Story
(So sorry, expected this to be like, a third of the length, but kept getting ideas)
The woods were vast, quiet, and best of all? Empty, no other Makos for miles, and that was the way he liked it. His paws made soft rustling sounds on the leaves, his shoulders were hunched, head held low as he looked for a new shelter for the night. It was never a good idea to stay in one place, no matter how safe it felt, anyway the stupid foxes had found his cave, vermin that they were. Ikelos sighed softly as he hopped over a small stream, above his head a mass of birds shot from the tree's fleeing what they knew to be a predator. The Mako looked up, watching the flock scatter, he was tempted to try and go after one of the next groups he saw, but shelter came first. Somewhere he could eat in peace. As he searched high and low for a shelter, a scent began to fill the air, Ikelos stiffened, the scent was familiar, even if it had been a while, there had been another Makoatl in the area recently. Cautiously he flicked his long tongue out, tasting the air. The scent was a few days old, but overlapped, as if the Mako had been back many times over a series of months. Following the scent, unable to bite down on his own curiosity Ikelos came across a small den, clearly built for a child the den was snug, but well hidden, and was the strongest source of the scent.
But only one scent. Ikelos tilted his head thoughtfully, whoever this Cub was they seemed to enter the woods alone, either there parents had a lot of faith in them or they were a runaway. Ikelos flicked his tongue out again, trying to get a second scent but there was nothing. The den looked snug, and he wanted sleep. Ikelos took one last look around before crawling in to the warm space. He barely fit, his fur brushing the sides, but it was as warm as it looked, and well insulated from the wind. Within minutes he had dozed off, nose tucked under his paws as he slept.
Hours later, an angry scream shook the air.
Ikelos was awake in seconds. His eyes snapped open and the fur rippled along his spine. He slid from the den, head high, ears flicking this way and that waiting for another sound. A cold cackle echoed through the air and he bounded towards the noise. It was only minutes away that he came upon a scene that made his blood boil. The foxes, the same menaces that kept chasing him from dens were surrounding a young Mako. The child was backed against the wall, with the foxes in a rough semi circle around him. Fear was written across the cubs face as the foxes snapped at him. The biggest of the five was the one cackling, mocking the youngster.
"Little cubbie, out on his own, don't you know these woods belong to me" the fox hissed as one of his companions snapped at the cub again, catching his paw only to let go when the cub snapped at his face.
"Can't fight forever cubbie, were sick of your kind coming into our space" the fox growled. As he opened his mouth to speak again, Ikelos let out a snarl. The foxes turned, the leader with a knowing smirk on his face.
"Oh look, the monster from the woods, come out to play" he cackled. Ikelos saw red, with a powerful push of his hind legs he sprang at the fox, tackling it to the floor. A swipe of his huge paw sent another flying, a third was taken out by a sweep of his tail. The fourth didn't stay to fight, vanishing into the woods like his tail was on fire. But the fifth, she was the most daring, with a furious leap she sprang towards Ikelos's back as he pinned the leader. But before she could land another shape knocked her from the air, the cub had his teeth bared, staring down the fox, daring her to try and attack again. The female took a hesitant step forward, but when Ikelos turned his head, adding his snarl to the cubs, the lead fox still struggling under his paws, the female ran.
As soon as she was out of sight Ikelos released the leader, giving him a firm bite on his neck to show that he could have easily ended him. Once the small clearing was free of foxes Ikelos turned his attention back to the cub who lay licking the cut on his paw.
"Thank you" the cub said with a small grin as he looked up at Ikelos.
"I couldn't fight them, every time I moved to hit one, another had me. Stupid foxes" he said with a scowl. Ikelos let out a low chuckle.
"Not a problem child, are you okay?" he asked kindly. The cub nodded, still watching Ikelos, but with curiosity, not hate.
"Whats your name? Do your eyes always glow like that? Its cool" said the child finally, sitting up. Ikelos sat opposite him with a small smile.
"My name is Ikelos, and yes, my eyes always glow, except perhaps when I sleep. But I do not know for sure, as I am too busy being asleep to see them" he said thoughtfully.
"Do you not fear me youngster?" the question slipped out before Ikelos could stop it, and he mentally kicked himself.
"I'm not youngster, I'm Hendrix. I don't fear anything." Hendrix said with a grin. "Ikelos? My daddy used to tell me tales about Ikelos, the Nightmare King, my brother said he was evil. But in all the stories he only gives nightmares to grown ups, bad grown ups. So he can't be evil can he?" the cub added looking curious.
"You kind of look like him, the Ikelos from the stories" said Hendrix padding closer. Ikelos stiffened, feeling his heart thump in his chest.
"Sharp teeth, glowing eyes, long tongue. You are him aren't you? The one they were all about?" Hendrix finally whispered. Ikelos dropped his head, waiting for the cub to run, they always ran. He should answer, try to defend himself, but fear gripped him.
"How do you give the nightmares?" said the cubs voice finally, Ikelos looked up to see a huge grin on the Hendrix face.
"I can't actually give nightmares I'm afraid, that is a power only the Gods have, and they won't be interested in a lowly Mako like me. They have much more important things to do" he managed to push out. A look of disappointment spread across Hendrix face.
"Aww dang, Pine, my brother was being a pest earlier. I hoped you could give him some dreams for me" he said grinning cheekily. Ikelos couldn't hold back the smile and he chuckled, a low deep sound, one that startled him, he hadn't heard it for many years.
"I am Ikelos, though not the original Ikelos. All I know of my father is he looked very similar to me, as did his father, and his father before him. I would imagine the tales and myths and songs have spread through our family line. Whether one of my ancestors could give nightmares I do not know. but it seems likely" he said thoughtfully. Hendrix nodded, understanding in his young eyes.
"Now young Hendrix, shouldn't we be getting you home. That paw probably needs looking at" said Ikelos finally. Hendrix gave him a pitiful look but nodded.
"Yeah, my dads won't be too happy when they see this. And Way will fuss" he said making a face.
Side by side the pair wandered through the woods. On the edge sat a large house, warm and cosy looking, a family home. Hendrix padded back to the house with a wary look on his face. He smiled over his shoulder at Ikelos.
"You better come visit soon. Promise?" he said firmly. Ikelos chuckled but nodded.
"See you soon Hendrix" he said before vanishing back into the trees.
