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Posted 2022-01-28 14:25:27 #646760 Kieran laid on top of the big rock right next to the alpha's den, a place that was warmed even by a frail winter sun. He watched Rihito. He knew it would be hard for him, but Rihito had more problems than he'd expected. His erratic behaviour made him something of an outcast, while Destiny seemed to get along with him just fine. But Kieran knew that Rihito was incredibly smart despite is odd image. He watched as Shinozaki brought back a large elk bull with the hunters, which Rihito prompty tried to claim for himself. Shinozaki bared his teeth. Kieran had realized that the pack followed Shinozaki more than...or rather at all, Rihito. They didn't trust the weird wolf with no sense of wolf socialisation. "Step back", Shinozaki snarled, the hair on Rihito's neck stood on end. Kieran was about to get up when he spotted Obscura, intensely watching them both. She seemed content, so Kieran decided to sit back and watch. Rihito stood his ground, and Shinozaki taunted him which caused the younger wolf to tackle the scout. Kieran saw how Shinozaki coughed something into Rihito's ear, whose ears perked and then he went for the throat. Shinozaki was trashing around violently, blood filled Rihito's mouth until the bigger grey wolf dropped to the ground. He was breathing heavily, but the wound wasn't deep. Rihito coughed. "Know your place", he growled, as he turned around, took a bite out of the elk and left. Kimiko sat down next to Kieran. "Obscura set them up", she whispered, "Smart one, isn't she? Rihito defeating Shin in a fight will earn him the respect he needs." Kieran sighed in relief. Obscura...such a weird wolf she was. "You feel it too, don't you?", Kimiko said softly, and Kieran nodded. "It is time", he said, "I am glad I know the pack will survive. I hope they put their faith in Rihito. He may be odd, but he is smart, strong and reliable. They can count on him." As nightfall came, Kimiko suffered a heavy seizure. Obscura tried to hold her still, but Kimiko's body was shaking and convulsing. The ruckage caused the pack to wake in the middle of the night, the gentle half moon gently shining on Kimiko's mud covered fur. Skadi stared at her old friend with empty eyes. "Is there nothing we can do?", she whimpered. Even Rihito just said in silence, looking upset. Obscura tightened her back, then she spoke, foreign words never before spoken by a wolf tongue. Kimiko's body stopped shaking, her breathing deepened, before it became slower. "Spirit, be free", Obscura whispered, and with a heavy sigh Kimiko went still. "She knew it was her time", Kieran mumbled, "Obscura spared her a lot of pain." Obscura stared at her mentor with blurry eyes. The words simply came over her...she knew it was the right thing to do, but still...hasn't she killed Kimiko? But Skadi gently put her nose on her shoulder. "Thank you", the alpha said softly, "You spared her the pain. She can rest easy now." Obscura dug a hole under Kimiko's favorite spot in the forest. She wouldn't allow anyone to join or help. This was on her, her task, and she would make sure Kimiko's resting place would be perfect. A few days later Kieran sat on top of the rock again. His bones ached, he could barely move around anymore. He sighed. His heart ached when he thought about leaving all this behind, especially Mieruko. Could she take it? He would wait until it was her time to join him. He looked over the pack, spotted Rihito who looked dumbfounded at Mayu playing around with a stick. Yes, they were in good paws. He closed his eyes, and let himself fall into the warm, fuzzy cloud that offered to swallow him up whole. His bone stopped aching, and for a moment, he saw Mieruko again. "I'll wait for you", he whispered, before he jumped off the ground, ran higher and higher into the sky, to the clouds where the moon wolf was waiting. A devastated howl shook the pack, as Mieruko's yelping and whining cut the air and made the clouds cry. Thunder rumbled, and the clouds gave out, joined her in her pain and send ice cold water over the forest. But she didn't care as she buried her nose into Kieran's cold, wet fur. When she was out hunting, she could have sworn she heard him...heard him say goodbye.

