Alone

Subject: Alone Sun Feb 12, 2012 10:11 am

Kasumi layed in a den that was on a hill in the Lone Lands. She was only 6 months old as she looked outside and her parents were murder by some dark wolves. She walked out a bit only to see her parents laying on the ground, bleeding and crushed. She ran back in the den as a couple tears came down her cheek. She looked around the den to see if the dark wolves had tsken them. Yes. Yes they had. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she howl for sadness. She curled into a ball and conutined to cry. She was waiting...waiting for someone to help her.

Subject: Re: Alone Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:45 pm

She was walking now, having finished training Tyke, but had to give him one final test. He'd been very willing, and she didn't want to stop him, so she let him go. As to when, or if, he'd return to her, who knew? That had been a while ago. Now, she was free to wander again, although she missed having a whelp around, despite her nature. She wasn't too concerned for Tyke. She'd taught him much of what she knew, and it was up to him to apply it. If he didn't survive, then it wasn't meant to be. Blood caught her attention, as would any wolf like her.

After walking a few more minutes, she looked at the sight before her, stopping in her tracks. Two dead carcasses, male and female. It was a pretty gruesome scene, and no pure wolf would have killed like this. The culprits, or culprits, were insane, or dark-hearted. Not bothered by the death site, she focused, having caught the scent of another wolf, but much younger. So, she'd find another whelp to replace the other she'd adopted and raised.

She said, "Is anyone in the den? My name is Ixtab. Do you need help?" She knew there was, but didn't want to approach too close and startle the pup. She placed her body between the dead wolves and the mouth of the den, not yet sure what the connection between them were. Orange eyes stared at the mouth of the cave, her cold features softening. Her darker side had seen satisfied when Tyke had been sent on his way, and she could give guidance to another pup. She was dark of heart and some methods, but had a soft spot for pups. Hopefully, the pup in the den would be willing to follow her into the shadows.

Subject: Re: Alone Wed Feb 15, 2012 10:55 am

Long black legs carried a a slender, but muscular form trough the dry and barren wasteland. Blazing orange eyes searched for anything intresting or edible, while a pair of ears where alert for danger. It was his nose that alerted him though. The metal-like scent of blood filled his nares all the sudden. Stopping in his tracks, he glanced to all sides. A small mound of dirt demanded his attention, and the closer he got to it, the stronger the scent. Approaching the site, he confirmed what he had already suspected. Two dead wolves lay at the entrance of what appeared to be a den. But what really drawed his attention was the living femme peering in the den. She was talking softly to someone, but he couldn't hear what or who. He negnectfully walke up to the first of the dead, and rolled her over with his paw, examining the wounds closely. They where caused by a wolf. That much was sure. He glanced back to the femme, and dind't knew her part in all of this, but he guessed he would get that answers quickly.

Subject: Re: Alone Thu Feb 16, 2012 4:04 pm

Kasumi heard a wolf outside. She is a bit startled at them but one of them asked her some simple questions. She walked up to her and layed her eyes down. She spoke in a scared voice," I'm Kasumi. Dark wolves killed my parent and they took my siblings." A tear went down her cheek as a male walked up to. She walked back a little bit and tucked her tail between her legs. Not scared...startled.

Subject: Re: Alone Thu Feb 16, 2012 7:25 pm

She'd noticed the male while waiting for a response from the den, although didn't bother to turn around until she got a reaction from the whelp. The pu- Kasumi was cautious. Turning her head slightly to glance at the other wolf, her orange eyes met the same. Orange.

Giving her attention back to the den, she said lightly, "Kasumi, you can come out. I'll make sure no harm comes to you from any big, scary wolves. Between you and me, when I have someone to protect, the big, scary wolves run away from me." She glanced again at the black pelted wolf, knowing that he'd understand she wasn't judging him when she spoke. More seriously, she continued, "Besides, you can't stay in there forever. I haven't seen any other wolves along the way, and those wolves, or more bad wolves will come by. I can't help your siblings, but I can ensure your survival so you can grow up to protect those you'll love in the future." She didn't mention she technically was considered in the bad wolf group, although she wasn't insane like the majority of them were. As she'd told Tyke before, there were different shades of darkness, just as there were different shades of neutrality and purity.

