A good companion who so honestly showed her feelings, affection and all. These were things he prized, and he had them both in Honey. Giving her an affection scratch behind the ear, Saekki agreed, "Aye. Then to the right it is." Childish or no, he respected her judgement. In some things, many things, she knew more than he. He had learned much from her about the rules of the wild when he had recovered under her protection, rekindling the connection to nature he had once discarded. That, he supposed, was yet another of many things he had to thank Honey for.

Without any trepidation, as he usually was, Saekki stepped forwards, oblivious to Honey's deviousness. She disappeared from his sight momentarily, but not in a manner that would have caused him alarm. He figured she had her reasons. Probably found a berry bush to nom on. He did not expect his legs to be suddenly forced open from behind. Fearing for his little brother below, Saekki clutched his lower robes out of instinct as he was popped up into the air and over onto Honey's back.

"Honey!" he exclaimed, anger evident in his voice at being caught off guard. However, anger was no stranger in Saekki's tone. It was as common as red in roses. Honey should not be alarmed by it. "At least-" he started, fully desiring to say his own two cents before giving Honey an answer to her question. Unfortunately for him, Honey didn't care fo an answer, and before Saekki could even begin to snarl and chastise, the wind knocked the breath out of him and he gripped onto Honey with all his might. He enjoyed it, secretly. Feeling the wind slap his face, the bear's powerful muscles move beneath him, and the sight of the forest rushing past him on both sides. It was exhilarating, blood pumping. It made him feel strong in a way he couldn't describe because he knew, he very well knew, that he was still weak, pitiful, just a man with ruined cultivation. Though, he wasn't going to admit any of that to Honey.

He nearly tumbled off of Honey when she stopped abruptly. Luckily, he didn't, but he nearly did. With a big jerk forward, Saekki came to a rest, his muscles tense and senses alert. He could feel the rigid muscles beneath his legs, see the way Honey posed and held her ears. Something was amiss, wrong. His nostrils flared as he sniffed the air like a wild animal, body still and hardly a sound. There was a different scent. The musk of a living creature, but one that was heavier than either deer or human. A boar perhaps? No, Saekki's ears twitched, the steps were too soft. It was not the crunch of hooves but the padding of paws followed by the hard sound of claws.

Saekki's eyes zeroed in on the bush before it began to rustle and was not surprised when it did. With bated breath, he waited for what had put Honey on so much edge and..

And...

And he burst out laughing. All of the tension built into his chest, the breath he had held back to remain utterly quiet. All of it burst out with a fantastic, "Pu... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA." He keeled over to the side, hands grabbing at his stomach, and plopped onto the earth besides Honey. He kicked his legs in merriment a few times, but righted himself without taking too long. This was not the comforts of their own home, after all. With laughter still coming out of his mouth and tears coming out of his eyes, Saekki leaned on the very individual he was laughing about to regain his balance. Forgetting all of the praise and respect he had for Honey's survival instincts, he teased his steadfast companion, "Oh, Honey. Haha. What a ferocious beast has come out of the undergrowth! Fear not, however! For, ufu, I shall help you be rid of it." His voice, deep and low, brimmed with merriment and did not at all fit the baby talk tone that he teased in.

With the same confidence that he stepped forwards at the crossroads earlier, Saekki stepped forwards to the little bear. Commentating casually, he noted, "Ah. Truly a terrifying specimen of its kind. Large, round eyes to strike fear into the hearts of its prey and such an adorable little mouth to chomp down on them." He crouched down besides the bear cub and pulled on one of its chubby cheeks. "Look at it! How adorable~" he praised as he indulged, "Were you this cute when you were younger, Honey?".

[72 sentences]

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[Evanescently Magnificent]

tab Feeling the sting from Saekki's comments Honey was thankful that she had at least her fur to cover the growing pink that would have been visible on her face otherwise. A flushed bear, imagine that! Well so what! Was it really so bad to always being thinking about his safety?! Maybe she should just let him get mauled then Hm! That would sure teach him. "First of all, I take offense at that cute comment. We bears just all look alike to you is that it? I'm a Kodiak bear. This is a Grizzly. We don't even look the same! I mean I was much cuter cub." Although despite her defensive insistences to contrary, there was no easily distinguishable that could seperate the two other than size. Both were a crisp brown in color with bright bright eyes staring at him. If Saekki knew what was good for him though he would agree lest he fall in danger of offending a two ton bear further.