AmberWolf #9552

Posted 2022-03-23 14:20:32 #703620 Mieruko was left heartbroken after Kieran's passing, distancing herself from most of the pack and keeping mostly to herself. She worked hard, harder than any hunter the pack had seen before, and eventually she was known to become one of the strongest hunters of the forest. As she aged, and her legs became weaker, the prey would slip more often, and she knew she would see Kieran again. It was a peaceful, quiet night when she finally joined her beloved, who had been waiting for her all this time. Skadi laid at the top of the rock in front of her den, looking down at her pack mourning the loss of their friend, and a memorable hunter. But they also knew Mieruko's heart never healed, she was suffering and she had worked so hard to appease the Moon Wolf, to be finally reuinited with him. Life went on and the pack had adjusted, Skadi felt like time was running...running out. Shinozaki laid next to her when she suddenly jerked up. She felt heavy and sluggish, her hearing wasn't the best anymore and she struggled to keep up with the scouts. "I don't want to die, Shin", she mumbled and buried her snout in his soft fur. He smelled like warm fall sun, but his fur was already washing out to white as well. "I don't want to die, either", he said softly, "I won't leave you alone. Ever." Obscura joined them silently. Skadi looked up and also saw the signs of age on the herbalist. "You picked a good future alpha", Obscura said and sat down next to Skadi. Rihito returned from training the new scout and also his son, Starstruck. Skadi looked at them for a moment. "Starstruck may even become the beta one day", she said, "He is smart and skilled-" Obscura chuckled. Skadi looked at her in confusion. "What?" "He is also very blind", she said amused. Skadi's eyes widened. "He what? You are joking right?" "No", she responded, "He was blind ever since he was born. You can't tell at all, can you? I kept it for myself so he could do what he wished. He gets around just fine, doesn't he? He wants to be a scout, and Rihito is always out there with him." Skadi shifted her head from left to right. Obscura was right. You really couldn't tell, and Starstruck was strong and smart. She saw him fight before, his senses were sharp, and she did not want him to feel excluded. "Why are you telling me now?", she asked. "I will eventually retire", Obscura said, a sudden tone of fear in her voice, "The next herbalist will have to know, as well as the next alpha. Rihito knows, maybe Starstruck eventually feels like telling the others himself but we should respect his wish." Skadi dropped her head down to her paws. It pained her to think this would be one of the last times they could sit together like that. Obscura would outlive her surely, but not for too long until they eventually reunited in the Moon Wolf's territory. She sighed. Was she a good leader? Had she picked the right heir? Of course she did, she looked down at the pup who listened to Rihito telling a story about how Starstruck and him fought off a bear. Tsukasa was a kind, loveable pup, she was smart and reliable, curious and understanding. She played with Mayu and the others, although she was very untalented at hunting, she was a good fighter. "Honestly", Obscura murmured, "I have no idea how to pick an apprentice. Nobody ever told me. Will I just know?" Skadi chuckled softly. Obscura was unsure so rarely, and then it was about the best for the pack. "Don't think about it too hard", she said, "You will know, I'm sure." Shinozaki rolled over next to her. "I wonder where the pack will go when we are gone", he mumbled, "We lived in this forest for so long. Will we be here in 10 years from now? 20?" Skadi leaned onto him. "I hope so. We belong here, we owe it to our ancestors to protect the lands they gave their lives for."

