Gathering of Lost Souls

Subject: Gathering of Lost Souls Sat Feb 20, 2016 1:26 am

Echo gasped and bolted up with a start

Silvery-white fur stood on all ends, fresh snow flecking to the ground, almost as high as her knees. Her breath froze in midair, the nightly cold chilling her lungs as amethyst orbs scanned the dark forest around her. Tall, white birch trees surrounded her like attendants at a funeral, mourning her death. But, she was alive, and very much alive, blood burning in her veins as she set off into an easy lope, pads spreading over the icy surface of the snow.

How long had she been asleep? She gazed up at the sky for an answer, but she could not see the stars through the thick crowns of pine and spruce. She had never seen trees so tall and ominous, her heart pounding in her chest, as if she were a pup that was afraid of the dark. She was walking through a winter nightmare, but at the same time... She couldn't shake the feeling that she had been here, in this place where the trees were frightening and she was alone, lost in the woods, that seemed... Familiar. It was akin to the feeling of being home, but never knowing what home actually was.

Perhaps, she had never had a real home. Echo groaned, her head throbbing. Something about an aching memory, torn in the fabric of time, and buried somewhere in her mind. She tried to remember who her parents were, where she came from, and why when she woke up, she was some place else. She could see faces and places flash in her mind's eye, but their names were lost.

Silent footprints lead her to the gnarled stump of an ancient oak tree. She paused. She had been here before...
but, when? She could almost smell the rich, green moss that had clung to it before, now covered in a crystalline coat of ice. Something... Something had changed about this forest, but weren't things always changing about forests? Regardless, Echo found herself putting her front paws onto the stump, and an almost archaic surge of power flooded through her.

"I choose you, Echo," said a voice... A young boy's voice, on the verge of manhood, but his heart as strong as any grown warrior. "I love you."

Like many others, she could see his face in her mind, inhale the smoky scent of his ashen coat, and feel the burning of his heart against hers, but... He was gone. She knew, somehow, that he had departed from this world, no matter how far she wandered or how long she could howl for him. Searching for him would be like gazing at a star that has long winked out, but the light still shines. He had made a sacrifice, and whether that sacrifice was for her to be here or not, she didn't know. All she knew was that as she placed her front paws on top of the old stump, fate was looking to her now, judging her down its long muzzle.

If she proved her worth, her name would be amongst the stars, along with all of the other kings and queens.

If she failed, she would be eaten alive.

And so, Echo raised her head and howled, long and strong, for the lost souls she once knew.

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:34 pm

A ghost trailed her way through the ashy forest. Her presence unmarked save for the birds in the branches and even they uttered no sound. Her passage was one of routine. A silent walk with other ghosts but she was among the unfortunate to still live. Shades of her past whispered in her ears, walked by her side in their ethereal forms. She felt them tugging at her soul, stealing away something of her essential self. No matter how hard she listened or how far she walked there was never a resolution to the nag in her heart. Only in her dreams was she free.

By now these paths were well worn and not only by her feet. They were small here but they were growing and they would become strong. Again The voices whispered but she could not catch their meaning. Shaking her cranium she plodded forward, a wolf in her prime she was far from tired.

It had been some time since she had left the companionship of her siblings. Since she had departed and created a new life for herself. One that was not a half life waiting in the shadows. Plotting, always plotting to gain more. Well at least that could be only mostly said of her sister. Her brother was another matter. His strength was true but his purpose was not always so obvious. When she left them behind there had bean sharp reproach from her sister and only a mysterious nod from her brother. Approval? Resignation? Who knew. She had left and felt no regret and that is all that mattered. There was little doubt that they would cross their paths again.

Energy rushed through the woods before anything. She heard the birds rustlings their feathers, the plants sway in their roots. Blue eyes fixed on an invisible horizon the call came moments later. It rushed through the trees, wrapping around her, urging her forth and past her to call more. A strong call it was an Akiko smiled in silent approval. They would make something out of this girl yet.