The more she thought about the situation the more her embarrassment soured into irritation until Honey began swatting at the surrounding vegetation that lined the edges of the path. If asked she would of course vehemently deny it but this was about more than just her pride as an apex predator. The remark about the cub being cute hit just the right note on her jealousy guitar for the bear to try distract herself with anything nearby. "And secondly, my instincts have never been wrong before. There's something else hiding in these woods I just know it." In spite of Honey's efforts to prevent it, there was no denying the distressed emotion in her words.

Luckily (or unluckily) Honey wouldn't have to worry about looking like a fool in front of anybody. Drawn in by the sounds of her stomping there came a roar, it's deep vibrations were enough to echo the bones throughout one's body. With a single swing of it's paw another form appeared in the foliage that measured almost double Honey's size while standing upright. "THEODORE. GET AWAY FROM MY CHILD." The roaring mother bear broke it's way through the foliage just in time to see Saekki pinching the babs cheek like a squeaky toy. Honey herself was already on the move, rushing to seperate the two and place herself in front of Saekki. Really she would have loved to smirk out an 'I told you so' but that could wait until the two were safe. For now her posture was back into a reactionary defense. She would do anything to protect her beloved but it just wasn't in her to make the first move. If there was a chance she could bluff her way out of it or even just calm the problem down with words then she would take it. The only problem was that Saekki was the better of the two when words came into play. So it was safe to say they were doomed.

 

[HeadlessKoko]

Not even getting mauled would have fixed Saekki's recklessness. Wounded his pride for a time, perhaps, but not for long. Nonetheless, Honey's inner thoughts were right. Saekki should have just been mauled. He would have deserved it, at least. Case in point, at Honey's offense taken, Saekki smirked smugly at her and, looking straight at her vegetation swatting form, asked, "I mean, you're both brown, right?". The unspoken, "what difference does it make?" was resoundingly loud for something unsaid. That tactless man didn't think to put more thought into Honey's distress than she was probably just jealous he was getting closer to the cub, and well, some light jealousy was fair game to make fun of. Honey was always treating him like he would fly away if hit by a slightly strong breeze, so this was only fair to reciprocate.

Having moved to crouch behind cub, Saekki kneaded and bullied the little guy's ears and cheeks, despite the snuffling protests. "Well, your instincts caught this cub," Saekki agreed with Honey's judgement but continued to remain aggravatingly oblivious to the real danger at hand, "So I wouldn't call them wrong."

Saekki had barely finished talking when he was made to look like a fool. A roar so loud that it was like a slightly strong breeze knocked Saekki to the side and onto his butt. He scrambled to turn around and see what had caused the disturbance. A glimpse of his paw, easily twice the size of Saekki's head, and before Saekki could fully process what must lay behind such a paw, he was given his answer. He had fought giants before, animals empowered to sizes well beyond Honey's, and he had made them bow to his authority. However, that was back then, when he had strength and power to command respect from even the elders of his clan. Today's Saekki was not that Saekki.

Nonetheless, today's Saekki still had that determination mixed with just the right amount of that flamboyant cockiness. He preferred power through sheer force and strength, but that wasn't to say that he couldn't think nor that he didn't understand the value of a silver tongue. As customs in his land would have it, even the strongest warriors would need to know the art of flattery to reach the top, lest they be relegated to the henchmen and muscle of someone more suited to leadership.

Or... As he had learned the hard way, reach high only to have everything they've gained taken from them by those who employed a silver tongue as their strength. Such folks had taught Saekki a valuable lesson, and it was only polite for him to repay it back to them tenfold. To do such a thing, however, he would need to survive this encounter and the many others he would face in the future.

In what was probably a first since he met Honey, Saekki deferred. Fitting, as this was the first since he met Honey that he judged this was not a fight he and his companion could win. Rather, he believed that this was not a fight he and his companion benefited from winning. Making friends with a fellow bear of this forest would be beneficial for them both. In a smooth but simple motion, Saekki got to his feet and moved away from the cub as requested and then saluted in the traditional manner of his homeland: hands held out in front and a slight bow. He hadn't changed, not really. His face was still smirking and looking like he hadn't a care in the world as he greeted, "This one and his companion greets Mother Bear. We hope she can forgive us. We meant no harm to your child. We only wanted to play with him." His mellow voice flowed like honey, deep and smooth, softening the sharp confidence that etched itself perpetually into his face.