Partially turning to the bru again, she stated, "You didn't do this. What are your intentions here, or did you just wander by?" She was completely relaxed, neither considering him a friend or foe yet. To the bru, depending on how well he could interpret others, would either see a naive fem with a love for pups, a fem who loved pups but was still very aware of her surrounding, or somewhere in between. She listened to who would answer first, but would be very aware of the other.

Subject: Re: Alone Fri Feb 17, 2012 7:51 pm

Kasumi walked out of the den as Ixtab spoke to her quietly and calmly. She looked up at the large wolves looking at her and layed her ears back a bit. She wimpered as she saw her parents laying a few feet away from her. Another tear went down her face as she looked up at King.

King was tall to her. She was little scared because one of the wolves was black. She walked over slowly to Ixtab and stood between her legs as she looked at the male. She trembled as she spoke to Ixtab," W...Who is that? The black male." She showed the fear in her voice as she looked up at Ixtab and then at King.

Subject: Re: Alone Sat Feb 18, 2012 6:01 am

Seeing the pup coming out of the den, King stopped with inspecting the dead femme at his feet. He moved closer to the two of them, but held a distance, as not to startle the pup or to provocate the femme. He looked down at the pup, with a gentle smile on his face. "I am King, no need to worry though, I am a friend." He then glanced at Ixtab, with blazing orange eyes. "I'll take a look around, see if I can find the cowards who did this. You get the pup away from here." He wasn't going to wait for her response, and swiftly moved away, checking the perimeter around the den. His nose quickly led him to a pair of pawprints running into the lonelands. They probably had already made a distance betweeen themselves and the scene. Too bad, he'd like to tear their throats down to their belly. MAybe he could go after them later, but for now, he decided to go back towards the others.

Subject: Re: Alone Sat Feb 18, 2012 4:42 pm

Now that Kasumi was out of the den, Ixtab's form was no longer blocking the view of the whelp's parents. She had been about to react when King introduced himself. Ixtab almost bristled at his last statement, but relented only because she would have done so anyways. As he departed, she lowered her head to gently, yet affectionately rub near Kasumi's cheek saying, "If you want to pay your respects to your parents with me before we depart, do so now. Then come with me." She had a feeling King would seek them out after he scouted. By the evidence, though, she was fairly sure the killers would be long gone. This didn't look like the work of a wolf who'd kill and linger back to see the end results.

Taking a small step towards the deceased pair, she lowered her head respectfully and said, "I'm sorry for what happened to you, but your daughter, Kasumi, is alive and whole. I don't know the path you intended for her to take, but I hope you'll be pleased as you watch her grow up and learn from me in your stead... if she'll allow me."

Ixtab waited for Kasumi to finish paying her respects, if she chose to do so, before guiding her some distance away where the stench wasn't as strong and the deceased were hidden from view. There weren't pleasantries like burying the dead in the lone lands. Tilting her head in the direction they had come, she knew she hadn't make it difficult for King to track them down. While waiting, she asked, "Do you have questions for me, Kasumi?" Eyeballing the pup, she looked to be only a few months, so anything Ixtab would need to learn would be revealed as Kasumi grew up. And perhaps knowing more about her would help the pup be more at ease.

Subject: Re: Alone Tue Feb 28, 2012 3:09 pm

King had rounded up his inspection of the terrain. He was on he way back when he overthought what he had seen the last few minutes. The dead, the pup, the femme... Now that he thought of it, he had been a little to blunt when he had spoke to her, but that didn't matter to him. After all, he was used to live as a leader, and he knew he would always end up commanding others. Rounding the den, he saw the two others, and aproached slowly, as to not to scare the pup with his sudden presence. He sat dwon a little away from them, and waited for the two to finish their... whatever the sort of conversation they where having. King had never understood femmes, but he had already understoood that he would never have too.

Subject: Re: Alone Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:14 pm

King was back. She had finished, but wasn't sure if Kasumi was. Turning she walked towards him, knowing Kasumi wouldn't run off away from them. "It's unfortunate, but she'll have to adjust to seeing such sights, growing up in these lands. If indeed wolf spirits have a place to go to when they pass, they'd have wanted a reassurance Kasumi was in good hands before they moved on, and also to see her alive, even if we can't see them."

Glancing to see where the pup was, she said, "What might your itinerary be? I'm headed that way." She motioned her head vaguely to the east- the direction she'd been travelling before she'd stopped. "No exact destination in mind as long as I don't head back from where I came or encounter any packs. Seeing as I haven't introduced myself, I'm Ixtab. I may have known your intentions when you wandered upon here, but what are they now?" She didn't need anyone interfering with her life or stealing Kasumi away, if that was his intention.

