Another day in the Kingdom

CLANG! A Loud collision echoed across the jungle inside the walls of the Wolf Kingdom. Two brothers were currently at battle with each other one wolf barely breaking a sweat in the fight while lone man who had grown from his days as a cub had stood a lot taller than he once did thrusting his spear up only to be deflected by the muscular light armored wolf with dark hair that went across the middle of his head.

"Nice try, Mowgli!" Laughed Exon blocking Mowgli's attempted thrust with his weapon. "You almost had me but I'm faster!"

"We'll see about that!" The Young Mowgli who had grown six rainy seasons since the day of his rescue from the Primates grunted trying to defeat his brother in their latest sparing session. His Body with extensive training since that day had become a lot more built. Not only could he pulled the string of a bow tied with heavy tension, but he could lift boulders and roll them a short distance. Training under his brother, Father and Captain on occasion allowed his reflexes to improve tremendously. He was not a wolf but as close to being as one. He was doing quite well in this session.

Exon came at Mowgli with his sword raised but Mowgli rolled out of the way before it came down coming behind him and swiftly kicked, Exon in the back of his knee. With a yelp he collapsed down to one knee and, Mowgli swing the blunt part of his spear at, Exon's back making him fall flat onto the ground.

Wincing the Wolf attempted to get up but a bare foot came onto his back pressing him down with a spear tip pointing next to his head.

"Surrender!" Demanded Mowgli with a grin on his face. He finally got his brother down. After several attempts he finally got Exon upon the jungle ground with his face laying on the side.

"So quick to think I would give up that easily?" Chuckled Exon the pain his back and leg was only a slight sting compared to much worse he endured over the years but was impressed by his brothers reflexes. But that alone wouldn't give him victory. Too soon did he think the fight was over with, Exon on his stomach.

Exon quickly rolled over catching Mowgli by surprise grabbing just below the spear tip moving it out of the way and before, Mowgli could do anything he was kicked square in his chest knocking him back dropping his spear.

The Young man groaned for a second before getting to his feet rubbing his bare chest. He had learned to take hits but even after so much training it was still difficult to hide the pain when it came to getting hit by one of the toughest warriors in the Wolf Kingdom.

Exon rose to his feet holding Mowgli's spear. He twirled it over his head and across both sides of his body before pointing it directly at his brother with two hands gripping it tight.

"Your defenseless now, brother!" He ran towards Mowgli gripping the spear tightly. Mowgli prepared himself.

With one swing Exon tried to hit Mowgli across his head but, Mowgli ducked. He tried again trying for Mowgli's side, but he jumped back narrowly avoiding it. But it was a problem. There were tree's all around him and one was only a couple steps behind. He was being backed into a corner as it were.

Mowgli had to think fast. The fight would be over soon if Exon gains more of an upper hand in the moment. Exon tried swinging again and, Mowgli stepped back until his back was pressed against the bark of the tree behind him.

"Got you now, Mowgli!" Cackled the wolf pointing spear in front and thrust it ahead. Mowgli waited for a second and just before the spear could touch his skin he moved to his side and the spear penetrated the tree going deep in it. Exon gasped in realization what had happened. But Mowgli took the moment to capitalize on it. He had reached up and pulled a thick limb off the tree and proceeded to strike at Exon.

He hit his brother twice in his left side making Exon release the lodge spear and, Mowgli swung the limb into his stomach. Exon coughed and gagged from each blow into his mid-section taking more steps back.

Mowgli then took one heavy swing towards Exon's head, but the wolf snatched it before it collide with him. The Two of them interlocked on the branch and tried to press it against the other. Mowgli was determined but he was no match for the strength of the wolf.

Turning the branch in a circle Mowgli was flipped and twirled down onto the ground. Exon immediately got on top of him and pushed the branch down on his neck shoving it downward hard. Mowgli tried to resist but the branch on his neck started to choke him. Try as he might, he couldn't push the branch up. He attempted to kick but, Exon sat on top of him kneeing down keeping his entire weight upon him. Mowgli was pinned and there was nothing he could do.

Exon growled menacingly down at Mowgli looking him straight into his eyes. But he did not see fear in the teen but determination. Mowgli was not going to let this stop him. He would keep fighting even if it was his last.

He released his hold over Mowgli. The Teen coughed and gagged rubbing his throat as, Exon stepped off of him.

After he regained his breath Mowgli stayed on the ground groaning. "You win again, Exon." He admitted.

"You lasted a minute longer than last time. You used the environment to your advantage. If I was less of a warrior then you may have had a real chance." Explained the Wolf giving his brother a toothy smile. He was quite pleased with his little brother. He was learning very well. By now all manner of fear was lost in his eyes. He was becoming quite the warrior already. If what he didn't see back in ruins on that day when they raided it to save, Karina and stop the Primates wasn't enough to realize that, Mowgli was part of the Kingdom and one of the family then he didn't know what could be.

Mowgli stared up at Exon who offered his hand to him and, Mowgli gladly took it. He helped him to his feet, and both stood apart from each other.

"Are you okay?" Mowgli asked hoping he didn't hurt his brother too much. He was as tough as they come but should the sessions get very serious even a great wolf could get injured in them.

"Are you kidding me, Mowgli?" Scoffed Exon amusingly. "Your little tickle fest?"

"Hey!" Mowgli shoved the wolf but he didn't budge only being amused all the more by his brothers feeble try at shoving him.

"One day Mowgli you may just do something that may cause me to say ow. But not today!" Joshed Exon bringing an arm over his brother and playfully ruffled his hair making, Mowgli chuckle trying to break out of, Exon's arm around his neck but then they heard the sound of clapping come from nearby.