[38 sentences]

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[Evanescently Magnificent]

tab Letting the stuffy attitude from earlier get to her Honey quipped back in the face of their new possible enemy. "The difference is, that I am usually bigger." And indeed she was, in fact it could be said that Honey was even bigger than the normal males of her species which spoke volumes about animal that was before them. If it ended up coming to blows than it wasn't likely Honey would be able to use her size to her advantage here which meant she was going to come up with a different avenue of an attack. In the meantime Honey would settle for keeping as much distance between Saekki and the mother bear as humanly (bearly) possible. Just because they were having a lovers quarrel didn't mean she wouldn't do whatever she could to shield him after all. Bristling the fur on her back Honey shuffled low to the ground to keep her center of mass a low, while she waited for the next move.

Meanwhile, Mother bear was far too and away busy with her reunion of her baby boy to even five Honey or Saekki the time of day. It wasn't until what must have been a hundred or so kisses, licks, and sweet nothings that she responded with a critical eye overlooking what tiny human would have the gall to speak to her. "Stuff your words filthy two legs! I know what I saw with my own two eyes!" Wildly grabbing up her child and swinging him violently into the suffocation of her bosom, the mother continued her lament. Now with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Molesting my POOR CHILD! It's no wonder we've been told to stay away from your kind! Well there's only one way to solve this now. You and that traitor of a furball at your side will be coming to me to settle this in the courts!" (Jungle Law! DUH DUH) Stepping aside on the path the bear mother glared at the pair as if she fully expected both of them to truck on ahead to wherever these apparent 'bear law keeping societies' existed. At least she didn't seem to desire to instigate a fight .over what she was so certain, right? And surely if these beasts were genuinely civil enough to be advanced in the study of law it means they would be able to accurately present their case?

Honey passed a look to Saekki,one that conveyed the worry she felt about this whole situation. If it were up to her she would rather a fight were at least she could feel a modicum of control over the outcome, and while she didn't know the dirty details, Honey did know was that Saekki didn't exactly have the best track record with an unfair justice system. "What do you think? Do we trust this?" Her underlying tone spoke to her real hidden message, whatever he decided she would in with him to the end.

 

[HeadlessKoko]

Saekki met Honey's look with his own look of confusion, one eyebrow elegantly arched in light skepticism. Honey guessed his thoughts correctly, and Saekki, like Honey, would much rather prefer a fight. This person... er... bear was clearly hysterical and of uneven temperament. Speaking to her felt like it would be a pain. However, two things. First, hearing that the bears had a judicial system appeared to be making a much bigger impact on him than anything, making confusion his reigning emotion over discontent. Second, Saekki needed to live if he was going to turn his good friends of the past into human stumps, and living required that he choose his fights carefully. He did not want to become a fugitive in a forest he didn't even know right from left in.

He was worried, of course, but he would never show such weakness. Moreover, he knew bears had sensitive ears. Whatever he said to Honey here would likely be heard by momma bear and child there. Fake it until you can make it. Flipping his sleeves arrogantly, Saekki gave a light laugh as he playfully pulled on Honey's closest ear, Ha, what other choice do we have?". Then, he gave her a scritch behind the ears, to show that he was grateful she cared for him. Then, with full confidence he strode forwards to stand in front of momma bear. Once again, he showed nothing but respect despite his cocky demeanor. Another two-handed salute and bow, and then a request once Saekki straightened up, "My companion and I have been lost in this forest for days. If madame mother bear can lead us to her desired destination, then we will be grateful and respectfully follow."

[22 sentences]

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Warm air hiffed out of the mother bears nostrils. The acceptance of Saekki's words relaxed the tension from the old animal's tense muscles. "Madame mother beae certainly will. And do not think that for even a moment that flattery will be enough to free you from my good side." Scooping her child in one great paw the bear turned to lead the group through the wooded path she had torn through just moments before.

Assuming that no funny business went down and that Saekki and his 'traitor to the species' didn't try to sneak their way free of her grasp, then the two would gradually delve deeper and deeper into the forest until the trees began to dwarf even the tallest man made structures, their spidy web canopy of leaves blocking all but the those precious few ray's of sunshine. "It all has a way of making one feel very small doesn't it? I suddenly feel a great deal of empathy for your own condition." Unfortunately despite Honey's best efforts to be jovial the mood seemed to fall flat, probably because they were being carted off to bear jail where they couldn't drop the besr soap and all that.