Subject: Re: Alone Sat Mar 31, 2012 1:16 pm

Kasumi looked up at Ixtab as she told her if she wanted to pay her respects to her parents, she could, then come to her. She nodded to the adult as she went to her father and mother and whispered some caring words to them,slowly. As she was finished, she realized that this is the path her life was going to go in and caught up with King and Ixtab. Kasumi's eyes weren't red any more as she asked Ixtab quietly," Is there any food nearby? I'm rather hungry." She sat next to King and licked her lips. She could see all of them becoming friends very soon. She smiled for the first time since her parents were killed.
Kasumi was ready to start her new life with King and Ixtab.

Subject: Re: Alone Sun Apr 01, 2012 10:42 am

As Kasumi stepped towards them and spoke, her attention immediately turned to her. Smiling, she replied, "If there's one thing to remember, Kasumi, wherever a wolf may be, there is always food. You just have to know how to find it." It reminded her of her previous... apprentice. She'd met him when he was hungry, too. Of course, it'd be natural if one came across a stray pup who hadn't been taught fundamental skills yet or was still very young.

"If you're not too hungry yet, I'd like to ask you a few things. Tell me the scent of any source of meat you've eaten, and have you hunted anything either with others or alone yet? If you're up for it, I'd like you to accompany us on our hunt and start further developing your skills." She still wasn't sure if there'd be an 'us' referring to two adult wolves or not, but she spoke it for now, since King seemed interested in sticking around so far... Six months was plenty old enough to be introduced to hunting and shadowing parents on larger hunts. Ixtab would be surprised if she didn't know how to catch a hare yet. Although at the same time, she knew not all parents thought of the future or could even fathom dying before their pups become almost yearlings. Some were overprotective or much too soft. She'd never be harsh on a pup, but she would push their limits a little so they can learn and remember well.

Subject: Re: Alone Sun Apr 01, 2012 11:31 am

Ixtab told Kasumi that she needed to tell the scent of any source of meat she has eaten. Also that if she had hunted alone or with others. Kasumi thought for a minute and replied with both questions answered. "Um,well, last night, before my parents passed, all of us had a elk calf. And a few weeks ago, my father had took me and my siblings on a tracking lesson. There, I caught a rabbit. So I guess I hunted with others."

The caring Ixtab also said something that she could hunt with them and further develop Kasumi's skills. "Sure, I would love to help." She wagged her tail a bit and spoke to both of them, saying," If you want to, you both can just call me Sumi." She smiled as she walked away from them and sniffed the ground.

She was sniffing when caught to something. Running away from King and Ixtab, Sumi looked around everywhere as she come apon a track. Tracks now. An elk herd had come here not to long ago. She barked to them as she yelled to them," Elk tracks!" Kasumi looked around and heard one coming. A injured one because of the sound of it walking. She hid in the nearest bush, hoping they would not be seen by the elk.

Subject: Re: Alone Sun Apr 08, 2012 4:39 pm

"Such enthusiasm." was the only thing King spoke as he started to follow Kasumi in a slow tread, inviting Ixtab to walk next to him. He wasn't planning to go anywhere, as he just like kinda wandered aimlessly around what the few loners he had met referred to as the Lone lands. For King, it was just generic wasteland number x. He had seen alot of the world, and he was neither old nor young, a brute in the summer of his life. The idea of sticking with Ixtab and Kasumi actually felt a good one, as he had no other things to do, as for now.

Subject: Re: Alone Tue Apr 10, 2012 7:39 pm

At least this one was also enthusiastic. A bit much so, but at least she answered the question before charging off. Kasumi ran off when she caught a scent. She followed behind at a more leisurely pace, noticing that King, too, was, so she matched his speed beside him. "I should hope she has some. It's a nice break from having to always be imaginative to make a young one interested in learning. Plus, it's better to present a difficult situation for them to solve on their own. They're more likely to be determined to think it through with minimal assistance."

She didn't trust him yet, but more than she would another female. If King had been a lone female without pups, he'd probably have already have been kicked around until he left or died. He was lucky he was male. Men were more easy to get along with after they stop acting like they were the only ones who could make decisions and expect her to follow through on whim. She winced when Kasumi barked and yelled. It wasn't because it hurt her ears, though. It was an automatic reaction on her part when teaching pups, too see if they could realize on their own what they did wrong. Neither she or King were officially teaching Kasumi at the moment, but she was used to the motions.