AmberWolf #9552

Posted 2022-03-29 09:12:26 #710286 Skadi was dozing in the cool winter sun when she was abruptly ripped from her sleep by an agitated howl. She was up within seconds, and saw Rihito rushing into the camp, heavily panting and covered in scars. "It's Starstruck!", he yelped, "He is hurt! He is in danger!" Skadi didn't need to press further. "Shin! Obscura! Come with me." Shinozaki was beside her already and Obscura quickly ran over from her den. "Let me help too", Destiny said as the hunters had just returned. Skadi nodded. "Show the way, Rihito." The beta clenched his teeth despite his bleeding wounds and went ahead. Skadi felt sorry for him but if Starstruck was hurt, they couldn't waste any time looking for him just by directions. "We stumbled over a lost bison calf", Rihito coughed, "We figured it would be easy prey, but the calf screamed and we were attacked by several adults. I fought them off but Starstruck has a broken leg and I can't defend and carry him. I hid him in a cave nearby." Skadi had an awful feeling about that. Rihito wasn't dumb, and any wolf would have taken easy prey, but she could tell he was blaming himself. They ran through the forest to the mountains until they came close to the open grasslands. Skadi spotted several bisons nearby, wandering around circling the calf Rihito had mentioned. "This way." They snuck past the bisons to the foot of the mountain, where the cave soon came into view. Obscura went ahead and looked Starstruck over. He was badly beaten up and his front leg was twisted in a bad angle. "This is going to hurt", Obscura said, but the blind wolf just nodded bravely. She bit into his leg, and with a snap she bend it straight again. Starstruck didn't make a sound despite the pain. Then she steadied his leg with a thick stick and bound it with grass and brush as best as she could. "Shinozaki and Destiny, take him between your shoulders", she said as Starstruck shakingly came on his legs. The two hunters held him between each other and slowly, they left the cave. Rihito was visibly on edge, Skadi had never seen him so worried. He truly cared about Starstruck. They walked slowly along the mountain edge, but then they had to cross open grassland to get back to their forest. "Stay calm", Obscura demanded, "Do not make hasty movements and do not make a sound." Slowly, they began crossing the big opening, in plain sight of the bisons. Skadi realized there were way more animals now than when they arrived. Time seemed to stand still, even the wind had died down, as the calf spotted them and let out a yelp. Several heads turned towards the wolves, and Skadi's heart sank. "Get Star out of here!", she growled, as the first animals started charging at them, and soon the whole herd turned into a deadly stampede. Skadi suddenly became very calm. She stayed behind, growled and howled, until she turned around and began running. The bisons paid the other wolves no mind who hurried to get Starstruck out of danger, they had taken Skadi into their sights. Her paws barely touched the ground anymore, but as she rushed away to save her packmates, she noticed too late that she was heading right towards the cliff at the mountains. With no way to turn, she came to a sliding halt right at the edge, but she heard the animals still relentlessly charging at her. "Skadi!" She turned her head and saw Shinozaki running towards her, his eyes full of fear. Impact hit her, as the first bison charged into her and shoved her over the edge, falling down towards the rushing river below. The bisons tried to stop but several more slid over the edge. Obscura was right behind Shinozaki, she couldn't process what she had seen. But Shinozaki did not stop and jumped after his beloved mate. Obscura came to a stop right at the edge, stunned and confused. "Skadi!", she screamed with no response, "SKADI!" Rage took her heart, and the grass near her started to go up in flames. "Say something!", she howled, her heart was pounding heavily, until she felt a gentle touch at her shoulder. Rihito had leaned against her, badly burned from the fire she had caused. The flames instantly died out as she turned around in shock. "Rihito...oh no...I..." "Calm down", he said softly. "Are you insane?! I could have killed you!" "But you didn't", he responded bluntly, "You can incinerate yourself, can't you? I can't let you do that." Obscuras heart sank. "This can't be real", she sobbed, "Not Skadi...and Shinozaki..." "It's gonna be alright", Rihito said and straightened himself up despite the burns, "Take care of Starstruck. I will go check on them. I will come get you when I have confirmed the situation." "But I-" "I am your beta," Rihito said firmly, "This is a command. Do not resist me." She lowered her head and obeyed. Rihito climbed down a small path at the edge of the mountain which led to the river down below. The ground was scattered with dead bisons. Near the river he spotted wet, dark fur. He rushed over to the clutch of bodies. Shinozaki laid under Skadi, he had her neckfur clutched between his teeth as he shielded her from the impact. His eyes were closed and he wasn't breathing. Rihito just knew the impact had broken his neck. Skadi was breathing very slowly, but her eyes opened when she heard him approach. "Oh Shin...", she mumbled, "What did you do..." She sniffled and coughed. "Skadi...", Rihito mumbled. Her lower body had been crushed by a bison landing on her. "It's fine, Rihito...it was my time...and Shin...oh he was so brave...he shouldn't have done this..." Blood pooled out of her mouth. "Stop talking", Rihito demanded, "I will go get Obscura. You will be alright-" "No", she responded, "This is an order. You do not leave here until I am dead, do you hear me?" Rihito understood. She didn't want to be saved. "Does it hurt?", he asked, as he laid down gently beside her. "No", she responded, "I don't feel anything...it's just cold...oh Shin..." Her eyes became distant. "I need you to take care of them, Rihito", she mumbled, "Help Tsukasa lead the pack. She is way younger than any lead before, but I put my trust in her, and in you." Rihito nodded. "You have my word." Skadi sighed peacefully, then she closed her eyes for the very last time. "Wait for me, Shin", she mumbled, before her body became very still. Rihito didn't move for a while, it felt like hours but it was just mere minutes. His fur was drenched in ice cold river water when he got up and forced his stiff limbs back up the path. Destiny and Obscura were waiting with Starstruck at the edge of the forest. Obscura's eyes were fixed on him, but he simply shook his head. "They both hunt with the Moon Wolf now", he said, his throat felt dry. Obscura teared up and let out a yelp. "I need to-" "We go back to camp", Rihito ordered her, "We need to get Starstruck to saftely. I will go back afterwards and retrieve them with Destiny's hunting party." Obscura wanted to protest but Rihito's eyes were ice cold with seriousness. He wasn't messing around. Nothing was left of the confused young male wolf who didn't understand how to be a pack member. Rihito had matured into the beta the pack needed, when they needed him the most.

