Running from the Past

[Rachy<3]

Paws thudded against the ground as a large grey brute ran onto the plains. His muscles rippled beneath his pelt as he ran, looking for the main pack lands. His auds pricked atop his head as he slowed his pace. Black nares flared as he took in the scents of the plains. Tall wheat plants made it hard to see in front of him. But he didn't mind.

He stopped quickly and his tongue lolled out from between his jowls. His tail hung limply behind him and his auds slanted back against his head. He panted softly and sat back on his haunches, his tail laying beside him. He needed to rest now, he had been running for a while. It had taken him days to get to this place, and he hadn't slept much. He never really slept much.

He hoped that he might be accepted here. That the alpha of the lightning tribe would allow him to stay. He had no where else to go. Back was something he couldn't handle, ever. He hoped that he would never have to go throw what he had before. The pain was too much, even now the pain of his past still haunted him. The love that he once had, and the terrible loss that he suffered.

A long sigh escaped his maw as the thoughts ran through his head. His nostrils flared and the brute snorted distastefully. He didn't want to think about it any more. He pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind and closed his eyes. He layed down and let his muscles rest, needing some time before going to seek the alpha.

[†〈Gin〉†]

"I said stay PUT. Can you not understand me?"

A low growl passed through the wolfs throat. Black claws dug into the ground as sharp, emerald eyes stared at something in front of her. Lips raised to reveal sharp fangs, the growl echoing in her mouth. Her electrically marked tail lashed behind her, furious. With a snort, the female lowered her head and snapped her jaws together with a 'click'. A stalk of wheat was split in two and the top half fell to the ground. The wolf stared at it, raising her head and eyes glaring. The black female shook herself, her expression completely changed. She was no longer angry but she was looking at the ground calmly. She was talking tonothing.

With a shake of her pelt, the female stretched herself in the stalks of wheat, claws digging at the soil beneath her. She arched her back legs in a stretch before leaping forward and into a bigger crowd of wheat. The white and yellow grain stuck to her pelt, getting tangled with her odd black and white fur. As if she were a playful pup, she jumped up and over several stalks, head and body bobbing up into view and then vanishing. And then reappearing again and once again vanishing. She paused her careless folly to give herself a good shake, loosening the grains from her pelt and allowing them to fall to the ground. "Nasty little buggers," she said. What was odd was that she said it in a happy tone, not in annoyance. And as if a switch had been flicked, she dove forward and attacked another stalk, snapping it in half with a 'crack'. She spat the stem out and watched it fall. A wicked grin swept over her face and she giggled like a pup.

With a sigh, she looked around, eyes serious now. Raising her head high, she attempted to look above the stalks that were planted in the area. The air was clear and there was a gentle wind about the area. "Boring," she said sadly with a frown. Turning away once she saw nothing, she began to once again bound up and down through the stalks of wheat.

The wolf paused in confusion as she burst through the field and into shade. Looking up, she noticed trees hanging above her and the wheat field just behind her. "Hey! Who gave you permission to bust out in front of me," she snarled, narrowing her eyes angrily up at the branches above. Her eyes turned down and locked on the trunk. As if having second thoughts about attacking this target, her ears flattened and she turned away to walk calmly in the shade. The tall female padded on casually, head at her shoulder level and tail swishing calmly behind her. Emerald eyes examined the area, trying to take in every detail. She had just come here a few days ago. She had gotten lost in the wheat field for a day or so but now she had found a way out. With a yawn, the wolf tilted herself to the side and leaned against a tree, sinking down to the ground. She tucked her legs under her and stretched her front legs forward.

A white ear twitched. Looking around, the female scented another. A male was around, and close. She hadn't noticed before. She continued to look before noticing a gray blur farther ahead. Her tail swished beside her, her nose taking in his scent for a few moments. With another yawn, she laid her head on her paws and watched. Her gaze and posture were relaxed and calm, obviously not concerned with having company. Hey, suffering from insanity was better when you had others around, right?

[Rachy<3]

Auds twitched as a voice hit his ears, making his head lift quickly. He turned his head around him and remembered that the tall wheat made it impossible to see anything. With a heavy sigh he pushed himself up into a sitting position, trying to peer over the wheat and see where the voice had come from. His auds swiveled atop his head as he heard lots of movement and then the voice again. He could tell now that the voice was feminine. His nose wrinkled and he lifted his head higher over the wheat to find the owner of the voice. A brow raised as he saw a figure quickly pop out of the wheat and then back down.