Casting her shades aside she tipped back her head and let loose a howl of her own and burst into a jog. She moved deftly through the terrain knowing every pitfall by heart. This had become her home and she was going to see her alpha.

~~~~~

It was not long before she found Echo, paws planted on the stump of an ancient oak. Sliding her cerulean gaze over her young mistress she pursed her lips not daring to show her approval now. The others would come, for now she would just have to wait.

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Wed Feb 24, 2016 2:55 am

He can still see the snow falling in his periphery vision. That wasn't unusual, considering the winter, but the snow seen by a pair of orange eyes belonged to lands much further to the north, where snow existed year-round, where wolves embraced its cold, unforgiving personality. The snow that comes and goes here has nothing on the snow that creeps into the heart of the most kind-hearted of wolves. Or perhaps up there, kind-hearted wolves were never born, the snow mercifully killing them before consciousness.

That could have been his fate. It wasn't, and here he was now, far, far away from the frigid grasp of those lands. The bite of the snow here may be cold to the others, but Blade couldn't feel it. His running path meandered, sure steps with no destination. Had he run, then, too, he wondered, but with the benefit of not completely losing his sanity? Did it make him a coward, or smart? In this part of the forest, he always heard whispers, some of welcomed, more recent times, but others of that distant past he wanted to toss aside.

The howl just pierced through the fog in his head, pulling him from the worst of his own thoughts and altered his course. He had a reason to be, and it was here, not there.

Blade slowed far before reaching the gathering point, and shortly, the alpha and almost ever present beta came into view. He stopped at a distance, dipping his head as his movements attracted attention. There was nothing else but to wait.

The forest tickled his mind, as if teasing Ryuuketsu with the answers, held just out of reach. Why couldn't he remember? His memories were right there, but no matter how hard he tried, there was nothing. It was time for him to find his place from what he knew now, for he couldn't wait around forever to see what kind of wolf he used to be. All they knew was that it was violent.

Of course it would. What other kind of trauma could wipe out his memories but not instinct? It was probably foolish to think the trees could just tell him what he was missing, yet day after day, he stared upwards when he wasn't busy discovering how much physical ability he had. But, alas, Echo seemed to be calling, the alpha who was similar to his age. It wouldn't do to miss a summons, especially since whatever stole his memories didn't take his common sense or short term memory. He picked himself up and followed his senses, knowing some would have gathered by the time he arrived...

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Fri Mar 04, 2016 12:16 pm

The hair bristled on the back of Echo's neck. Movement flitted out of the corner of her eye and she turned to see a white wolf, the first to arrive, appearing from the woods with the silence of a ghost. Her blue eyes were cold and judging. Seeing her was like a bolt of lightning searing through a dark, stormy sky and suddenly Echo found herself lunging into an offensive stance, tail raised and lips pulled back. "You," she snarled, slowly approaching, her heart thudding against her ribs at the thought of ripping the fem apart. "You're the one that's responsible for this."

In another life or another time, Echo may have waited for a response, but her instinct was far stronger here than it had ever been before. Of all the faces that blurred in her mind and the names she forgot, hers was one she seemed to remember, recall what had happened, and destroy the reality that had been. Her mere image called for blood and carnage. If she had been killed, there would have been no reason for the man she had loved to sacrifice himself. And so, Echo charged at the white wolf, jaws hungry for flesh, with only one thought in mind.

Your soul will be mine, Evanescence.

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Fri Mar 25, 2016 9:48 pm

Lips flicked back instinctively as the young fae drew up in aggression. She could see the flash in her eyes, the loss of mind to madness. This was the sickness that rode her mind. The demons that haunted Echo were far more real than the ones in her mind. A snarl ripped through her regardless of this knowledge. She would never give up no matter the circumstance. The REASON?! How dare she! Akiko felt the offense in every fiber of her body. Very well if she wanted to dance they could dance and she would put this pup in her place. Shatter this spell and remind Echo of herself.

