Abyss
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Post by Abyss on Nov 10, 2022 2:03:04 GMT
 He took in a deep breath and released it quickly, determined. He was gonna do it. It had taken him a few days of overthinking, anxiety, and minor panic, but he had worked up the courage. This couldn't go on forever.
Kai was going to confront his brothers. Or at least…talk to them. Try to. It had been about a week now since he, Zero, and Shep were attacked by the lynx. A week since that loner and that other lady saved them and drove the lynx off. A week since he had run away, leaving his brothers to face the lynx alone…
As cowardly and anxious as Kai was, he was still solid and believed in his reasoning for doing it. But…they were not of the same opinion. At least it seemed that way, based on the fact that neither of them had spoken to him or even gave him the time of day since then. Truthfully he didn't actually know what they thought of that day. What their actual reason was for avoiding him, glaring at him, even baring their teeth as Shep sometimes did. Did they think he had abandoned them? Or left them to die? That wasn't….
All morning he had been working himself up, telling himself over and over the same thing. 'I'm going to go out, I'm gonna find them, I'm gonna talk to them, and I'm gonna fix this.' He tried to think of what he would say in his head as he got ready.
He snuck out of the caretaker's sights. He evaded being caught by the other pups. As far as he knew, no adults had seen him. But he froze when he reached the entrance of the Homecave. He was going out alone, something that he never did, especially not by choice. He had no adult with him. He didn't have his brothers. No one. He was on his own. If he ran into the lynx again…..NO. He would not think that way. Yes he was small and yes he was weak, but he had strong legs. He had been racing since the day he was born. He could outrun it if it found him again….yeah…..sure….let's go with that.
He huffed, sticking out his chest and lifting his head. He padded from the cave and slunk into the nearby bushes, disappearing in the darkness of boulders and trees.
He was confident when he was in the entrance. The first couple minutes he was fine. He knew what he was doing. He could handle himself. He could. Most of the time. At least he tried to. He totally could. For the most part….but…what if…
His confidence faded fast, as multiple realizations dawned on him. He didn't even know where he was going! Zero and Shep hadn't been home all morning, he could only assume that they were off cliff jumping or elk tipping or some other crazy things pups shouldn't be doing. But regardless of what they were up to, they were gone, and he had no idea where they went. Sure, talking to them was a good idea, it was a good thought, and he was determined this plan would work. But he hadn't considered that he would have to find them first. And with how big the valley was, and how little they cared for their own well-being or rules….they could be anywhere by now.
He had to stop and think. Where would they go…..silver eyes glanced around him and his nose breathed in deeply. He couldn't smell them here… he went further ahead passed a small cluster of trees. Not here either…….maybe passed this little trail of boulders. Not he- wait! His nose found the ground, taking in what he could of this scent that he caught, plus a little bit of dirt. It was…..definitely wolf. Was it them, though? He tried to tell, but it was difficult; something else was mixed in, like muddy water or dirt or something…
He followed this faint trail, paws moving a little bit faster as it got stronger. He was on to something. But he still couldn't even tell if it was them. It had to be somebody.
It got stronger and stronger, and he increased his speed to a trot. He heard footsteps. The scent was the strongest it had been. It had to be them! He rushed forward, turning a corner around a big boulder, and nearly running into someone.
"Oh! I finally-"
He looked up, finding that this was not Zero, nor was it Shep. Nor was it someone he recongized. This wolf was an adult, but not one of the Vertok. He swallowed a lump in his throat, looking up at this other wolf with wide eyes.
"I-I'm sorry! I…I thought you were…someone…else….." His voice slowly got lower, with a hint of disappointment, or maybe sadness. He took a few steps back, giving the bigger male(?) space, his tail and ears drooping.
For a moment, he dwelled on this, but then it occurred to him. He knew for a fact that he was still in Vertok territory. And this was a wolf he didn't know. Silver eyes lifted, looking to this stranger in confusion.
"I…I don't..recognize you?"
"Speaking." Thinking.