"No talking!" Quipped their less than motherly guide. "You are soon to see what nice human to date has in centuries." Honey, who couldn't help but be antagonistic, whispered to Saekki. "And yet here she is, ruining her precious paradise by bring us here hm?" One had to admit it was strange way of things and something Honey was already wondering if perhaps she couldn't use in their defense later on. But that would be a matter for another time, for now the group would be lead right into the heart of the great treetrunks. It's rough brown and black bark forcing Momma B and Honey to squeeze by it's skimpy entrance by shifting their broad shoulders.

Only minimal grunts and sweats under breath later and they would make it through go find a fully flourished crater. With no top to speak off the sun light was strong here, pouring down to freshly illuminate the inside of the bark and vines flowers that had grown all along it's surface. Meanwhile the floor all around them was decorated with smooth patches of grass in places that mimicked the look if a lengthy rug that ine might find at home in a palace. On either side? Hundreds of differing animal faces all looking back silently at the intruders who had disturbed the peace of their courtroom.

At least until a sudden bang ringing out from the head of the room brought their attention back to the matter at hand. A rather ruffled looking owl dressed up in perfect judge attire. Angrily he passed a glance over the trouble starters (Saekki and Honey) before hurriedly moving onto the next case in the mile long line in front of them. "You will wait here in line for our case to be called. I shall be in the defendants rest area. Your lawyer will probably be along at some point I'm sure, not that it will help you." With an upturn of her snoot in the classical 'I'm rich and conceited manner' Momma B strutted off to one of the darkened corners of the tree, leaving Saekki and Honey to fend for themselves.

Meanwhile Honey, who seriously contemplated running as soon as Momma B's back was turned, set herself up to more easily put herself in front of anyone who got too close to Saekki. "I am telling you right now. Regardless of whatever puffed opinion that pompous bird spews out, they will not have you. Not while I breathe." Her words, definite, strong, and waiting for the protests or calming speech from Saekki. It wasn't a rare thing for the bear to choose her hill, after all is it not in a bear's nature to be stubborn? But no one knew better than her partner that she more than willing to die for something she put her foot down for.

 

[HeadlessKoko]

The rest of the journey went by quietly, Saekki tamely following, quite uncharacteristic to his usual self. Well, except for when Honey jabbed at his size as she commented on the towering trees. Mama bear quickly told Honey to shut up, but Saekki didn't pay that order any heed. Without fear, he scoffed with his usual cockiness and simply replied back, "The bigger they, the harder they fall, with utmost confidence, "Besides, it isn't a good fight unless you're the underdog." His talking, or maybe it was how he had chosen to reply, gave him a nasty look from the mama bear. However, she couldn't give him a scalding scolding as it was already time to head through a narrow nook in the trees. After Mama Bear and Honey both just made it through, Saekki quite easily jumped his way through, the "narrow nook" being quite the spacious passage for his comparatively slim human figure. For a few moments, he was blinded by the sudden flood of light, and he was forced to raise a hand to shade his eyes and blink to adjust to the change in lighting.

The view that greeted him once he could see was simply amazing. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! He felt like he was in another world as he surveyed the wizened owl that sat in a seat of apparent position in this council of animals. Saekki eyed the line that Momma B was quick to point out but before long, he was back to focusing on the owl, trying to strain to hear a judgement that he passed.

"And whoooo are yooouuuu," the hooting elongated all the o's to be heard.
The poor piglet being judged stammered out an introduction, the stuttering so bad that Saekki couldn't even make out what the name was at this distance.

This was about when Honey made her stance, speaking as she shifted around Saekki, putting herself between him and the bulk of the animals, including the current court case. Honey's presence had been the entire reason he could keep calm and assess the situation, even before she said aloud what he already expected from her. Hearing it said aloud, however, did reassure him further. Affectionately, Saekki raised a hand to pat the fur between her ears. "And I thank you for that," Saekki expressed his gratitude, "Though, let's not assume the worst. After all, there may be more for us to gain if we find a way to get in their good graces." He raised his head, and took in a deep breath of the air. Then exhaled. There was something about this place that was brimming with energy. He didn't need to be a sensor to know that.