He shook his head as he heard her talking to the trees. Either she was insane, or she was really very bored. He rolled his eyes at the strange female and made his way out of the wheat. As he stepped out of the tall plants he turned and looked at the pieces covered all over his fur. He shook out his pelt, pieces flying off of him. When his pelt was clear of all the pieces of wheat he stepped over and sat beneath a tree. He let his legs slide out from under him and he laid calmly beneath the tree. His tail curled beside him as he relaxed.

His gaze wandered over the wheat field and towards where the female lay. He looked her over for a moment and then turned his head around. He crossed his paws infront of him and let a yawn escape his maw. His auds swiveled atop his head as he rested his head over his paws. He wasn't going to bother the female, she was obviously trying to relax just like he was. Besides females were the LAST thing on his mind.

[Dash]

So here he was. His destiny had started to unfold. He had spent a year in war, learning how to flush emotions from his mind. Only to find that everything had been pushed from his being now needed to return if he was to lead a pack of wolves. He worried that he was not going to be strong enough to lead them. Yet he had his father's wisdom on his shoulders, how else would he have gotten this far honestly? He wouldn't be half the wolf he was today if it wasn't for his father he gave him that much credit. Yet he never seemed to give himself any. He was a strong wolf, very powerful, just misunderstood. He felt evil and corrupted, perhaps why he tried his best to be calm and quick to smile. He didn't wish to bring death upon those he cared for. He half felt as though he didn't want to be alpha because it meant forming bonds with wolves that he barely knew. He wanted to be more distant than close. Yet he still seemed to be the best option to run a pack.

He had experience with war, and knew of authority and respect. He also knew the consequences of responsibilities. Yet perhaps that would make him too timid and not good enough to lead. Though he wasn't positive if other wolves shared the same checkered past as he. He'd made mistakes, he knew that; but was he willing to dwell on them? Certainly not. Perhaps just one, talking to Gale that one final time. However if he had not spoken to her then he would have not found his destiny. Or rather, he would have not had his destiny thrust upon him. He was more than content staying in the shadow of his father and his dying alpha, though he knew that it would have not been an option. The twins would have easily torn him apart. He sighed, shaking his past from his mind as he padded through the forest. Nay, his forest. He owned the land now. Well, technically it wasn't his. It belonged to his goddess and he would never stake a claim upon it.

Yet he watched over it in her absence, making sure that it was unharmed and safe. His ears twitched softly as the sudden noise of wheat stalks snapping in half were heard. He let out a disgruntled sigh. Great, there were more wolves now. He had grown more than accustom to being by himself, with the occasional drop in of the goddess to keep him company. Yet now, there were other creatures roaming about the land. He felt as though he failed the goddess honestly, he promised her he'd keep her field unharmed. His paws carried him toward the snarls and growls of others. His wired fur stiffened as he stood in the clearing. The scents of others drifting into his nostrils as he flicked his tail upward. Dominance was important to be shown early. He grunted trying to not flash his fangs, almost an impulse he kept himself calm. These wolves were simply longing about in the open grass. He flared his nostrils and felt at a loss of how to grab their attention. "You dare trespass on Navatis' lands outsiders?" He accused with a flat tone.

[†〈Gin〉†]

Claws slowly gripped at the grass then released, gripped, then released. The females green eyes narrowed as she watched the male from afar. He didn't seem very interested in her and she honestly didn't care. Being with others or being alone, she liked either option. Her jaws parted in a silent yawn, shaking her head afterward before laying it back on her paws. Eyes closing, the females ears tilted to the side to listen for any sounds of movement around her. She was in unknown territory, she knew that much, so she might as well keep an eye-, well, ear out fro anything around that might bug her. Or anything else around here. ...What?

The female jumped in surprise as she heard footsteps. Her head snapped up, eyes blinking swiftly as if awaking. Her ears shot forward, eyes widening as she saw a male before her. Woah! How had that one guy moved over here that quickly? Oh wait, the one she spotted earlier was still over by the trees. This one was different. Oops. The female raised herself into a sit, head tilting as she looked at this new fella. He stood tall with his tail up. He looked annoyed, and it was only then that she detected a sense of power coming from him. Flashing a small, friendly smile, she nodded to him. "Hi there," she greeted, almost as if excited. Her expression changed in a snap and she was staring at him, confused and maybe a little taken aback. "Trespass? Well then, sorry for intruding," she said, taking in his image.

He seemed to hold himself highly. Alpha? Quite possibly. "Who is this you- oh." Blinking, she suddenly remembered the stories she'd been told about this land before, how it was reigned by different wolf gods. Tilting her head the other way now, she nodded slowly. After a second she straightened herself up, ears raised high and legs stiff. "I was simply looking for a place to rest 'n' stay. I don't mean any harm to this lil' patch, promise," she said smoothly. Though that didn't matter, she supposed. She was still trespassing. Why the hell should I care? Standing up now, she dipped her head apologetically. "Again, sorry about intruding. I hadn't a clue this place was owned." Or did I? Shit, who knows.