880 Takes place 1 week after lynx attack (C) ABYSS |
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Post by Zawki on Nov 15, 2022 14:59:54 GMT
- Axel -
Axel padded along at a steady trot, his tail swaying lightly, but held low in a relaxed position, in case he ran into any patrols. He didn't want them to think he was a threat. Not long ago, he had been hesitating at the pack's borders, torn between his fear and curiosity. He didn't know how they would feel about trespassers, and to be living in the rugged mountains, he assumed the pack must be pretty hardy. The last thing he wanted was a fight. Yet, he could tell from the fact their territory bordered unclaimed land that they probably weren't crazy, power-hungry savages. That was good, at least. If they didn't want him here, he could always turn around and leave... but he hoped it wouldn't come to that, either. He knew so little about the packs in this land, and to him, this was an opportunity to make new friends. He hoped they would see it that way, too.
The ground felt scratchy under his paws, but he didn't mind. He hadn't intended to come so far in, though he was still yet to run into any patrols. Slowing his pace, Axel paused to sniff the air. The only scents he noticed seemed distant, yet stronger than before. For a moment, he was met with a twinge of loneliness, but once he realised all he had to do was keep going, he returned to his casual trot. Exploring this new territory was like an adventure. Although he preferred to hide beneath a thick canopy, he had to admit it was pretty fun when the smaller rocks and stones shifted under his paws, clattering down the occasional rocky slope. It wasn't as barren here as he had first thought, either; a couple of times, he had caught a scent which he assumed to be mountain goat, and although the drought had taken its toll on the land, there were still a few plants scattered here and there.
Before long, he began to slow his pace once more, taking some time to admire the surroundings. Although it didn't look like hunting would be easy here, he had to admit it was a beautiful territory. They even appeared to have their own forest.
Suddenly, he heard something. Before he even knew what was happening, he caught a rush of movement and met the startled gaze of another wolf, causing him to leap back instinctively. He landed in a defensive stance, his ears flattened and his own eyes widened in surprise as he took a moment to steady himself. Then his expression softened, and his ears perked back up. This wasn't a threat; it was a pup, and seemingly just as surprised as he was. "Hey there lil' guy!" Axel carefully laid down to make himself appear less intimidating, his tail wagging happily behind him. He had company, at last! Yet... the pup almost seemed kind of sad. Tilting his head to one side, Axel wondered if it was his fault. He hadn't meant to frighten him. Or maybe... something else was wrong. The young wolf had seemed to be in a hurry, after all, and by what he was saying, he sounded kind of lost, too.
When the pup mentioned that he didn't recognise him, Axel was quickly shaken from his thoughts. He had almost forgotten about that part.
"My name's Axel!" he explained, closing his eyes briefly as he gave a friendly grin. "I came here hoping to get to know the local packs better." He wondered just how much the pup knew about them. Then he remembered the hint of sadness he saw. "Is this your pack?" he asked, his voice a little gentler than before.
Abyss | Burn
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Abyss
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Post by Abyss on Nov 21, 2022 6:11:45 GMT
For a moment, Kai caught himself off-guard. The wolf that he ran into was quick to greet him, and just from first looks, he didn’t seem like he was going to attack. The pup could remember lessons that the caretakers back home would say, like to not trust wolves you didn’t know, especially ones from other packs. But…he didn’t actually know what wolves from the other packs looked like, or smelled like. This one didn’t really smell like other wolves, so maybe he wasn’t a pack wolf? That didn’t mean he was trustworthy, but…..he seemed friendly?
This thought solidified in his mind, watching with wide eyes as the brown and white wolf lowered himself to the ground, laying more at eye-level with Kai than before. He even saw small glimpses of the male’s tail behind him; was it wagging? Was he…happy to see Kai? Did this loner know him? Did he know the loner and just didn’t know it? He was kind of confused, but his mind admittedly wasn’t entirely focused on the loner.
He was actually quick to introduce himself, saying his name was Axel. It wasn’t a name Kai had ever recalled hearing before, so maybe they didn’t know each other. And he said that he came to get to know the packs, so it seemed like he was a loner. Though, if this wolf came here looking for knowledge about the packs, he wasn’t entirely sure that he was the best person to ask. He hardly knew anything about the other packs besides their names.