Tugging affectionately at Honey's ear to guide her, for once, Saekki led the way to the end of the line. He could at least find his way to a place right in front of his eyes. They took a number, sat down to wait, and Saekki got to mull over how, never in his life, did he imagine that he would be waiting in line to have judgement dealt to him. Even in human courts, he had always settled these issues with force when he could help it. The justice system did not care about orphans, and cultivators had their own means of meting out justice. This place was insane. Being weak was insane. Maybe he and Honey should have just beaten the mother bear up? How unfortunate that Saekki's short temper was starting to flare up at this time.

Therefore, how fortunate that their defendant arrived on the scene. His striped tail bouncing up and down with each lively step he took, the jovial tiger in a formal suit neared the waiting Saekki and Honey. The large beast, maybe only a little smaller than Honey, sat on his haunches when he reached his clients. Though, his body did not cease to move, bobbing up and down to a rhythm only this tiger could hear. "Hello, hello, hello! Are you the human and his bear? How extraordisemplificariously excellent and intriguing! I am your defendant and I am glad to make the acquaintance of the first human to step into this court since centuries! Ah yes, by the way, pleased to meet you. I am Trigger Woohoo!, exclamation point included in my last name, and I will be your attorney for today's case!" the apparent attorney for Saekki and Honey introduced himself with no shortage of energy or happiness.

Saekki, still getting over his mood to beat things up, sized the tiger up and down, from his fanged grin to his fluffy paws, claws sheathed. By the time he was back to staring down this... Trigger fellow in the eye, he was less concerned about fighting it and more worried about their chances in a normal court case if this was their lawyer. Turning away from this nonsense, Saekki looked at Honey and spoke solely to her, "Honey, do you think trial by combat may be an option here? Seeing as they are animals? If so, do you think we can defeat the Momma Bear?".

[52 sentences]

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Honey snorted away Saekki's affectionate pats. Don't assume the worst he says! What else am I supposed to do? Someone has to make sure he gets through this with his head on his shoulders. The burst of pessimism that ran through Honey's bones dissipated quick enough however that the bear could pass it off as simple anxiety. "Sorry. Just something about this place sets me on edge. Anyway, if you want my honest opinion I'm not really sure of my odds in a battle. I've always taught by using my size to advantage, though it's clear she has more than a few hundred pounds on me." Cautiously the bear eyed their bouncy lawyer companion with the same critical eye as Saekki had, her doubt in the justice system of these animals was skeptical at best.

"AH EM"

A disgruntled voice boomed behind the group, their wore out patience brought Honey's mind back to their surroundings only to realize that they had fallen a great distance behind in the line. At the risk of being thought racist, the kodiak thought it wise to hurry it along least the savage law of the jungle rear it's ugly head. Grabbing Saekki by the sleeve Honey pulled him steady along her side and by the time the pair reached the end of the courtroom carpet it was their turn to stand before the judge. The owl who seemed to be presiding over their case rapped his feathered fingers along the nearly twelve foot high desk as he waited for the bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, young Trigger to surf through a collection of papers held in a clown colored brief case that Honey hadn't recalled him holding earlier. As a matter of fact the.. err tiger? Procured some kind of stripped tie done up hastily around his neck as well.

The sight wasn't exactly a confidence boost which left the bear in a quiet state of contemplation while she gave thought to how she would defend them on the stand. Mother bear came out just a few moments later from the far left waiting room which was seperate by a light sheet of brambles. "Excellent, now that both parties are here we can begin hearing the case of Mother Bear vs the Human. Prosecutor please make your whopening statement." "Thank you your honor." Cried a creaky voice hidden behind the large mother. Hopping out from behind her matted fur was a tiny, at least when compared to bears, yellow rabbit. His extra thicc brows and wrinkled face all marked him as a good bit older than the other inhabitants of the forest, though despite this his exact age was still indeterminable. "Now then, as I am sure you already know, eh during a lovely little stroll through the forest with her darling cub. THIS (que dramatic pointing) h-human leaped from the woodworks! Commanding his pet traitor of a bear to do all of the dirty work, it was only through the strength of a Mother's love that Momma Bea here was able to subdue them." Over the course of his speech the rabbit had been pacing in accusatory circles around the courtroom, it was only until now that he ended his conclusion with a powerful beat on the wooden table Saekki and Honey sat at.

