இ۵Ŗace Ågainst ₦atureஇ۵

[purpledirewolf2019]

Яακα
\ Male / Loner \ ~1 month / With the Pack \ Hrafn, Ahote, Resin /

Raka followed Hrafn as the older wolf led him back to what he called a pack. He knew they were going in the right direction as the scent of what had to be other wolves and meat grew stronger. After he finally told the big black look alike his name, he was sort of surprised to hear that this this wolf thought it was a powerful name. Raka sure didn't feel powerful, but Hrafn was older and wiser, so he must have known what he was talking about. Either that or he was trying to make him feel better about himself.

As the pair walked into the pack's current site, the first thing Raka noticed were how many wolves there were. He knew there would be more, but he didn't think there would be as many as there were. He felt their eyes fall on him and it started to make him nervous. What if they weren't like Hrafn and didn't want him with the rest of the pack. After all, he wasn't really a part of it yet. As they walked towards the mammoth, he felt himself gravitating closer to Hrafn.

He was so caught up in the other wolves, he didn't even notice the moon at first. But as soon as Hrafn mentioned it, the bright full moon had him under a spell. He had never seen the moon at its fullest, but his mom told him that he was born on the night of a full moon. He was surprised that Hrafn then went on to say his name's meaning, which he had only heard once or twice. He looked at Hrafn with curiosity. "How do you know what my name means?" he asked, but his attention quickly focused on something else. Food.

The young pup's stomach growled as his eyes fell upon the the meat of the mammoth. He hadn't had any substantial food since the bear attack, so when Hrafn gave him permission to eat his fill, he could barely wait was the older wolf said he would be back shortly. After that, Raka happily started to at least try to get meat in his belly. The task was seemed easier in his head, but his small puppy teeth made pulling meat off a challenge, but Raka was persistent. Every piece of meat he managed to pull tasted like heaven to him, and slowly but surely his hunger began to fade.

Just as he started to slow, two new wolves approached him, but he had a feeling that the one that introduced herself as Resin was the Alpha that Hrafn told him about. For the most part she repeated what Hrafn had told him before she started feeding herself. He watched as she only ate a little, and immediately guilt washed over him. He realized the mammoth was for all the wolves here to share. Surely they rationed themselves so they could all have equal amounts, and he had just stuffed himself. Embarrassed and ashamed Raka moved a few steps away from the carcass, hoping they weren't mad at him.

As Resin stood up and said where she was going, Raka was torn by sadness and eagerness. He wanted to go with her and see his parents again, but at the same time, if they were no more, he didn't want to see their not moving bodies and injuries they had gotten from the bear. The Alpha licked his head and assured his safety, but before she left he spoke up. "If the worse has happened...could you tell them that I'm sorry? They were just protecting me." he asked, his voice dropping at the end. He never had the chance to tell them before they went to sleep.

[BlackJaguar]

((I will post in the morning. I'm sorry guys, writers' block and busy days ))

[purpledirewolf2019]

(Anyone can interact with Raka now since he is with the pack.)

[Resin]

((I do apologize for the delay, lovelies. I have an eight page report due today and a five page proposal for a fifteen page report due tomorrow. Swamped. I'll get to posting as soon as I can.))

[purpledirewolf2019]

(No problem Resin. Work comes first)

[Soriams]

((Ah, school. How I don't miss you...

Actually, I kind of do sometimes. Kept me motivated and gave me projects to think about. But at the same time, I'm glad to be able to do what I want. (LMAO as if that ever happens) Meh.))[/size]

Ahote
Male | 46 | Fighter
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Ahote eventually found his way to his feet, happy for Resin's help. It wasn't so much that she could really pull him up, but he was grateful for the added support once he was there. The short journey to rejoin the rest of the pack had been tiring, and his bones felt weary, and Ahote sagged heavily against Resin's side for a moment before collecting himself and moving towards what remained of the mammoth.

On their way, Resin and Ahote were met by Hrafn, who brought news and a tiny visitor. While the two dark wolves talked, Ahote looked past them to where the pup eagerly approached the kill. He was young, very young, and far too small to be out on his own. As she spoke, he nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think you did the right thing. There is no way one so young could survive on his own for long," he said, eager to move on and meet with the young one.

Without even realizing it, Ahote leaned less on Resin, his mind moving on to other things besides his own weary body. Seeking out the pup, Ahote nodded in greeting while Resin introduced them. For the time, he stayed silent, and found a nice piece of meat to gnaw on. Pulling it off the bone, he settled it between his front paws, just off from the two allowing them to speak while they ate.

Listening closely, Ahote knew she would have to go. Though he held little hope that she would find his parents alive, he knew that she would feel it her duty to bring the young one some closure. Soon enough she came to say her farewells, and he licked the top of her head, "No, never easy. But great wolves were not made for an easy life..." he replied, watching as she left.