“Y-Yeah. I’m from the Vertok.” He glanced around, suddenly realizing that he didn’t even recognize the place they were in. Was he even still in Vertok territory? Had he actually left the territory by accident?! No, no, there was no way. He had to be in the territory still. Then again…what were the chances that Zero and Shep were still in the territory…? If he wanted to find them…
His ears lowered against his head, glancing nervously back to the loner. He wanted to ask him if he had seen his brothers, or if he knew if they were actually in pack territory, but that might seem kind of backwards. A pack wolf asking a loner if he was in his own territory still? It didn’t make sense.
“We uh….live in the mountains. A-And in this bit of the forest. Have you…um…been here before? Do youuu know where you are, or where you are going?” It felt odd trying to beat around the actual question, and honestly he didn’t know if he was good at lying. Was this lying? He didn’t really lie that often…he thought…no, he wasn’t trying to lie, he was just asking simple questions. Then again, what if Axel said yes. Would that mean that a loner had been travelling in Vertok land and they didn’t know? Or maybe they did? Should Kai even be talking to him right now? Or should he be trying to chase him off? But wait, that was the job of adults, not pups… He could almost feel his own mind giving him a headache.
"Speaking." Thinking.
523 Takes place 1 week after lynx attack (C) ABYSS |
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Post by Zawki on Nov 23, 2022 14:17:15 GMT
- Axel -
Tilting his head to one side again, Axel looked at the pup quizzically. "The... Vertok?" He had never heard the name before, but he had to admit it was pretty cool. At last, he could put a name to them. 'Vertok,' he thought, trying to commit it to memory. It was one of those unique names he just knew he would forget if he didn't quickly familiarise himself with it.
He could see the pup looking around, as if he was afraid of something. When he glanced his way, Axel offered a reassuring smile. He wasn't sure what had him so on-edge, but he hoped his company might help. The pup went on to explain a little more about the Vertok, and although they were quite obvious facts, Axel was grateful the pup started with the basics. He wanted to know everything, and it confirmed what little he already knew. Like any good tour guide, the pup even asked if he knew where he was, or where he was going.
"Nope! This is my first time here." He got to his paws and had a quick look around, taking in the surroundings. "Well, I know I'm in... Vertok territory? Yeah, that's it! Right...?" Glancing back at the pup, he smiled and looked at him expectantly, hoping he had remembered correctly. "It's a beautiful territory. Anyway, as for where I'm going..." With a swish of his tail, he dropped into a play bow. "I'm going right here!" He stared at the pup once more, as if expecting him to initiate a game of tag. Then his tail slowed a little, and he laid back down on the spot. "If that's okay, of course. I mean, this is your territory and all. Are guests even welcome here? Am I welcome here?" Realising he may be overwhelming the poor thing, he shook his head and added more gently, "I guess what I really want to know is... is it alright if I stay for a while?"
The pup was actually pretty cute; he reminded him a little of his siblings when they were younger. He didn't want to intrude, but at the same time, Axel couldn't help but think he'd found a new friend already. Perhaps if he could help the pup with whatever was troubling him, the pack would be grateful and he would be allowed to visit as often as he liked. Helping one friend, making more friends, and getting to learn more about the territory. It was the perfect plan!
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Post by Abyss on Apr 7, 2023 7:39:31 GMT
The dark-coated pup’s ears flattened against his head as the loner mentioned that he had never been here before. He had almost hoped that Axel knew where he was, or at least which direction to go for when he started heading home. But he couldn’t have really expected someone who blatantly stated that he didn’t know much about the packs to know where he was, much less where a pack densite was. The pup swallowed hard on the lump in his throat, glancing around himself more in search of any signs of…anything. Noticeable landmarks, wolf traces, even any clues as to where his brothers went. Oh! That reminded him!
Just as he turned his head, having completely zoned out and not having heard what the other wolf said a few moments prior, he suddenly saw the male standing and flop down into a playbow, making the pup flinch for a moment. It was initial reaction, but he didn’t run or jump or flee, though his silver eyes did go wide in surprise, mouth slightly agape, unsure of what to do or say. For a minute the thought he had just had disappeared, watching as at first the male tried to initiate play, but then laid back down to be closer to eye level. Then he had asked his question. Or, rather multiple questions actually.