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[Shadow]

CRACK.
A bolt of pure white lightning streaked to the earth, several feet away from where the male Radar was standing. Strangely, it didn't burn, singe, or leave any tale-tell sign of having ever been there, save for a wolf standing exactly where the bolt was.
She was a normal looking brown wolf, give or take her black tipped ears and strange eye markings. She smiled, giving no time for introductions.

"Raaaaay!" she launched into her own conversation immediately. "Let's play lightning tag, okay?"
She bounded toward the male in a few fell swoops, then playfully circled around him, her tall wagging.
Suddenly, she noticed the others.

A grayish male and a white female. Ray -- Radar -- had been talking to them, apparently. She cocked her head to the side, as if she hadn't known.
Of course, this was all a lie. She'd seen them. She'd known they were there. She's watched the male running, and the female talking to the ground, and at that point she had gotten bored and was thinking about sending lightning bolts into the wheat field, until Radar had shown up.

Regardless of her facade, she was willing to act the part.
"Hi there!"

She immediately -- seemingly -- lost interest.

"Raaay, come on, let's play tag!" she jumped up and down excitedly.

[Rachy<3]

The scent of another wolf filled his nostrils as he lay resting. His auds twitched and then pricked atop his head. So there was an alpha? he thought. He lifted his head from his paws and looked around with deep orange orbs. His tail flicked at his side as he gazed back towards the female. His muscles tensed as he then saw a male wolf standing not far off. He quickly pushed himself into a sitting position, but kept his head low. It was obvious by his stance that this male was alpha of these lands. His tail curled around his paws as he bowed his head respectfully.

"I appologize Sir" he said in a calm tone "I've been running so long that I needed to rest. I planned on coming to seek you out shortly" he finished. He lifted his head from the bow but kept it lower then the alpha's. He hoped that this male wouldn't force him to leave, he didn't want to search again for a place to stay. He couldn't keep wandering about the earth, it was too large and he was getting older. If he was unwelcome here then he would simply stay a loner and find unclaimed lands to stay upon. As he prepared to appologize again a crack of lightning struck close to them.

Another alpha he wondered. As he looked at the wolfess he bowed his head once more, realizing that she was THE Goddess of these lands. They were her lands. He lifted his head from the bow and tilted his head to the side as he watched the goddess. She was acting like a silly little pup. It wasn't what he expect from a god or goddess. "Hello" he relied to her greeting. But she quickly dismissed them and went back to acting like a pup. His auds slanted back and his tail flicked at his side, waiting for Radar's move.

[Dash]

It seemed as if both of the wolves meant no real harm to the land. His tail snapped faintly as he thought it over. It wasn't really okay for them to trespass but they were innocent by standards. He stared at the black female. She seemed a bit off if anything, her mood shifted from friendly to cautious in a split second. His brow quirked when she seemed to apologize, making a point that she had no idea the land was owned. "This land is that of the goddess Navatis, I simply protect it in her absence. Yet as alpha I suppose it can be considered that I stake a claim on it as well." Radar felt the need to correct the misinformed duo. Staring at the male now as he spoke he watched him dip his head and explain his own story. His ear twisted to the side as he flared his nostrils keeping himself calm. It irked him to know that wolves felt they could just plop themselves down and rest without any repercussions. Yet he'd let it slide, it wasn't as if he was alpha for very long anyway.

"Well that wont be necessary any more. I have found you. If all you wish to do is simply rest then I can allow you passage safely through the lands. However if you wish to stay..." He paused. What was he trying to say honestly? He wasn't desperate for members, as far as he was concerned they were simple loners on their way elsewhere, yet where else was there to go? He could always recruit them if need be he supposed. But he couldn't live here in solitude forever he retorted. He shook himself faintly and sighed before continuing after a long pause. "Then you're more than welcome to become members of the Raiden pack." Why was that harder than he thought it would be? He supposed he'd been distanced from wolves for so long he wasn't used to a normal conversation and even the most casual conversation made him feel as though he was messing every single word up.

Radar's pelt stiffened when the notorious flash of lightning landed by his side. Oh great just what he needed. His brow quirked when Navatis addressed him. He gritted his teeth and twitched his ears. He hated that nickname honestly. His name was Radar, not ray or any variation of it. He sighed and stared at the two. "Allow me to introduce the all powerful lightning goddess, Navatis." He snorted, sarcasm seemed to twitch on his tongue. She didn't look all powerful what so ever. He sighed and simply stared at her as she addressed the two wolves for a moment before flicking her attention back to him. "Navatis these are guests on your land, don't you think we should offer them something more than a quick hello before we go play tag? Or do you just not care that they were treading on your land with little regard?" Radar didn't quite understand his goddess. Yet he went along with most of her requests out of sheer loyalty.