She listened to the pace to steps, since neither she or King were yet close enough to see the elk. It slowed- possibly at the sound of barking or because it found a shrub or tree bark. That elk had better be an abandoned calf, old and moderately wounded, or going to die within the next few minutes from injury. Elk were the most difficult prey, especially in tiny groups when said elk was only slightly injured. There was nothing that could make her hunt an elk that was very capable of cracking a skull with little energy. A deranged wolf? Sure. An Elk? Nope. Expert tracker she may be, but she wasn't suicidal.

First was to see what the others would do and the condition of that elk before she voiced any approval or refusal.

Subject: Re: Alone Wed Apr 11, 2012 2:28 pm

Kasumi looked and saw King and Ixtab were coming. She lowered herself more as the elk bleated and sounded ill. The elk walked near Kasumi, who was around 3 feet away. The elk fell to the ground with out much warning. It was sick. Ill. She looked at the elk as its body could not be standing. The elk was shaking. Kasumi knew them that the elk was really sick. It was no good to eat. She sighed. Not long after that sigh, the elk had passed peacefully. Kasumi looked at King and Ixtab and said quietly," I think it is really sick. So much so we can't eat it. It could pass to us." She didn't know if it could, but she was guessing that was right. She looked at the elk, sorrow and pain in its eyes. Alone with three different wolves.

Subject: Re: Alone Thu Apr 12, 2012 10:13 am

She remained silent as she and King approached, scrutinizing. She'd seen the elk collapse and heard what Kasumi said. Ixtab looked at her, as if trying to determine how she had grown up before saying, "It'd be a waste to let this be eaten by scavengers. As sick as it may have been, most wolves, especially loners, have eaten prey that looked more sick than this one. I haven't gotten sick, nor have I heard of another. I'll help you catch something else if you don't want to eat it, but I haven't had elk for ages." She stepped closer and inhaled. Nothing smelled unusual. She grew up eating whatever was easiest to find. In a place that was dark nearly all the time, there were many sickly animals, and predators ate the first thing they could find. It was only those who became comfortable and good at hunting or tracking in the darkness who caught better prey. Even then, it wasted less time and energy when the food had already died.

"So, Sumi. A little self-awareness quiz for you; it's only purpose is to help you learn for the future and open your awareness, not to condemn you. Think back to when you were tracking this elk. What do you think you did right, and what could be improved on?" Her tone was genuinely light. Everyone made mistakes when they were young, and the good thing about being young was that it's easier to learn from mistakes. She vowed to make sure Kasumi would be able to care for herself and survive if no one was around to help her. Depending on Kasumi's personality, she'd make sure to teach her every means necessary to live.

While waiting on a reply, she tore into the meat, pulling out a small strip so she could get a taste before scarfing down on more. It didn't taste wrong on her tongue, and she nodded in approval of its edibility before pulling more strips out. Her upbringing also caused more of a lack of eating manners than some unless she remembered to control herself. There were no ranks here, so she wasn't going to wait on the others before eating. Ranks hindered and limited wolves, and those who led were oft corrupt.

Subject: Re: Alone Sat Apr 21, 2012 8:05 pm

Kasumi looked up at Ixtab. "Sure, I guess that I could eat the elk." She shrugged her shoulders as she looked at the deer. I guess that it would be okay to eat, she thought. As she walked up to the elk to take a bite, Ixtab started talking. While her stomach growled quietly, she asked about if her tracking elk was right and if she could improve. She thought for a minute but she couldn't think of anything. Kasumi thought and thought and thought. Nothing popped in her head. She looked like she was thinking on the outside, but on the inside, she was braindead.

Subject: Re: Alone Sun Apr 22, 2012 9:10 am

King just watched the two eat, while he was sitting down, not hungry. His female companion as a bit... odd, to say the least but, he didn't mind. After all, those where the most interesting, and dangerous ones. No need to say he counted himself as the oddest of them all. He grinned with that statement. There where things to do in this land, things he needed to do, but he had to wait until somebody triggered the beginning of the end, so there was no need to rush. He could actually enjoy himself for now, as there was always the chance of those killers coming back, in which case... Well, he could entertain himself, while for once, doing something actually good in the process.