As Resin disappeared into the shadows, Ahote turned his attention to the little wolf, Raka. His heart hurt for him, but he knew that at least for this one, life would go on. Everyone here had lost so much and come so far, he would surely find companionship in his sorrow, should Resin find what he suspected. "Don't worry, Raka. Resin is a good wolf, she will tell them for you," Ahote said quietly. Though he didn't rise again, he had finished the food he had and welcomed the pup to come closer and speak if he would. At the same time, he looked for Hrafn, knowing that having at least a semi-familliar face nearby might give him some comfort.

[purpledirewolf2019]

Яακα
\ Male / Loner \ ~1 month / With the Pack \ Hrafn, Ahote, Resin /

Raka watched Resin's outline fade as she went to search for his parents, and continued watching the spot momentarily. He knew she would not be back right away, but not being able to go with her and find out if his parents were gone or just badly injured, hurt him a little. Of course he understood that is was getting dark and he was too slow to keep up with the Alpha, but that didn't make him feel much better.

Raka was so focused in the direction Resin had gone, that the other wolf's voice startled him slightly. The other brute had been quiet and eating as Resin explained things a moment ago, and the pup nearly forgot he was there. The pup remained silent as he looked back at Ahote, trying to remember the name he had been told just a moment ago. It came to him quickly and when it did, he pried himself from the spot he was in and went a bit closer to the other wolf.

Being that it was dark now, Raka couldn't see Ahote's injuries, which was probably for the best. Although they weren't the same as the one's his parents had, the sight of them might have had a negative affect on the pup. Luckily he couldn't see them, and when he was just a couple steps away from Ahote, Raka sat down and curled his small tail around him. His position quickly changed as, slowly, his front paws slid his body backwards until he was laying down. "When will she be back?" he asked Ahote as he looked up at him.

Being in a laying down position quickly made Raka tired, especially since he had gotten little sleep since being on his own and now had a full belly. As he opened his muzzle wide in a yawn, he didn't think he'd be able to stay awake until the Alpha returned, but he wanted to be. He didn't trust himself to not dream of the attack again, and he wanted to know about his parents as soon as he could. So, the young black pup tried desperately to stay awake, but sleep ending up winning.

[Resin]

((Sorry for the holdup. Papers sucked. My brother and his wife had their baby yesterday. Little Owen Richard. I'm officially an aunt. (: Also, I'll post for Hrafn in the morning. So tired...))

~|Resin|~Alpha Female|~ 40 Summers|~

It was easy to follow the tracks of Hrafn and Raka back to where they'd met. It wasn't as easy to follow Raka's tracks back to his parents, however. He'd crisscrossed several times and eventually she just gave up. Closing her eyes, Resin inhaled lightly, pulling little puffs of air through her nose at a time. Her sense of smell was impeccable, but the warm day had given way to a chilly night and thus smell didn't travel very well. As a last resort, the large grey and black female began to make sweeps of the area.

After running back and forth for a time, she came upon the scene. Two wolves, partially buried by the blowing snow. They were both clearly deceased and Resin sighed, closing her eyes tight for a moment. The poor pup. She would have to break the news to him. It was her job. She wished that it wasn't, but it was.

Resin got to work. She chose a wide, flat area beneath a leaning pine. Rather than dig two holes, she dug one giant one. It took ages; her paws and claws scrabbling against the partially frozen earth. She was covered in mud by the time she was finished, but she had made the pup a promise that she would not break. Latching her teeth gently around the frozen necks of the couple, she pulled them one by one into their final resting place. Covering them up didn't take half as long.

Satisfied that the dirt was patted down firmly upon them, Resin started to walk back towards the camp, but turned and looked over her shoulder. "He thinks that this is his fault and he says that he's sorry." She trailed off, looking at nothing and everything. "We'll keep him safe. I promise." And she continue on her way. The first rays of sun were peeking lazily over the horizon by the time she was among her pack members once more.

((She sprung a surprise 5 page report on us today, so this will be short. Sorry, guys.))

~|Hrafn|~Hunter|~ 46 Summers|~

Hrafn nodded as Ahote agreed with him about the pup. He was indeed too small to be out on his own. He was going to offer to go with Resin, but knew better. She did like to do things on her own. Hrafn watched with his dark amber eyes as the Alpha spoke to the young one. The pup seemed sad, which was understandable, but he also acted strong. Hrafn liked him quite a bit already.

Once Resin pulled out and was gone, Hrafn settled down beside the pup. He began to fill his stomach. It had been a while since he'd eaten. The big black brute sat quietly as Ahote reassured the pup that Resin was a good wolf. He couldn't help but crack a smile. She was indeed a good wolf. She always went out of her way to help those around her.

Time passed and soon the pup, despite his struggles, fell asleep. Moving closer, Hrafn grabbed the pup by the scruff as gently as possible. He was careful not to wake him. Placing the pup between his forelegs, the thickly furred black brute placed his head upon his own paws, shielding the small wolf from the cold. He glanced over to see if Ahote was still awake. If he was, perhaps they would indulge in some quiet conversation.