AmberWolf #9552

Posted 2022-04-15 02:41:11 #724157 Tsukasa struggled with suddenly becoming leader at such a young age, in fact she was the youngest leader the pack had ever seen. Rihito assured her that Skadi knew what she was doing, and although Tsukasa was scared to make mistakes, she tried her best. She granted the pack a few days of rest, it was cold and rainy when Obscura approached her. The herbalist was moody ever since Skadi passed, and Tsukasa knew she was also blaming herself for acting out. "I want to retire", Obscura said bluntly. Tsukasa blinked. "We need you, Obscura", she said softly, "It's not your fault. The pack doesn't blame you for anything." "You sound just like Skadi", Obscura sighed, "No, but I am getting old. I have been training little Mizuki, she has incredible talent. I will continue to mentor her, but she has the age now, she can be more reliable than me. Give me a break. I want to spend my last months a bit more peacefully." Tsukasa thought about it for a moment. She knew herbalists often retired earlier, although usually they picked springtime. Mizuki would have it rough as a new herbalist in winter, but Obscura wouldn't endanger the pack. "Alright", she said, "I will allow it. But you are responsible. We are facing a hard winter, I do not want this to backfire." "I promise", Obscura said and nodded, "Trust me a little." "I do trust you", she said, "You are important to the pack, I trust your judgement." Mizuki was a smart, slender wolf with sparkling eyes and a never ending hunger for knowledge. It didn't surprise Tsukasa that Obscura chose her, or more likely the pup asked herself.