Quietly leaning into whispering range, Trigger questioned in befuddled disbelief. "Well gee did you guys really do all that?" Honey could have smacked the tiger right then and there but managed to hold herself back. "No! That's why we have you to explain our case, because we aren't guilty." "Huh but that's not what the other lawyer said.." "I... look just get one of us on the stand so we can state our case. They'll have to listen to us then." Trigger nodded, or at least Honey thought he did. It was hard to tell with all the bouncing, and sit himself to work. "Hoho! Now just you hold those horses your honor! I object!" "Ooooooverruled." The ruling from the judge came as swift and merciless and his gavel striking wood. "But seeing as this is your first offense I can offer a light sentencing. Ooooonly... 777 years in prison. All adjourned." Left utterly speechless, Honey turned to look torwards Saekki for confirmation that what she just heard was correct.

 

[HeadlessKoko]

No words were spared, but what Saekki thought of this farce could be seen clearly in his narrowed eyes, glare cold with disdain. Hearing the sentence being handed down unto him brought back bitter memories and a taste for blood that was not unfamiliar to him; though, he had thought he had nearly forgotten about it since finding Honey and settling into his new life in Leaf. So it was this again? He was going to be unjustly accused of a crime he didn't commit and saddled with a punishment he didn't warrant. He was almost ready to simply give up on this whole attempt to turn over a new leaf. To bother trying to learn something from the people who had beaten him up and thrown him out for dead.

Patience wearing thin, but not completely gone, Saekki slammed his hand on the table and stood up. In a voice tinged with a barely suppressed growl, Saekki appealed, "Your honor, you haven't heard our side yet. We didn't do anything to that b-" He stopped abruptly, taking a breath in and out. "To that bear and her child. She is clearly overreacting We even peacefully agreed to come here. Would criminals do that?". There, in Saekki's opinion, that sounded like some pretty smart things to say. Now, the ball was in the other's court.

[15 sentences]

Evanescently Magnificient

 

[Evanescently Magnificent]

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( I hope this isn't too much for you I didn't see your message right away! )

The owl responded to Saekki's objection with indifference. Languidly stroking his bread to the tune of whatever fanciful thoughts filled his head until he waved off the pair of muscled guards just before they were ready to take the dynamic duo away. "Well, I believe I may be able to shoooooooow you mercy just yet. Depending on your temperament that is." The judge throw about some purposefully accusatory glares, daring further contempt, before continuing on. "Arcas, the great warden of our humble forest here, has requested a special service of a pair of able bodied individual. For what I truly haven't the fooooooggiest, although he always been very highly regarded amongst us, and is the closest thing to a King you'll find around here. Sooooo, what'll it be? Community service? Or jail?"

"Community service."

Honey's voice radiated out from behind Saekki with enough power to fill out the entirety of the dome shaped courtroom. It was becoming more and more clear to her of just how deep her partner's frustrations were becoming. A past of demons and the owl's goading left Honey's heart heart open and bleeding. But this wasn't the place to coddle him, so she did what she felt was right. "We will gladly take the community service your honor." Boot licking wasn't exactly something that one would expect a bear to have much experience in, and truthfully the apprehension Honey felt in that moment was a struggle to shoulder. The owl at least didn't seem to need much conceiving. Pleased that everything had been shifted into the order it should be, three quick snaps of his gavel and the deed was sealed.

"Excellent, if you gooooo right up ahead to the left here there will be a path leading right oooout and throooough some trees. Follow it all the way to the fork but take a right, noooot a left, otherwise you will head into straight intooo tooown." Then without much more to say on the matter the owl hurried the pair along with hasty "NEXT CASE."

Really the whole event left a sour taste in Honey's mouth. Sneaking her way underneath right under Saekki's legs, Honey wasn't leaving anything to chance and ran him right out of that joke of a woodland justice system. "I'm sorry little one." She finally spoke after a time when she was sure that no one else could hear them on the tail. "We wouldn't even be here right now if I had fought with that mother bear." Now her mind couldn't stop playing over the scene from just earlier today. All the things she'd do differently, the more it lingered the more she couldn't help but get ruffled. "Her stance was weak too."

The sound of a hawk overhead pierced through the collection of grumbled self excuses. Squiring through the afternoon sun reveled its source, a humanoid hawk lounging back enough that it was obvious it's pace was purposefully slowed to trail them. "I guess it was too much to hope for that they would let us go without some sort of guard to make sure we did as we were told. And I was really hoping to conveniently get lost in the woods around here, maybe find a stream to take a bath in. Do you think I need a bath? I mean it's not everyday you get to meet a king of the forest after all."

