youth brings home...a man? [open]

[[Midnight]]

Akiko had led Drake into her home with newfound enthusiasm. She'd picked up the pace, wanting to make it home far before Dawn, when most wolves retired for sleep. She couldn't wait to show everyone her new masculine friend. As she turned to look at him again, him in all his large girth, she wondered if anyone else would have been terrified at the sight of him; and if they still would be. But Akiko had not been scared of him...just of where he'd come from. At the same time, she'd gotten her first look at him after he'd so valiantly pulled her from the water that had almost claimed her, so perhaps she'd been biased.

She did not hesitate in raising her head to howl towards the sky, her singing voice soundign so lonely and beckoning anyone around to come and join her. She hoped her mother would hear and come to her; for some reason she most wanted Esmerelda to meet Drake. Of course, Bandit was the most important, since she was the only one who could officially accept Drake as a pack member. When she finished her solo howling, her tail wagged a bit as she turned and walked closer to Drake, her eyes bright in the moonlight.

"Our Alpha's name is Bandit. My mother is Esmerelda, and then there are my brothers, then Oberon, and Sayuri, and others," she blabbed, running through all the pack members in her mind. "You can ask us all about the wolf you were looking for, too. Maybe one of the older adults know of her."

[Bre]

Drake let out a snicker at her babbling, she was beyond no doubt pleased that he had came to her pack. Not excatly joined be well enough pleased he had entered the camp to meet the others. He didn't worry if anyone disliked him immediately or liked him. He had little care for others opinions except those that matter to him. He looked up to see if any wolves had appear. But none had shown their faces, he considered they were still waking up as it was soon to be dawn. He hadn't slept trying to stay on guard for Akiko. You would of calculated that he was relaxing now, but he wasn't. In fact he was on raw edge, he was wondering how he would explain to everyone exactly how he met Akiko. He didn't want to look like a threat not when he usually did in the first place.

He cursed his intimidating size and appearance. He wanted to meet the Alpha more than Akiko's mother although he was quite curious to see what she looked like. It made him double take when Akiko spoke of having siblings this he hadn't known and now made me wary of joining. If I was only protective of Akiko it would send the wrong signals but I don't exactly know if I'll connect well with her siblings as I did her. This will be a awkward situation, now he wondered if he should stay. If he took on Akiko as his foster daughter then what about her brother and sister? It was too much to be thinking about, but his minded wandered over to the fact that he was very much leaning for taking Akiko as his daughter. Odd how it maybe he had never felt a close connection with another wolf and even the fact that it was the opposite sex sparked interest in him. Not in love or mates but in parenting. He never had been an actual parent so how would he teach her? Even then what if her mother didn't agree? Where was her father?

All these thoughts raced through his mind as he began to realize maybe joining this pack wasn't the best idea. If Akiko acts as friendly with me as she did then, her mother may think I'm trying to take her away. I don't want to cause any conflict I have to many of my own. As usual even though his mind raced taking into consideration of everything his appearance remained the same. Calm and neutral, he wondered if it aggravated other wolves that he maintained a calm state eight times out of ten. His mind set shifted from the wondering of Akiko to Fatal. He had come here to look for her but now he was distracted would he ever be able to find her? Had he abandon his search for her because of Akiko? Had he become someone so different from being apart from her? Was she even alive? He let out a long sigh and looked at Akiko.

[[Midnight]]

Akiko assumed that if anyone were around and would come to her beckoning call, it would take a little while, so quickly settled onto her rump to begin contemplating the manner of convincing she would use to get Drake into the pack. She really didn't feel that it would take much; everyone knew the pack needed members desperately, and Drake was obviously the hero type. Why, he might be big enough to rival Duke! The idea of Drake being eveything the pack needed to be saved was too much to handle. She felt so proud and exciteable that her paws quivered. Her eyes watched his face closely, a strange look of seriousness passing over her expression. She realized in that moment that she had not been extremely honest with Drake about her pack's situation. She was inviting him to join without her Alpha's consent, but her pack was on the verge of war with violent Falling Moons.

Had she already betrayed him before they'd even had a chance to be friends? She considered telling him that, hey, if you join, you may be expected to fight, and soon! But fear of rejection kept her mouth shut. Akiko was already becoming the adult she was soon to be; the wolf who ran away from everything out of fear.

"They'll be here soon. In the meantime, why don't you tell me more about yourself, Drake? How far have you traveled? Who is the silver fea you're looking for?" she asked, her eyes boring into his inquisitively. She wondered if it was his mate, and couldn't help but feel a strong pang of jealousy at the idea. Her first winter was coming, which meant maturity for her, and she'd be ready to take a mate herself; why not Drake? Perhaps the idea was extremely far-fetched, and she told herself not to get carried away simply by the want of owning what was not hers.