Subject: Re: Alone Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:41 am

Ixtab watched Kasumi, silent while she thought. Soon enough, it seemed like she didn't have any ideas, otherwise, she would have said something by now. With an easy smile between bites, she said, "There were a few things good and not so good. First thing is the fact you recognize elk. That's good. A minor problem was getting too enthusiastic without knowing the situation. Under very few conditions would an elk be hunted in groups less then... maybe five, if the elk is moderately healthy. Analyze situations that need to be observed before getting too excited. You tracked well, although eventually, I'll want to see just how good a tracker you are in more confusing situations, and I might be able to make you good enough to track and find your way through cave systems. It helps to have grown up in them, but outsiders can learn with help from one with such upbringing. Now, when you had found the elk. The last thing you want to do is bark or raise your voice if you're still trying to hide from sight from your prey. Some animals are smarter than you might originally think. Don't underestimate your food, but at the same time, don't overestimate them. Signaling is the way to go during a hunt and you know what you're hunting is nearby. Whispering is fine if you're far away and are still planning."

Tilting her head in thought, she added, "But it's good that you know as much as you do. My last student had some work, but he came out right in the end, although he wanted a bit of freedom to explore alone and test his new-found skills without me. I'm confident in your potential." Orange orbs met orange as Ixtab happened to look at King as he watched them. They eye contact broke off, as she turned her attention back to the carcass, seemingly indifferent about the other. He was... a bit of an enigma. He didn't seem to react negatively, which mean either he was at least a shade off normal, or he just didn't care. She was interested in one of those traits than the other, and she would eventually find out which it was.

Subject: Re: Alone Sat Apr 28, 2012 6:07 pm

Kasumi listened carefully as Ixtab told her the rights and wrongs she had done. She knew that she had some work to do when she was done. "Um, ok. Thanks for helping me know." She walked over and began to eat some of the elk. She thought of how she could do better next time as her stomach was full. Sumi looked up at Ixtab and King. She was glad they were here. Without them and their support, right now, she would be beside her parents, the same way they were. Dead.

Subject: Re: Alone Tue May 15, 2012 1:06 pm

Ixtab smiled at Kasumi, saying, "It's a parent's and guardian's job to allow mistakes and give them hints and tips to fixing them. Of course, you'll have to do most of the work. It's how most show they care. If we carry you everywhere instead of letting you experiencing it, it's unlikely you'll learn or be able to survive. Some parents do that, or even the opposite- leaving their child to fend for themselves. Only those who are natural geniuses and can unlock that intuition would survive in those extreme situations." Briefly, her eyes hardened at the thought, but quickly softened as she continued, "A method in between and customized for the individual is what I utilize. There's always a way to unlock potential- some easier than others."

There was so much to teach, as with any young one, but there was only one path a wolf is destined for. She always hoped that her skills is what the wolves she taught wanted to know. She knew most of the basics within the possible ranks, but was actually quite specialized in few skills. It would be nice to know what King himself specialized in. Did they compliment or conflict with hers? There weren't many brave enough to compliment an assassin with extensive tracking skills. Kasumi probably won't end up an assassin- nor did Ixtab want to reveal this side of her yet in worries that Kasumi wouldn't understand the different types of assassins- but possibly a tracker and something else. In either case, tracking was important for any wolf, even if Kasumi wasn't destined to be an excellent tracker. So far, she proved to be decent, from what little she'd seen, although Ixtab would have to find a more complicated task.

Subject: Re: Alone Wed May 23, 2012 10:49 am

Kasumi listened to Ixtab reply to her responce to telling what she done wrong and right. She nodded as she continued to eat the elk that she guessed alright to eat. When she was full, she stopped and walked over to a tree. The black pup sat as she waited for two other adult wolves to finish their meal. She sighed as it was not even afternoon and she wanted do something else. Maybe go walking by herself and find her way back, or go track something, learn new smells. The pup looked up at her adoptive mother, she guessed, and asked her a question. "What the next thing to do today?" A tilt of her head showed that she was curious of her surroundings, wanted to streach her short legs.

Subject: Re: Alone Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:30 pm

His muzzle was low, his head bowed to the ground and his nares inhaling every scent that crossed his path. A few twigs and leaves had been kicked up alone this path, the soil flattened by the pads of others. Tyke may be alone now, but he was definitely not the first to walk this trail. As he raised his head, letting his hazel orbs survey the area, his ears twitched with the breeze, trying to catch any nearby sounds, whether the movement of prey or the voices of friend or foe. He enjoyed tracking, definitely a good things as it was necessary for survival while he spent his days alone. Then again, he had spent time with a brilliant teacher in his past. But it was partly his choice to travel these lands single.