 

[HeadlessKoko]

Saekki let Honey talk, suppressing a rising irritation as he scowled in the background. He had said, even if it was just in his mind, that he would try for a little longer. He would keep to his word.

Saekki was still scowling, save for a moment of surprise when Honey suddenly went between his legs, even after they left with the blessings of the owl judge. In an icy cold voice, he agreed with what Honey said about fighting the mother bear, "I agree. We should have just beat her then, regardless of whether her child was there or not." A chill that ran beneath his words made it sound like he really would have just up and killed her if given the chance now.

A hawk's shrill cry from above was probably all that spared Honey from
a rather nasty series of descriptions on what Saekki would do to the mother bear if given another chance. The human looked up with his bear, and he thought as Honey did. They were being tracked because of course they were. Rubbing his temples, the human desperately tried to calm down. He even gave Honey a swat on the head for even suggesting that they split.

"We asked for a chance to prove ourselves. It would be poor form to run away after receiving what we requested," he lectured, "Let's skip the bath. They are animals, I don't think they care that we haven't been able to clean ourselves from several days. Let's just go promptly to this Arcas animal. Show that we're good folk and all that."

[15 sentences]

Evanescently Magnificient

 

[Evanescently Magnificent]

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Honey groaned, inwardly and out hearing Saekki go on about ‘not running away’ like there was some kind of honor to be had from staying where there was danger. All these abstract concepts that humans invented for themselves just made no sense to a bear! “Oh, come onnnnn. Is that related to that dumb honor thing?” The outburst came as a shock to even Honey, who had never voiced such remarks about her thoughts on the human condition before this. The heat increased in her ears, but she didn’t back down from her position even as she saw where it was going. Perhaps it has something to do with the emotional connection the two shared, and that Honey was being spurred onward by Saekki’s own frustrations. Either way she was speaking her mind now. “I just don’t understand it. For a bear when you see something bigger than you, you just run away! There’s no harm in it, and more importantly it means that you get to live long enough to come back stronger. Then you’re the big one. But standing in the face of something you know is dangerous just because you said you would? I swear, you humans just invent things to make your lives complicated.” Honey finished her rant with a powerful huff through her nostrils, a dare for him to continue on the matter.

“Actually, wait a minute. You just hit me, what am I doing?” Rearing her back up to its full height, Honey knocked her little tamer boi right onto the ground. Turning around on trying to catch him before he could get back up. “I’m making a new rule for whenever you’re grumpy. I read about this in a one of those straps of thinly cut trees you humans always have your noses buried in.” With a little less care than was usual for her nature, Honey attempted to dig her two arms underneath Saekki and carry him the rest of the path the same way a groom would carry its bride. Whether or not Saekki allowed this in his grumpy wumpy state was still entirely up to him. Either way the rest of their walk would go by uneventful as Honey fell quiet. Unless Saekki wanted to talk more smack about honor of course.

It wasn’t much longer when the pair reached what must have been the end of the trail. Emphasize on “must have” because all that could be found was an empty grove. Plenty of life flooded the area, more than what was found anywhere else in the forest that is. Chipmunks running rampant, beautiful flowers of every color growing along the edge of the glade, and even the trees sporting their canopy over the sky were of a much fluffier green. Honey entered the garden unsure that it wasn’t some kind of roundabout trap, her eyes searched among the trees for whoever their jailor would be, and her form sat in a defensive posture. “Careful that this isn’t some kind of trap-“ “A TRAP?” An echoing power boomed so powerful it froze all over noise in the area. “And tell me child, just what makes you think you are even worthy for a trap? Or that I need one for that matter.” As if emphasizing the words from the gruff feminine voice, the earth around Saekki and Honey’s feet break apart as the ground lifted itself apart from the rest of the earth. Higher and higher they rose, and as they do so other areas also broke free. The giant sleeping in the earth, rising to meet with its new visitors. Dirt and trees gave way to the muscles moving underneath until shiny black fur revealed itself. The ground, or paw that Saekki and Honey still remained on moved until they could be more easily regarded by the bijuu sized bear. “So, tell me. Who has wandered into my forests?”