[Bre]

Drake slowly closed his eyes before answer her questions. Well the ones he felt the need too. He didn't want to share much with her if he didn't know his position with this pack. None the less did he understand the position between Akiko and himself. His tail twitched unconsciously making it seem as if he was uneasy even though he wasn't.

"I've been traveling since birth, I've never had a actual home. I'm looking for my sister, we separated 6 months ago not on purpose. We parted because of hunters and a forest fire. She is the last family I have you could say...

He trailed off on purpose of course, he didn't want to go into further detail, like he had thought earlier he wasn't sure of the pack now. Plus his pull towards Akiko could never be defined as something till he found his sister. He also noticed the gleam in her eye when she spoke of the silver fae. He was sure it was either worry or just plain curiosity. He could never understand she-wolves their emotions that were quite often unclear and confusing. He'd rather someone just ask him directly then try to play a guessing game with him. He despised guessing games, but then again that could be because he was around his blunt sister and she always told him everything directly never passively.

He took into consideration also on the fact that not everyone was quite like his sister which was a good thing and as well bad. He liked certain things about her but didn't like other things about her, he still loved her regardless and suspected she felt the same about him. They were a like on that level always knowing what was on the others mind. He began to wonder if they hadn't seperated would he of ever met Akiko? Ever saved her life? That sent a worried chill down his spine but there was no need to think about the "what ifs" as that was the past.

[Paint]

OOC. Hey guys, this is one of my first priorities to reply to! Hopefully I can do that tomorrow (:

[Bre]

OOC: Take your time Paint. I'd rather you get better than strain yourself to reply when your sick.

[Paint]

Akiko's howl roused Bandit from what was, miraculously, a good night's sleep. She blinked into reality but it took her a moment to wake up and process what had awoken her, and what was required of her. Her mind spanned out to Caden for a minute before ice collected in her stomach and shivering she stood up and excited the den. This was her job for now.

The young female's howl seemed to be one of questioning. Bandit let out a short howl of recognition to let her know that she was on her way. Bandit was not often called upon in such a way, but as she loped towards the Meadowland she caught Akiko's scent... and an unfamiliar one. She paused and frowned, inhaling again to make sure that she was correct. The two scents were intertwined on their way to the meadow so Bandit assumed that Akiko had led the wolf here. She picked up her pace and finally came into view of the two wolves.

The first thing that startled her was his size. He was a very large wolf, but luckily she herself had never been petite. Lifting her head and scenting the area for any other threats she approached them, eyeing the other wolf's calm composure and Akiko's apparent enthusiasm for this wolf. Bandit was not one to jump to conclusions. She was wary, but she liked to hear the honest facts before she made any assumptions.

"Hello Akiko," she greeted the young female before turning herself to the male. She stood tall and strong, tail lifted enough to show dominace without an outward display of aggression. Her amber eyes watched the new wolf with curiosity. "My name is Bandit. Who are you?"

[Bre]

Drake let out a rumbling chuckle not on purpose of course but by the dominance of the female in front of him. He was respectful at times but her posture amused him. He hadn't been in a pack for long but this alpha was quite different. Not hostile at all but seemed a bit wary of him. He dipped his head in respect trying to cover up for the random chuckle. He looked over at Akiko slightly unsure of the alpha but turned his attention back to Bandit.

"I'm Drake. Loner in between lands of you and your rival pack. I was merely passing through. But decided it would be best to bring your pup home as there are other loners not so friendly as me."

He closed his mouth not wanting to explain a lot as he figured Akiko would. He sat back wondering what the alpha would say also if Akiko was going to mention that she wanted him to join the pack. He had left that out as he had not made a decision and still hadn't. Rolling his shoulders and looking off into the distance to avoid eye contact with the two wolves especially Akiko. He knew she would be staring him double shaking with excitement. It almost drew a faint smile to his lips but he kept himself looking calm as ever. He yawned now remembering he hadn't slept for two days. He wondered how long this evaluation would take as he wanted to sleep. But he would be rude especially not to females, they brought life with their suffering of baring and birthing. Drakes mind wandered off at that thought, thinking about if he could ever possibly have a family.