He did not know what was guarding the place his treasure lay, but what or whomever they were, he had to be prepared to meet them face to face. He may have come from a neutral family originally, but thanks to his choices and the way he had been raised since, he was no longer afraid of confrontation. It was true, he preferred to avoid most conflict, but sometimes it was necessary. Especially considering that what he was currently seeking was probably trapped by enemies that dared to stand in his way.

His gums were dry but he dared not moisten them with his almost equally dry tongue, for he did not want to risk his prize falling to the dry, summer earth. The sun shone bright and the rays glinted off the gem that was clutched in his jaws. This was his treasure. This was his survival proof. This was that he needed to present to prove that not only was Ixtab a great teacher, but that he was also a good student. He had truly loved her for those months he spent training with her. She had found him in his greatest time of need and was like a second mother to him. Now older, his memories of his biological family and pack had severely faded, but the fond thoughts and memories of Ixtab remained.

Tyke's tail whipped behind him as he stalked his way closer to the mountain-side cave. A rare smell hit his nostrils and he was momentarily confused and disgusted. Through the trees he could see them. Creatures that he had never before come across, and hoped never to cross paths with again. Front what he had learned, they were dangerous. They stood on hind legs and carried foreign objects in their front paws. But they didn't look like any paws he had seen before. Even more so strange were their faces. Void of fur and shorter muzzles. They were wrapped in hide of prey that he did not recognize. tyke was older now, and had learned to venture alone, but he could not deny his fear. He was scared, but he must put this behind him. His pillared legs trembled but he ignored the sensation. He would only kill if he had to, but otherwise, his preferred choice of attack was pure stealth.

A mixture of scents his his nares and he panted slightly, his heart thumping in his chest with excitement and curiosity of what was to come. Blood. Not too old, but definitely not instant. Considering the present wind, he knew the metallic scent wasn't strong enough to indicate it's original source. Other wolves were situated ahead and he could tell they had carried the scent of blood in their pelts. Where they directly related to the source or had they simply passed innocently? There was a bru. A bru and a pup, of what gender, Tyke was unsure of. Female? He didn't want to close his options. Although he had aged since last wandering these lands, he was still young. His legs were more gangly. Such a young pup he was when he was found by Ixtab. Possibly younger than the pup that stood ahead, but he was aged at least four months since he had left his trainer's side.

Closer. He must get closer. The humans trod up and down in front of the entrance. Peculiar noises issued from their lips but Tyke was unsure of their speech. They stood in his way. Was it possible for him to sneak past? And even if he could manage it, was he able to exit? Having never encountered people before, he wasn't too sure how they attacked, or even if they would. Perhaps they were hunters, but the way the trekked up and down the mouth of the cave, he deduced that they were not there coincidentally. Taking a chance, he snapped. A quick bark issued from his throat, hoping to draw their attention. Heads turned in his direction and his eyes widened. Silently, he moved away from his sheltered place as the humans moved forward. He had hoped they would leave the place of his destination uncovered, but as only two of the three moved in his general direction, one remained. This was not part of Tyke's plan. How could he get this man to move?

And there was that familiar scent. The scent that set his heart in motion. Excitement. He considered her his mother, and although he had chosen to travel these lands alone of proof to her teachings, he could barely control himself. He wanted to be by her side once more, even if he was no longer a student. This mission of his had been to present her with the jewel currently clutched in his jaws. The sole purpose of his journey had been to cross her path again, and there she was. He could not see her from where he stood, but he could definitely tell by her scene that she was there. Was this pup her new student? Was the bru her mate? He may soon find out. He didn't want to approach so soon as to avoid alarming the pup, or any of the three, so he stayed low to the ground and approached slowly, wondering if she, too, sensed his presence. His stomach growled with hunger. An elk lay near, perhaps the trio's feast, but he must not run, no matter how empty he he felt due to a lack of food. In addition, he hoped an oasis lay near these lands. He could barely stand the dryness of his tongue.