They turned to where they heard it coming from and were surprised to see it was their father, King Rama. Standing tall in his long shorts with his cape draped across his back with his shining bejeweled crown on his head. He was clapping his two hands together approaching his two sons.

Immediately Exon let go of Mowgli and they both stood at attention and bowed to their Father and King.

"Father." They addressed in unison though they were quite surprised to find him out there just beyond the boundary of the village within the safety of the walls of their Kingdom. Never again had they worried about intruders sneaking their way in and robbing them blindly. They sealed up the secret tunnel the Primates dug and doubled their guard on the walls and had frequent patrols within the walls and outside of it. Nothing will ever be unguarded again.

"I watched your duel. Very impressive. Especially from you, Mowgli." Praised the King looking at his youngest son with a pleased look.

"Really, father?" Asked Mowgli.

"Yes. Not only is your skill improving your lasting longer against an experienced opponent. Making use of the jungle and waiting for the right moments is prove that you're paying close attention in your training." King Rama explained coming closer to his son putting a hand on his shoulder. "Again, you're making me proud, son."

Mowgli looked away for a moment nearly losing his composure with all the praise. "Well…its only due to yours, Exon's and, Captain Lances lessons. I am trying my best but if I can't defeat my own brother in a duel I don't think I will stand too much of a chance out there should the need arise."

King Rama shook his head while Exon only smiled at the scene before retrieving his sword and dislodging his brothers spear from the tree close by.

"Mowgli the more you are defeated by your own family the less you will be out there. Survival is always the key in any fight. That was one of my first lessons to you. Its not about winning just surviving to the next. Your doing just well in your own way. If the past does not make you believe your potential I am afraid words alone won't make understand either." King Rama said rubbing his son's shoulder comfortingly. He loved him as he did all his children besides the traitorous ones who he dared never to even think of if he could. Those that betrayed their family and the Kingdom they were once meant to lead and represent its best interests. Instead, their only interests were their own delusions and xenophobic ways that nearly cost the lives of many including the two they sold out.

Again, his father was proving right. Mowgli just ever thought of his defeats more than his victories. He only wanted to be as good as his Father and, Brother and his betrothed. Them along with his Mother, sisters and, Captain Lance were the most important people in his life. They inspired him. Took care of him. Taught him so much and he is not a wolf. He still had a great deal to go through while he was only two years from becoming an adult after he would face the puberty ritual to earn the right to be called an adult. All have to go through it no matter what great or little they achieved growing up.

"I understand, Father. Forgive my pigheadedness." Apologized Mowgli. His Father grinned rubbing his youngest son's hair. He was a good boy and a fair prince. No wolf, of course. Yet earning every right to be called one just short on a body of fur than only upon his head.

"It is well son. Come along now its getting late. The Sun will soon set, and we have dinner awaiting us. A Fresh catch this morning from, Karina." King Rama explained turning around to walk in the direction of the village. Exon and Mowgli quickly caught up with him with, Mowgli handed back his spear from his brother.

"Karina went hunting again?" Inquired Mowgli. "She seems to be doing a lot of that lately. Always she succeeds but I wonder why she is very insisted on doing it nearly every day now?"

"A Fair question, Mowgli." King Rama agreed. "Perhaps its one you should ask her. She has more than earned her place in the palace but she does need to provide so much. She's earned our faith and trust, but something is amiss with that girl. I advise you to find out. It would be good for you to spend more time with her. You have been training hard in past months perhaps maybe she misses your company?"

"Yes, Brother I think she only is keeping herself busy for your neglecting your mate to be." Teased Exon giving him a wink but, Mowgli just shot him a glare.

"Maybe I have. I'll talk to her after dinner. She might be tired after another successful hunt." Said Mowgli.

"Very well then. She caught a Boar of very considerable size. Most impressive even for her. I would say for its size we should invite a few of our friends and offer the excess to the populace after. They shall sing, Karina's name for her achievement." Suggested King Rama.

"That would be kind. I agree, Father. Hopefully such high praise will come from it. She deserves it. Again as I walked through the village many are still speaking low of her. How can they? She proved she is one of us. One of the kingdom. How can they not see that?" Scoffed Mowgli knowing exactly how his beloved feels. He too still suffers the cold accusing stares of the other wolves. They still doubt him. Repulse him even. It was those very traits that gave way for his two former breather to scheme as they did. Could it happen all over again should someone grow bold enough?

King Rama sighed. "I know, my boy. I maybe the King and I have enforced my authority in the past over the actions of those that betray the kingdom but I cannot force others to think otherwise. That is only something they can do for themselves and if you and, Karina continue to go about your activities and provide for the Kingdom eventually their doubts will fade away for good. I am certain of it."

"I hope so, Father." Mowgli replied feeling rather doubtful. If some haven't changed their opinion by now what's to say if they ever will? His stomach grumbled slightly gaining the attention of his, Father and brother.

"Seems the Prince is feeling neglected. I think he's demanding, Father." Teased Exon only for Mowgli to give him a sharp look with, King Rama chuckling.

"Come along, sons. I think we all earned our supper this day. Let us feast and enjoy the company we shall have. Praise the spirts that this day was good to us and may the next day be as fortunate." King Rama chortled.

The Three of them all made their way to the village to find the path that will take them to the Palace where the rest of their family awaited them for a meal suitable for a noble bunch while sun began to set over the jungle. The Day would soon be over and a lot was to come for the next but on the borders of the jungle a sinister hooded figured gleams as his yellow slit pupils looking directly ahead.

"At long last!" He hissed in a raspy voice with satisfaction. "Home of the Ancestors. Let it be known it will soon belong to its true masters again."