“O-Oh, uh...I mean…” It wasn’t like the Vertok was often violent towards outsiders. From what he did know of the other packs, mostly from accidental eavesdropping on the adults, his was actually the only pack who were friendly to loners. He couldn’t say he knew exactly why, but either way, this loner didn’t seem threatening or like he had ill-intent.
“My pack is…pretty nice to outsiders. I…don’t think anyone would mind you being around.” He thought for a minute, trying to recall the sort of attitudes he had heard from others on their views of loners. “Some outsiders were here the other day, they saved me and-” The pups eyes suddenly went even wider than before, his gaze flashing almost desperately to the loner suddenly and his little body tensing.
“My brothers! Have you seen them? Or smelled them? Or heard them? They are around my age, one with black and red fur and the other pure white?”
"Speaking." Thinking.
383 Takes place 1 week after lynx attack (C) ABYSS |
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Post by Zawki on Apr 9, 2023 16:07:57 GMT
- Axel -
For a moment, Axel was sure he had overdone it; he wasn't sure the pup had even taken in what he said. He tilted his head to one side again, wondering if he should ask the pup if he was okay, when finally the young wolf spoke. Axel offered a small smile of encouragement in return, noticing the pup seemed to be struggling for words. He wasn't used to such timid company, but he didn't mind waiting. Yet, the moment he heard what he had been wanting to know, his calmer demeanour faded like a leaf whisked away on the breeze.
"That's great news!" Axel barely managed to stop himself from springing to his paws, his tail wagging wildly across the dry ground. If they didn't mind outsiders, then maybe they wouldn't mind him bringing his friends along sometime, too. He watched the pup for a little longer to see if he would elaborate, curious to know more about the pack, but when the pup spoke again, the sentence was cut short. He almost seemed... scared. Axel's ears suddenly perked up, and he quickly sat so that he would be able to stand more easily if he needed to; whatever had been troubling the guy was clearly more important than he had first thought.
The flurry of questions that followed took him by surprise, but thankfully, it didn't seem they were in immediate danger. Axel thought for a moment, then shook his head gently. "I haven't seen anyone else around here but you, but I'll help you find them," he promised, getting to his paws. He gave the air a quick sniff, seeing if he could notice anything new. "Where did you see them last?" he asked, turning back to the pup. As he thought about the situation, Axel felt a sudden chill run down his spine; in one way, this could be a thrilling adventure, like an especially important game of hide and seek... but at the same time, he hoped the pup's brothers were alright, probably lost and scared alone in the wilderness. Wherever they were, he wanted to find them as soon as he could. Thoughts of the pack forgotten, Axel quickly padded a short distance, gazing closely at the surroundings. There had to be a trace somewhere...
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Post by Abyss on Sept 14, 2023 23:55:06 GMT
Though it was quite clear that the wolf before him was more excitable and energetic than himself, Kai still found himself caught off guard each time the larger male made a sudden movement. He seemed pretty happy about the fact that the Vertok was kinder to outsiders, but that made sense.
The shaky pup’s ears flatten, disheartened by the answer he was given. A part of him had desperately hoped that the loner had seen the boys, even just a glimpse, but he hadn’t, which meant that Kai truly didn’t have any leads. At the start he had been afraid for himself, as he was choosing to leave the densite by himself, something that he never did. Shep and Zero were alone, but at least they had each other if something happened. If something happened to himself, he had no one. But the longer that he searched, he started to worry for them instead. Especially now that someone who had been in the territory wandering around hadn’t even seen them. It wouldn’t be much of a shock if they had actually fully left the territory, but...without a trace? Not even a scent trail?
But a little part of him was relieved, as this new wolf had offered to help look for them. He was a stranger, sure, but at least Kai wasn’t alone anymore.
“I...uh...they...I-I haven’t seen them all morning...I don’t know where they went. They weren’t at the den...”