AmberWolf #9552

Posted 2022-04-25 10:42:47 #731596 Evening broke through the lands, as Tsukasa watched over the pack she noticed a group argueing over at the food pile. Rihito had his head lowered, his hair on his neck stood on end and he was snarling at the adolescent before him, who returned the gesture completely unfazed. Tsukasa approached, "What's going on here?" Rihito did not take his eyes off of the young male. "He's been stealing food!", he growled, "We have rules here! The nursing mothers and pups eat first! Who do you think you are?" The young male in front of Rihito looked almost twice as big with his fur standing on edge. "I did not steal!", he shrieked, "I would never!" Searchingly, he looked to Tsukasa. She recognized him just now, he had the same odd eyes as Rihito, the same sun toned fur. Although Rihito was already an oddball, he, Vanitas, was even more strange. He took shelter due to a rainstorm between the trees, and Tsukasa offered him to stay. He would not tell where he was from or what had happened, but he was covered in scars and wounds. Tsukasa did not pry further. She hoped he would open up in due time. "I have to believe Rihito's accusation", she said calmly, "He is your beta. His word is law." "You are only saying that because you are related!", Vanitas growled, "You are taking sides because he is your father! You are unjust!" Without waiting for a response, he stormed off. Tsukasa looked at Rihito, who seemed at a loss. "I was only trying to put him into his place", he mumbled, "I've upset him." Tsukasa chuckled. Rihito may be odd, but he had a good heart. Although he didn't really know how to family, she knew he loved her, and he loved Starstruck. Nobody would dare question Starstruck's position as a scout even though he was blind, and she had to admit Starstruck got around just fine. "I will go after him", Tsukasa said, "Continue here, Rihito. I will come to you later." Tsukasa followed Vanitas' scent, and realized that he smelled very different from the typical wolf. Intense, more feral, bloody even. It wasn't hard to track him, he seemed to be running towards the edge of the territory. Was he trying to leave? Did he believe he had been cast out? She caught up with him on the open grassfield. "Vanitas! Wait!" He stopped dead in his tracks and stared at her. "Why are you following me?" He was trembling, his voice shaking. "I'm sorry", Tsukasa said as she closed the gap, "I should have heard you out first before taking Rihito's side. Please, you can explain this can't you?" Vanitas looked down onto his paws. "I can", he mumbled, "But..." He paused. "I'm...you see..." "Come", she said softly, "Let's sit down under the tree. You can tell me from the beginning, alright?" It took Vanitas a while before he started talking. "I am not just any wolf", he began, "I was born into the crimson pack, but...they are very special. But I was not like the others. While any other pack member was born under a scarlet moon, I was born under a blue moon. It was a bad omen." He looked up at her. "They wanted to sacrifice me, to appease the scarlet moon, and they almost killed me but I got away, I ran days and nights until I eventually came here. And you, you offered me a place to stay. I shouldn't have accepted. I am dangerous. You have to let me go." "But why?", Tsukasa asked confused, "What makes you so different?" "I am a vampire", he said, "Crimson wolves almost do not consume meat at all. They kill, drink their prey's blood and leave it for others. While I can eat meat, it doesn't supply enough." Only know Tsukasa realized how thin Vanitas was. "So, he was right, I did steal. They caught a fresh rabbit. I just...I couldn't resist. I drank it and Rihito caught me. So I tore it to shreds to cover up what I was doing. I was scared...I thought he would kill me if he saw what I am. I am a monster." Tsukasa softly shook her head. "You aren't a monster. You are just you. You didn't ask to be born like this. And we will not cast you out." Vanitas stared at her again. "You won't?" "Of course not, you belong to us now. It is your choice wether the pack will know about your history or not, but you should have talked to me. I will let Rihito know that you are to pick a fresh piece for yourself at any given time because you suffer from a metabolic condition and you need really fresh meat. Does that sound alright?" Vanitas was tearing up, staring at her in disbelief. "You are safe here, Vanitas. Let me help you." "Thank you...thank you...", he sniffled. "You know", Tsukasa said, "Rihito is quite impressed with you. You challenged him without second thought. You are strong, and I believe one day you could become the beta of the pack." "No way he would ever choose me", Vanitas chuckled, "I think he hates me." "Oh you will see", she responded, "I think he already made the choice."

AmberWolf #9552

Posted 2022-05-18 13:37:39 #750588 Mizuki was gathering materials for medicines like any other day, although it was winter and herbs were hard to come by, spring was already hanging around in the air and she could find one or another herb to dry for later. She was carrying a decent bundle back to her den, but stopped dead in her tracks a few steps before the entrance. Something was off. A sour-sweet smell was hanging in the air. She dropped everything she was holding and rushed inside the den. Obscura was all over the floor, her back streched out in a weird angle, her mouth was filled with foam, her eyes rolled back. "Obscura!", Mizuki choked out, and Obscura's body twitched. "It's alright, sweetheart", she heard a voice inside her head, although Obscura was not moving at all. Confused she stumbled backwards. "It's just my mortal body giving in to age", the voice continued softly, "I knew this would happen eventually. It was just my vessel afterall." Mizuki started at the body of her mentor, Obscura was barely breathing at this point but she was frozen. "I am a spirit afterall", the voice whispered, "I was granted another chance, and so so much forgiveness even though I could never contain my powers. I am truly grateful to your pack." Obscura's body shook in a cramp, she gasped, then she became very still. Her eyes slowly closed, her muscles softened and she rolled together, almost if she was going to sleep. But her breathing gave out. "I will always be with you, Mizuki", the spirit said, and she saw a tiny red spark fly around her, jumping up and down, spinning around her head. "I am not ready", Mizuki cried out and tears ran down her face. "Oh dear, you were ready since the day you were born. Believe in yourself. I know I do." The spark stopped in front of her. "I am allowed to enter the realm of the Moon Wolf. I will have to go and apologize to Skadi. I will return to you soon, I promise." With that, the spark disappeared. Mizuki started the the lifeless body before her, but Obscura finally seemed peaceful. She had struggled so much with herself, but she had always been kind to Mizuki. She puffed her fur up. Obscura believed in her. She wouldn't dishonor her trust.