Stalking closer, he moved nearer the mouth of the cave and the remaining human. He feared this situation, but must not run from it. Why didn't the man move? Irritation seeped through Tyke as he faced this seemingly impossible task. He did not want to kill, but he might have to. "Ixtab, please forgive these actions." Tyke spoke to himself. Taking a leap forward, he wrapped his jaws around the throat of the human, bringing him to the ground. This would stop him crying out. As the human's head hit the rocky floor, he discontinued moving. At least this plan of Tyke's had gone half right. What he did not anticipate was the loud bang that issued from the black stick the human had been clutching. Tyke jumped in fear and startle. Then he heard voices. Attention had been returned to the cave. Tyke had to move in an out with the gem before the others returned, otherwise he would most certainly be trapped, and if the others moved inside, he was probably be dead before he could hold the jewel. Taking a sprint inside, he noticed the glittering crystal inside. It was much closer than he had thought. Perfect. This gave him more time to escape. Snatching at his prize, he bolted out of the cave to more loud explosions of black sticks. He ran. Tyke ran for his life. Tyke ran faster than he had ever run in his life. He had it, but could he get away?

An elk lay near, perhaps the trio's feast, but he must not run, no
matter how empty he he felt due to a lack of food. In addition, he hoped
an oasis lay near these lands. He could barely stand the dryness of his
tongue. He continued to crouch low. Should he approach Ixtab first, or did she already know he was there? Perhaps the other two had sensed him and were now on the alert. Unless Tyke moved closer, he did not know. He had only aged four months and now looked like an older pup. Perhaps the stranger bru would notice this and take pitty. But from experience, if he was a dark wolf, he might not care what age Tyke was. He was a stranger, possibly trespassing, and clutched in his jaws was something very valuable.

Subject: Re: Alone Fri Jun 08, 2012 12:25 am

She didn't immediately answer Kasumi's question. Instead, her tail twitched as she swallowed her last bite. Opening her maw, Ixtab replied, as if this had been planned, "First, you are going to meet someone quite close to me. He's nearby, similar to your age, and he's not hiding his presence. Find him and invite him over. We'll see what happens next. Perhaps we'll find something else to track, or you two can play or adventure nearby."

Although Ixtab was good at playing with young wolves, she'd rather not all the time. This would be a good opportunity to let Kasumi and Tyke have some fun with another closer to their age. Perhaps Tyke could also help to teach her a few things, too. One truly understands their lessons if they can explain it to another.

How long had it been again since she'd seen him? About four months, maybe five. Tyke wouldn't be an adult yet, but he should have grown quite a bit, and she wondered if he'd completed his task.

He'd been itching at a chance to prove himself and wasn't afraid to vocalize it. She knew to wait, though. He was getting better, but he wasn't good enough yet. Soon, though. Another two weeks and she'd allow him to go, a task in hand. Perhaps that mountain range outside of the lands of Fire and Ice. It was on the way to her birthlands, but far enough from it that she felt comfortable allowing him to find something to prove his abilities. He'd have to hunt for himself, something that he'd been practicing. While they were too few to tackle elk, she did show him how to catch deer in pairs, and how to catch most smaller prey solo. There was no reason he'd starve.

She had spent the last week touching up on his fighting skills. They weren't the best since he was still young, but he'd survive most encounters if he was resourceful. His honed tracking skills should allow him to avoid most danger before it even got close. Now he was ready, to do what he had wanted. Go off alone and prove his abilities. Prove he didn't have to rely on her, and that he didn't have to be sheltered.

"Today is the day I allow you to go," she'd said after a day of rest. "You're ready for most of what the world can offer. You have two choices once you leave- come back or leave for good. I'm not going to force you to come back if you find someplace you'd rather be or feel like you belong to. If you decide to come back, you must bring something back to prove it as well as track me down in the Lone Lands. There is a crystal that forms in a particular mountain. You'll need all your skills to bring it back, because it's guarded. For what reason, I know not. Perhaps there's something of value for them. Nevertheless, the jewel is unique to that area, so if you bring it back, I'll know you've succeeded." She proceeded to tell him how to get there, and could do nothing more but watch his form disappear into the distance. Only when she lost sight of him did she move, continuing her travels. For a while, she'd be able to be unrestrained and let loose.

She smiled at the memory and turned to glance at King, saying, "My former student. He's no threat to us. His timely return here is probably for the best. A new brother of sorts for 'Sumi, should they get along." They could be like a family, if not an odd one where none of them were related. Her gaze turned thoughtful as she thought of it. She'd killed many males for abusing their mates or terrorizing other females, but he didn't seem to be the type so far. Perhaps she could grow to at least somewhat trust him.