[†〈Gin〉†]

Green eyes watched the alpha figure closely. Turning her head somewhat, she saw the other male speak up. So he was just traveling and needed a rest? Seemed reasonable. Flicking her ears, she looked back over to Radar for a moment as he spoke. She wanted to make a remark but, oddly enough, kept her mouth shut. She only did that sometimes. Why now? Who knew.

As he spoke more of the land, she tilted her head a bit. Joining? Ohh, this could be interesting. She'd be around others more often then running around and being by herself. The trees didn't like her and birds flew away when she tried to play, so wolves like her would be funner to toy with. She liked this idea. But not those wheat stalks, no. They were annoying. They didn't listen to her. That made her mad. With an inward snort, she looked at Radar. Oh, yeah, she was thinkng about joining. She opened her mouth for a moment, no worders coming out as she thought. To join or not to join. Hmm...

The she-wolf quickly closed her mouth and looked up as lightning flashed close by. Very close by. A wolf appeared from the flash and she had to stop herself from jumping up and asking how the yellow sparky thingy turned into a canine. Her brow rose as she bounced over to Radar and asked for a game of tag. Tag? TAG? Sounds fun. Not very leaderly like or grown up though. Her ears flicked forward as she offered a simple hi there before turning back to Radar. "Yo," she woofed with amusement.

All power lightning goddess? More like the bouncy skippy grown up puppy. She still looked fun though. She looked nicer than those damn trees too. Her tail twitched behind her and she sat back down, watching. Flicking her ears for a moments, she listened again. "'Ello," she greeted again after Radar spoke of the guests. Though she thought that bouncy Navatis was more interested in tag. "M'names Blitz," she offered her name. She once again had to stop herself from jumping up. Tag sounded fun. Lotsa fun. Those stalks of wheat didn't like tag. They didn't listen well either. And those trees were too big for their own good. She held back a growl, glaring at the tree beside her. Stupid tree, go die. With a sigh, she stood up. Enough chittity chattity weird stuff with plants. Now for some serious stuff... maybe. "I'd like to maybe join. Sounds better than wandering alone."

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[Shadow]

It seemed that Ray -- Radar's -- first order of business was to introduce her to the trespassing wolves. But she'd already done that. Oh, wait, no she hadn't.
But again, she knew that! She'd done it on purpose, right?
Exactly.

Ah, but the male greeted her with a hello. As did the female. And she presented a name, lovely!
Blitz. she thought it.
"Blitz, Blitz." she said it aloud. She thought it a strange name. No better than Navatis she supposed. Ah, well.

"Ray, Navatis is too long." She looked at the other wolves and smiled. "Call me Navi, mmkay?" There was something like a giggle at the end of her sentence. It was slightly unnatural.

"Navatis these are guests on your land, don't you think we should offer them something more than a quick hello before we go play tag? Or do you just not care that they were treading on your land with little regard?"

Though she seemed like she hadn't been listening, Navi had heard it all. She heard the others speak as well. So formal! Formal was silly, in her facade of an opinion. But Ray -- Radar -- had said they could play tag after the formalities were over! So, she wagged her brown tail and began to bounce again.

"Okay! After Mr. Male over there tells us his name, we can all play lightning tag! Oh--" she stopped and frowned. "Unless you have a different element, then we can play that...but that's not important! Mr. Male, what's your name?" Navi gave a wolfish grin of pure -- as pure as she could be considered -- bliss, bounding over to the more silent male happily.

[Rachy<3]

The grey male looked at Radar as he said that they were welcome to join the Raiden pack. His auds twitched and he bowed his head with respect. "Thank you Sir. It would be a pleasure to be a part of the Raiden pack" he said. His tail flicked and he turned his attention to the strange female from earlier. Blitz he said to himself to remember it. She seemed just a puplike as the goddess. His nostrils flared and he snorted as pollen filled his nose.

His gaze then moved to Navatis as she spoke, his auds slanting back. Mr. Male? He pushed the name aside and cleared his throat. "I'm Ezekial" he told them all. He sat on his haunches and his tail curled around his paws. "I appreciate the invitation to join your game, however I must decline. I am quite tired and don't much enjoy playing games" he told Navatis. He had to tell her the truth, he felt no need to lie. His muscles tensed as he looked around the group, hoping they wouldn't try to force him to play.