[Soriams]

((Sorry the papers didn't work out for you... But CONGRATULATIONS AUNTIE!)))

Ahote
Male | 46 | Fighter
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Ahote looked down on the little wolf, smiling to him a bit. "She'll be back before you know it, Raka," he replied sweetly, seeing just how exhausted he was. Before long, his head began to droop and as Hrafn settled next to him the pup slipped off into sleep. One next to another now, the two looked like father and son, or at least relatives. Their dark pelts melded to one another as the big wolf pulled the smaller close, and Ahote looked up to Hrafn and smiled. "Are you sure he's not yours?" he asked, then chuckled a bit, shaking his head. "Well, no matter... He is now."

Gingerly, Ahote turned himself around to investigate his wounds. The skin was still pulled painfully tight across his back, but at least the wounds had closed and much of the heat was gone. Nose twitching at the strange smell of the cracked flesh, he cleaned it as best he could, but finally had to admit defeat. Letting out a huff of frustration, he turned back to the pair of black wolves.

Though his body was once again exhausted, he had had more sleep over the past day that ever in his entire life, and was not ready to succumb yet again. For a moment, he looked back up at the stars and sister moon, now shining bright overhead, "You know, we've all come a long way... And not just you and I, but everyone. Even this little pup, just starting life, his entire world has been turned upside down..." he started, still looking up at the heavens. "Do you ever wonder how much farther there is to go?" he asked finally, looking back to Hrafn. Even he didn't fully know the full weight of his words, nor what they all meant, and he sighed, looking back to the place where Resin had disappeared.

[purpledirewolf2019]

Яακα
\ Male / Loner \ ~1 month / With the Pack \ Hrafn, Ahote, Resin /

For a while, everything was dark. Raka was completely unaware of what Hrafn and Ahote were doing while he slept. The only thing that may have indicated to the pup that he was moved was the fact that his body relaxed in the warmth his older look-alike gave him. Of course, all his dreams started out with black nothingness. It wasn't until later that the real dream began.

He was in field of arctic grass and flowers. The flowers looked and smelled pretty as if they had just bloomed. Raka had never seen flowers before and went to play in them. His parents weren't too far off, hunting for food. The black pup ran around, rolling sniffing and tasting the pretty foliage.

All of a sudden there was another creature, a bit larger than himself but not by too much. It's coat was a orangish-brown and although it looked a little bit different, Raka thought it was just a larger wolf pup, having never seen a bear before. The two started to play, first chasing each other, and then play wrestling. Raka must have nipped the bear cub too hard, because it cried out.

That was when he realized the creature was not a wolf. The bear's mother suddenly rose up out of the grass and flowers, and proceed to charge Raka, thinking that the small pup was a threat. He ran back towards his parents as fast as his small legs could carry him, yelping for their help. Both of his parents came running to help. His mother showed up first, followed shortly by his father. Raka ran a little bit father away, to an area of thicker grass to hide himself. He couldn't even watch the fight, he could only hear it. Snarls and yelps from both his parents and the bear reached his ears, and then, there was silence.

When Raka opened his eyes, he wasn't in the field anymore. In fact, he didn't know where he was. Everything was white, and it looked fluffy. He pounced on the fluffy ground a few times trying to figure out what is was, but he had no idea. It was softer than snow and not cold. Confused, he looked up again, and saw his parents standing there. His mother was a solid white wolf with blue eyes, and his father was a black wolf with dark brown eyes and a small white marking on his chest. Raka ran over to them happily, nuzzling their legs since that was all he could reach. "I thought I lost you." he said to them.

"Raka, you will never lose us. We will always be with you, even if you can't see us." he mother said with a voice as smooth a silk. Raka must have looked confused because she chuckled a bit. "We will always be, right here and here," she said first nosing his head and then his chest gently, "whenever you need us."

Feeling his mother made him smile, but it faded as he realized something. "You're not coming back with me?"he asked them, looking from his mother to his father.

"No. We must stay here, but you have a new family now who will look after you for us. You will grow to be a strong wolf, and we will watch over you from here. his father explained to him, and after a short pause, he added more. "Do not feel guilty about what happened. It was not your fault. It was nobody's fault. Sometime things just happen, so don't beat yourself up about it. For now though, it is time for us to go. Remember we will always be with you." he said with a caring smile.

Raka was silent for a moment and then nodded. "I will miss you." he said as he nuzzled them one more time. "We will miss you too." his mother said to him, and then, everything faded to black again.

Throughout the dream, the young pup twitched and had scared expressions. He had been having the same dream about the bear attack since it happened. Soon, though, he was still. The dream had ended differently this time, and for the first time since the tragic event, Raka actually got a peaceful, nightmare-free sleep.