How had my [Bloodlust] skill evolved?

[You have fulfilled the decided parameters for evolution.]

Well, yeah, of course. But what were they?

[The evolutionary prerequisites for the [Bloodlust] skill were: 1. To give in entirely to the influence of the skill at least once, and 2. To entirely reject the influence of the skill at least once. Today, you fulfilled the second objective, and you had already fulfilled the first objective multiple times.]

Alright then. So, what's changed?

[Previous Skill: Bloodlust--when incited by certain triggers, the skill user will find themselves enveloped by rage, thus heightening their battle prowess, at the cost of rationality. This skill can evolve. Conditions: Hidden.]

[Evolved Skill: Improved Bloodlust--when the skill user deems it necessary, they will find themselves enveloped by rage, thus heightening their battle prowess, at the cost of rationality. This drain on sanity is lesser than that of the original [Bloodlust] skill. This skill can evolve. Conditions: Hidden.]

Ok... So now I can just... turn it on? [Bloodlust], activate!

[Skill: Improved Bloodlust activated]

Just as before, there was a narrowing of my vision, and I could hear the blood rushing in my ears. I was immediately overwhelmed by a desire to begin inciting violence against something, anything, but reigned it in and forcefully deactivated the skill. There was a flashing notification in the corner of my vision, and I felt myself drop out of the insanity. That was... strange.

I was pleased with my newly upgraded skill, but I finally allowed myself to come to terms with what had happened that night. Oncli was gone, one of my main supports, and, if I were honest, the member of the pack that was closest to being called a friend. I thought long and hard about how I wanted to change my approach from now on, and, realized that, regardless of my past situation or mentality... the pack was now my family. I couldn't keep on trying to delude myself into thinking that I simply thought of these keelish as tools. They'd become people to me, and I valued their lives outside of their ability to contribute to my revenge.

I'd stood, musing for a while, when I realized that the pack, whether consciously or otherwise, was looking to me for answers, or something. I stood, feeling slightly awkward as the realization had washed over me, but I got over it quickly and began to address the pack.

"We lost a companion today," I looked at Took, and continued. "and a close friend." She looked me solidly in the eye. "I can't help but think that this was, in large part, due to my own weakness. I should have kept an eye out for incoming predators, but I allowed myself to get caught in the negative feelings of desperation and anger. It won't happen again." I looked at the six fanged faces in front of me and continued. "Oncli's sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his presence is ever with us. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will claim the night by fang and shed the blood of our foes. We are the rulers, and we will stay that way."

Took nodded and began a low, now familiar chant.

"victory by fang and blood.

"Victory by fang and blood.

"Victory by fang and blood!

"VICTORY BY FANG AND BLOOD!"

Bit by bit, the pack joined in, and, finally, for the first time, I joined in myself. I half let myself slip into [Bloodlust], and, before long, we were a mashing mess of vigor, rage, and fanged jaws. In a moment of clarity, however, I noticed a couple of faces poking into the den, curious.

The pack looked at me differently now--whereas before they saw me almost as a general of sorts, trustworthy yet untouchable, now they saw me as a member of the pack. The leader in mind, heart, and body. I could feel the difference in treatment and comfort around me, and I welcomed the closeness that I had been purposefully distancing myself from until then.

...

There was a long time of reveling amongst us. We moshed, ate until we were sick, Took took on all challengers in a spar, and was continuously victorious, even against Brutus. After she had worked herself up, however, she retreated into a corner and dismissed anyone who approached. I, understanding her plight, simply gave her a nod and then space, which she seemed to appreciate.

I took the opportunity to approach Vefir and Silf.

"How comfortable are you two with beginning to accompany us on the hunt, full time?"

Vefir took a step back and was obviously uncomfortable with the idea, but Silf stepped forward.

"I think that if we stay here, we may be safe, but we will always end up useless. My brother is afraid of danger, but I am more afraid of uselessness, and being left behind again." Vefir looked unhappily at his brother, then grudgingly spoke up.

"I-i-if he goes-s-s, then I-I-I will t-t-too."

"Good. Frankly speaking, if you two are completely unwilling to help in the hunt, I fail to see what you offer to the pack. You are not brooding females, you are not expanding the nest, and you are not offering value. I want you to be useful, so come provide use." I gently tapped both on the neck with my tail and retreated back to my personal corner to begin to rest.

I looked out across my little pack, and noticed Foire and Treel laying down near the center of the room while Brutus, Vefir, and Silf dogpiled in a corner all together. They were an unlikely pairing, but they seemed to have a good thing going, and I liked the idea of the lumbering, simple Brutus looking out for the twins, while they might help him grow. I decided to move a bit closer to Took that night, and she seemed to welcome the company, as she nestled a little closer to me.

This was weird, but it was beginning to be good.