AmberWolf #9552

Posted 2022-07-14 03:11:23 (edited) #794797 Tsukasa caught a strange smell in the air. She jumped off her rock and spotted six large, black wolves approaching her pack. She lowered her head, her hair stood on end and deeply growled. She noticed Vanitas jumping in front of her. "Don't get close to them", he hissed and raised his head. "Found you, demon", the biggest wolf growled. Vanitas didn't flinch. "Can't say I am happy to see you, Tarakas." The timber wolf bared his lips and his mouth twisted into an ugly snarl. "Who are they?", Tsukasa whispered into Vanitas' ear. "My former pack. And their leader, my father", he spat. "Time to die, demon", Tarakas announced and lowered his head. "Nobody has to die if you come with us willingly." "Never", Vanitas heard Rihito say, who now towered next to him. "No, you can't-" But it was too late. Rihito jumped and Tarakas buried his teeth into his neck, tossed the beta like a ragdoll. "No!", Vanitas screamed, "No no no..." Tsukasa jumped over to Rihito. "The wound isn't deep...", she said, but Vanitas cut her off. "No, their bite is infectious. He is going to turn. But you can't survive the transformation if you aren't at least a half-vampire. He is going to go berserk and then die when his body reaches it's limit." Tarakas smirked. "Does it please you to surround yourself in dead meat?", he asked mockingly. Vanitas growled. He jumped over to Rihito. "I can turn you into one of my kind", he said, "But it's still going to kill you." "You are a vampire?", Rihito coughed and grinned, "We are in for a treat, huh?" He coughed blood now. "Do it..." Vanitas buried his teeth into the wound, and Rihito yelped. A rush of adrenaline burst through Vanitas' body and he fell onto the ground, his legs helplessly kicking the air. His fangs grew, his claws did the same, his eyes started to glow. His fur stood on edge in sharp spikes. With a jump, he stood and his feral gaze latched onto his father. He smiled. "Now we are even", he howled and pounced onto the massive timber. Rihito had gotten back onto his paws. Destiny stood next to him, watched him with pleading eyes. "You have to turn me too", she said, "I can't go on without you." Rihito sighed. He knew she was right. They were both old, and Vanitas couldn't fight five by himself. He gently bit his mate, and watched her turn the same as Vanitas. Although they were slightly smaller than the blue moon vampire, their claws ripped the earth under their step. Tsukasa backed off and huried to get the pack to safety. Vanitas' fangs dug deep into Tarakas' flesh. "I am not weak!", a deep demonic growl thundered within his chest, "You will never rule me again." The meat tore under his grip, and blood pooled out of his throat. He staggered, and Vanitas' was ripped off his back by one of the others. He hit the ground and dust burned in his eyes. He shook his head. Rihito and Destiny had already killed two of the others. He was fascinated by their strenght...by his strenght. This was his true nature. He closed his eyes and shook his head. No, no...he had to stay in control. Tarakas backed off. "This isn't over", he growled and weakly limbed away, covered by his two packmates by each side. Rihito had the third dead body under his paws. He wanted to go after them, but Vanitas blocked his way. "It's alright", he said, "He won't come back." Rihito glared at him. "He can't die", Vanitas sighed, "He has lived for thousand of years. We showed him our strenght. He recognized me, at last." Rihito broken down to the ground, his breath was fast and weak now, and shortly after, Destiny laid next to him. "It's going to hurt", Vanitas apologized, but Rihito shook his head. "You are a fine beta, Vanitas", Rihito gasped under the immense pain. Vanitas knew his organs were eating each other right now and his blood pumped helplessly to his heart which didn't beat anymore. His eyes turned wide, as the life faded out of him. His head moved to Destiny. "Let's go, my love." And then they were gone. Vanitas raised his head, looked into the disturbed eyes of his pack members. He had just killed their beta and his mate. But Tsukasa jumped to his site. "I can explain", she said, but Vanitas shook his head. "I will tell them."

AmberWolf #9552

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