Bracing for the impact she took it in full only tucking chin to protect her throat. She felt tooth and claw connect but she gave back as good as she got. Her body was pushed back as Echo had leaped from a high vantage point. Snapping her head she sidestepped, snarls raging forth and ears pinned to her skull. A black coated hessian flashed in her mind, no doubt similiar the one the lingered in Echo's conscience but not the same. "Come pup and learn a thing or two of pain. I will show you real loss if you dare to face it!" Anger boiled through her blood now she felt its warped embrace around her heart. Her vision edged out and with willpower she pushed it back. Must not lose control But for the moment that was all she could do was hold it at bay. Snapping she lunged in going for Echo's flank..

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Wed Apr 13, 2016 10:05 am

"Then fight me," Echo snarled back, teeth and claws connecting with the fem, almost as if she wasn't trying. Echo knew that wasn't true, though - a part of her remembered being flipped on her back as Evon had towered above her, ready to rip her throat out - and so for her to refuse to fight didn't make sense. But the fem was up and launching at her flank, to which Echo spun, listening to Evon's jaws clap at empty air, but just barely, ripping away tufts of silvery fur. Echo now darted for Evon's flank, eyes red and ignoring the male wolf that had arrived on the scene...

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Mon Apr 25, 2016 1:14 pm

Akiko watched with cool calculation as Echo whirled snapping at air but she could see that the she wolf was not here. She was lost. Lost in the memories that swarmed this place, lost in the depth of her warped mind. Akiko felt her rage break and slowly ebb away but she dare not let her guard down. This child before her was lost. And it was her task to set her right. Thought that didn't mean she couldn't give her a good bite on her hide first....

She lunged again for her but Akiko was fast. Nimble like most other wolves only dreamed of, especially those of her smaller stature. Ducking back she instead threw her paw from the right side. claws sheathed trying to cuff Echo on the side of her skull. Maybe try and knock some sense into her twisted brain. "You fight wraiths child and you will not win like that." She snarled blue eyes flashing dangerously.

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Fri Apr 29, 2016 3:35 pm

Echo's snarled at her missed target, Evon's movements much more agile and nimble than her own. Just as she whirled to face her attacker and protect her flank, Evon struck, her blow connecting with the side of her skull. It was enough to keel Echo off balance, stumbling in the shallow snow, her head spinning. She clenched her teeth and shook her head, the taste of blood in her mouth, when Evon spoke.

Echo paused. Her heart pounding in her throat, amethyst eyes gazed up at a fem that seemed familiar, but she was not... She was not Evon. Echo's brow furrowed as she swallowed her heavy gasps for air, trying to calm down the beast roiling in her chest, even though it screamed at her to keep attacking the white wolf. Echo blinked, and suddenly, everything seemed to click back into place.

"Akiko?" she said aloud, her breath coming out as a fine mist. Eyes roamed to the spectators on the sidelines of their fight. They, too, were familiar. The names came slowly to her, becoming unveiled like the dark clouds receding from the crescent moon suspended in the sky above them. "Blade? Ryuu? What... What's going on?"

She could hide her panic, but not her confusion in her monotone. Something awful still twisted inside her. Evon's face floated in her mind right alongside the black bru's that she... felt strongly for. What or why exactly, she couldn't remember, but they needed answers. They were looking to her as their leader, and now was not the time to display weakness.

"Somebody better spit out some answers," she demanded, her warning cloaked in its cold edge. She looked to Akiko again. Despite everything that they had gone through, she still heeded the fem's advice. "What do you know of this place?"

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Sat May 07, 2016 5:49 pm

Akiko's hit connected and while it was a good one it was nothing serious when it came to wolf fights. She watched the young femmora become dazed, saw the moment the clouds lifted from her eyes. Something akin to relief swept through her but not quite. Echo needed guidance and Akiko was not sure if she was the right sort to lead her through this. How she wished for her old friend Rawbones to be here now. He would have known what to do. Her tongue was neither honeyed or kind. She saw the fear turn to anger as Echo tried to regain control of the situation. She felt her own lips slide back in a silent snarl. Young indeed.