It had been a very long time since he had ever played a game. He wasn't the same brute he used to be. He used to be fun and full of life, but these days all he wanted to do was lounge about. He didn't want to play, he didn't want to talk, he didn't even want to get too close to anyone. His front legs slid out from under him and he laid down calmly, relaxing. His tail curled around his side and his ears slanted back on his head.

[Dash]

It wasn't long before both of the loners decided it best to stay upon the land and become full fledged members. It was all fine and dandy with him. They seemed to introduce themselves separately. The female appeared to be more outgoing and the male more withdrawn. He listened intently to both of them. Ezekiel and Blitz huh? Interesting names. His tail twitched softly as he stared at Navatis for a brief moment. Watching her seemingly lose interest in the conversation his offer appeared to be lost to the wind when it struck her ears. She didn't appear to be paying any attention what so ever. Oh well. He was surprised to see that she was willing to cooperate. Truth be told he wished he could be as reserved as that Ezekiel male. Telling them no he didn't want to play either. Ah well, he was far too loyal and wanted to please his goddess more than anything. He did what he was told, as obedient as a pet truly. Alas he had no will power of his own it seemed.

"For future reference then my name is Radar." He introduced himself last. Being as clear as he possibly could. He wasn't very fond of the nickname Navatis gave him. He preferred his birth name Radar. Yet he didn't really have a choice, she seemed quite content with calling him Ray. So what was he going to say about it honestly? He shrugged his shoulders to Ezekiel denying Navatis' request. "Suit yourself." He didn't care either way. He found it to be a good training exercise anyway. That's how he blocked out the concept of fun and spontaneity from the so called game. To him it was a structural training. He didn't care whether he won or lost or if he was it or not. He used the opportunity to focus himself and further his muscles and will power with his own unpredictable power. With a gentle grin on his face he padded toward Navatis and tapped his paw on her rump giving a soft shock to her.

"You're it!" He exclaimed with a chuckle. Darting off into the wheat field trying to find a peculiar spot to hide he waited quietly. His ears folded against his skull as his body was low to the ground. Radar didn't want to admit it, but he did have fun. It was like he was a pup again, playing with the siblings he never truly had. Those twins were rats and he disliked the both of them. And not to mention...no he mustn't think of her now. That was in the past. He couldn't change it, he could only learn from it now. He knew now to not get too close with anyone. To separate himself from others and keep it that way. He felt that his own father did that so beautifully, and thus in a way he was trying to be like his father. Distanced yet still strong and courageous. He had grown quite a lot over his few years of life, yet still he had so much to learn. He wondered if Navatis had endless knowledge that she hid from the world? He snorted to himself. Yea right she was as innocent as a flower. And quite pretty too, no...No don't think of that. He kept his thoughts aside, tilting his muzzle to the sky to watch for any signs of lightning.

[†〈Gin〉†]

The she-wolfs ears rose as Navi spoke. Even though this was a goddess, yet again, she seemed rather... puppish. Blinking, Blitz glanced over at Ezekial as he introduced himself. She blinked swiftly once or twice before looking toward the others. Her head tilted slightly, listening. She flashed a smirk as her name was said and repeated. "Yup. Blitz there, Blitz where, Blitz is here!" Green eyes once again focused on Navi as she insisted to be called by her self-made nickname. She gave a curt nod. If this was what she wanted, then Blitz would understand and oblige. ...Maybe.

She glanced over at Ezekial again as he declined the offer. No playing for him? Fine, traitor, go lay by the trees. They're out to get us. They'll go after you first, she thought. With a hard shake of her head, she focused seriously on the two in front of her. Claws flexing, she watched as Navi continued to insist they play tag. She took note of Radar introducing himself and Blitz once again nodded. Narrowing her eyes, she watched Radar "tag" Navi then bolt off, ehehe, no pun intended. Realizing that she was included in this game for not declining before, Blitz leaped up in surprise. With a smirk, she swerved past Navi swiftly and also charged straight into the wheat stalks and unfortunately, tail flagging right behind her to give her location.

The black wolf ducked as she entered the field and scurried across the field as if she were stalking something swift. Her ears were angled back, listening for a pursuer. This was a game of life and death and she couldn't be caught. Wasn't it? Oh wait, this was just tag. Right, stay focused. Glancing backward, she continued until she paused and pressed herself against the ground. She had no clue where she was in the field. She just knew she was in the field. No doubt about that, nope, not a one. Claws digging into the ground, she glared at the swaying wheat beside her. Narrowing her eyes, she lowered her voice in a quiet growl, "If I loose this game, I blame you."

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