Suddenly feeling more lost than he had in all of the time he had been out here, by instinct he padded quickly after the loner, keeping his head and nose lower in search of any possible scent or clue or anything that could tell them where the boys were.
"Speaking." Thinking.
289 It's not long, but eh >.< (C) ABYSS |
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Post by Zawki on Sept 15, 2023 14:05:23 GMT
- Axel -
Axel closed his eyes, focusing on the scents and sounds around him. Everything was so unfamiliar to him, and he longed to explore it all, but he knew he had to focus on the task at paw. He looked back when the pup spoke, offering the younger wolf a small, hopeful smile, but it only lasted a moment. Apparently, he hadn't seen his brothers all morning; they were without a lead. Axel's tail drooped a little. He wanted desperately to help, but it seemed the task would be harder than he had first thought.
"Hmm." He turned and observed the area once more, before pausing to think. "You know," he began, "I have a couple of brothers, too." Axel could feel a little spark of optimism as an idea began to fall into place, and he let it show in his demeanour. He didn't want the pup worrying too much, when there was still plenty they could try. "My younger brother likes plants," he explained, "so if I wanted to find him, I would start by looking somewhere with lots of plants." His tail began to sway as he looked at the reddish-brown wolf. "What kinds of things do your brothers enjoy? Maybe it could give us an idea of where to look!"
'You, my friend, are a genius.' His friend's words played in his head, and he couldn't help but smile. Whilst he waited for the pup's response, he found himself wondering if he should invite his friends to join the search, but quickly decided against it. He had no idea where they were, and at least for now, he wanted a chance to prove himself. Still, he decided to make a mental note that he could always howl to them should they need the help.
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Post by Abyss on Mar 11, 2024 23:25:47 GMT
[attr="class","malakaipostingicontop"][attr="class","cp cp-deer"] [attr="class","malakaipostingnametitle"]MALAKAI His thoughts were jumbled and he found that the more he thought, the less focus he had. What if he didn’t find his brothers? Did they even still consider him their brother? What would he say to them if they did find them? What would he say if they didn’t? What if they didn’t even want to talk? What would they think seeing him with some strange wolf? Would they think he was betraying his pack? First his brothers and then his whole pack? What was he even doing following a loner he had just met? He was out in the territory by himself with only one wolf who he didn’t actually know that could be just acting nice and in reality is actually trying to gain his trust just to lead him into a trap and-
‘I have a couple of brothers, too.’
Oh my god he really is leading me into a trap.
The little male’s paws stopped in their tracks and he shook his head. No no no, stop, his mind was getting to him again.
This is exactly why I don’t leave home!
He heard the loner make a comment about how one of his brothers liked plants, and confusion replaced the panic, for just a moment. Until he realized he was falling behind. Being with an adult is better than being alone. He trotted quickly to catch up, hoping that he seemed like he had been listening, which he felt bad for not actually doing so at first. He did actually tune in as Axel spoke, actually bringing up a good idea, a possible lead to finding them. For just a moment, he actually got his hopes up, as this could be a good way to find them. But the realization set in quick, and his ears drooped a tad.
“I mean…they…tend to get in trouble a lot. They…like danger…and other predators…and places that aren’t all that safe…” He glanced up at the loner, an awkward smile pulling at his maw. If he had thumbs, he would’ve raised one awkwardly. “D-doesn’t really bode well for us, d-does it?” He managed an uncertain chuckle, glancing at their surroundings. He tried to think of something, anything, any other detail about them that could help them.
“They…they like to explore places they haven’t been…even if it’s far from home…so…the territory borders. They could be going along the borders. But…I…haven’t been to the borders, so…I d-don’t really know..where..they..are…” It didn’t really help much that he wasn’t as knowledgeable about his own territory as he wished he was. But maybe Axel could help him figure it out. Or maybe they’d run into a packmate that could help. There was always that chance that a Knight would be out patrolling the borders, or a Rook could be out hunting. Maybe they’d get lucky and find Caveras.
Zawki
[attr="class","malakaipostingiconbottom"][attr="class","cp cp-deer"] [attr="class","malakaipostingfootertitle"]THE LOST SON |
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