When Echo looked to her again it was clear she was truly back from her own personal hell. "This is Sacrifice Forest child, the same as it has always been. The same as it will be when we are bones and ash." A flash of a burning forest, trees cracked over. A home destroyed, "There is power in these woods, power in all the worlds earth but some things are not meant for us to understand." Breaking eye contact she let out a long breath releasing the tension. Her tail flicked behind her and still she looked into the distance. "Time to wake up Echo, it is time for you to lead your pack." She glanced at the few others that gathered, wondering if they would pitch their voices to this strange scene.

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Sun May 15, 2016 10:27 am

He watched the exchange, seeing Akiko getting riled up, despite knowing Echo's madness. Blade had almost jumped in, but continued to watch Akiko, getting the sense she wouldn't want interference. She would need to find control. Control that another wolf had to find, as well. His eyes darted to the other younger wolf, shaking his head when the other looked at him questioningly. No. This wasn't for them to interfere here. Who knew what her mind would imagine them to be?

As Echo's mind cleared and seeked answers, he looked over to Ryuu, sparing him another glance. Their gaps were more different than similar, and they already didn't really know what to do about Ryuu. It was lucky for them that he rarely went on a mad rampage. He'd seen the wolf in action, and wondered what happened in the past to have required such skills, as well as what happened for his body to reject the memories.

Looking to Echo, he watched, waiting to see her reaction. Blade himself had no words to contribute, none that would be of help. This might be a pack effort, but he had little knowledge about these types of situations. The mind was a fragile thing, whether one wanted to believe it or not, and it was dangerous to poke around if you wanted to end up with a wolf who was still relatively sane.

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Wed Sep 14, 2016 2:14 pm

She demanded answers. But... how could he answer if he didn't know himself? Akiko, the guide of the pack in his mind, spoke, speaking realistically of the harsh truth. Blade remained still, always visible through everything, but distanced, as if he could speak through his eyes alone. Instead, he decided to help her out with her initial question.

"Your ghosts seemed to take over, Echo. You were aware after the fact, though. Maybe you can learn to communicate with them enough for you to maintain control?" That was more then Ryuu could say. Multiple times, he'd woken back into awareness, flat on his side, thinking he'd just fallen asleep before he noticed another pack member, feet away, looking at him with a wary eye. He never would have known anything was out of place. Perhaps that's why the pack tended to keep an eye on him more. But, in a sense, he and Echo at least had each other to relate to.... in a way. Their circumstances were very different. He knew nothing about his time before he was found by this pack.

Subject: Re: Gathering of Lost Souls Wed Oct 05, 2016 2:49 pm

Echo inhaled the icy air into her lungs. All eyes were upon her now, waiting for a response, and slowly, the rage within her settled, like a beast headed for a long sleep. She closed her eyes, considering their advice. Now is the time you need to prepare and strategize, a voice said in her head; not her own, but something gruffer and more masculine. It wasn't the same as the young boy's voice she had heard earlier. She opened her amethyst eyes again as Ryuu spoke.

"I don't know if that would be wise," she replied to him. "Akiko's right. There's power in these woods we're not meant to understand. I don't know how any of this happened or why, but I promise all of you that I'm going to find out. First, though, we need to know exactly what we're dealing with. We can't be the only ones that made it."

She locked gaze with the white fem. "Akiko, check the perimeter. We need to know how far this goes. Ryuu, find something for us to eat. We won't last long if there's no game around. And Blade--"

Blade!

A feminine voice shouted in her head at the sound of his name and something like pain and suffering shivered through her core. She clenched her teeth and shook her head, trying to shake it. She looked to the hessian. "Blade, secure the territory. If they aren't one of us, capture them and bring them to me." She stood a little taller with her tail raised in authority, now. "I'm going to find a suitable den for us. Follow my scent when you are finished. Howl if you can't handle yourself, but I expect you to be capable enough."

She paused. "You have your assignments. Go."

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