He always worried even as a pup if he could ever be better than his neglecting father. If he had pups he didn't want to be that way but feared it might be the outcome. But then again no need to worry when you wouldn't have a mate. He was getting old any how and most likely would die alone just like his father had. He frowned at that thought maybe he was more like his father than he thought and he didn't like that at all. It meant he possessed the same evil mentality his father had. But he still had a choice if he used it or not.

[[Midnight]]

Akiko felt herself wrapping back into her insecurities again. It was just for a brief moment. She was watching Drake's face as he explained that he'd been looking for his sister. She had no idea about any of that, of course, but now that she knew of it, she felt something similar to guilt. What if she'd taken Drake away from finding her? She was about to speculate on all sorts of what ifs, but the voice of Bandit was cutting through the meadow, making her ears perk and her face brighten up again.

Bandit had arrived as swiftly as Akiko suspected she would. The yearling watched her Alpha's steady approach, and she was trying not to die with over excitement. She had no doubts that this would go smoothly.

Bandit was polite and civil, but showed that she was clearly in charge of things around here. Akiko suspected that Drake would respect that. And the greeting went well, though it didn't surprise Akiko. She knew Bandit would be fair and not jump to conclusions or freak out at the sight of such a large stranger; not even with all that was happening within the pack.

Drake offered no more about their situation, so Akiko took it as a sign that he expected her to give more of an introduction. She looked at Bandit and immediately decided that she'd be nothing but honest.

"Bandit! Drake saved my life today. I fell into the waterfall earlier today... I was in No Mans Land," she finished reluctantly, knowing that she'd likely be chastised for having ventured forth by herself, so far into territory she'd never really explored before. She knew it had been stupid, still, what was done was done. Lesson learned.

"Anyway, I told Drake that he should live with us. We could use him...don't you agree?" she asked pointedly.

[Paint]

Bandit considered what the large wolf said, nodding a little in agreement. She let her eyes fall upon Akiko with a little scolding in them.

"You should not be in No Man's Land unattended. Especially in times such as this," she said, although she knew that Akiko already knew this. The young wolf was not unintelligent, just.. young. Bandit turned her attention back to Drake as Akiko spoke.

"I think that all depends upon whether he is willing to be used."

She allowed a little question in her voice, inviting Drake to give his opinion. Perhaps he was the strong and silent type, but Bandit felt that he would understand. She needed an answer. She could see where Akiko was coming from, he would be a worthy ally. But they barely knew him, after all, and was he even aware that he'd stepped into a brewing war zone?

[Bre]

Drake knew it would of eventually come down to whether he wanted to join or not. Did he want to give up his search for his sister and join this pack? Had his sister already given up on him? All these questions without answers his eye brows furrowed showing that he was consulting the idea thoughtfully. His tail whisked through the air as he weighed out his options. Did he really want to live by rules of a pack or by his own?

No did he want to depart from little Akiko? His eyes met her's with a familiar sense of longing. Probably for different reasons but did that matter? He just wanted a family and Fatal may be his sister but he could always start a new one. But never in a time like this, it was clearly a war zone about to unfold. He wanted to be there to protect others as he longed to find his sister. He let out a long sigh. His tail stopped flicking and his eye brow returned back to there normal state. His attention turned bacn to Bandit, stand and slightly dipping his heada he spoke. His words simple and clear but his voice held no enthusiasm as usual.

"I choose to follow in the paw steps of this pack."

After he spoke the words he worried if Fatal would ever forgive him for this choice if she happen to stumble upon him. She held mean grudges that was worse. She was forgiving but never forgetting and woukd remind you if you were dear to her. He knew he would recieve hell if she ever found out. Worries passed through his mind many of his sister and a few of being accepted by the pack itsself. Was he ready to encounter with other wolves after being lone for so long?

[[Midnight]]

Akiko could do little more than offer Bandit an apologetic smile along with a slight nod. She wondered, if Drake hadn't been here to steal the attention, would she have been able to slink back into the territory unseen? Part of her doubted it would have blown over as smoothly, yet most of her remembered how neglected she'd felt as of late and how nobody paid her much attention anyhow. The idea reminded her that she was supposed to be sad, for Caden, for her father, and for herself. But as Bandit posed the important question and all four eyes trained on Drake, Akiko couldn't stop her ears from perking nor the smile that took hold of her features.

She didn't consider that Drake would reject the idea, not at this point. After all...he'd followed her all the way here, right? She wasn't just imagining this strong bond that had been forged between them, was she? As they met eyes, she saw his emotions, his longing, and it made her quiver with anticipation for his answer.

After the long pause, he spoke his answer. Akiko's tail was already wagging. She charged forward in her puppish manner, throwing herself at him in an attempt to tackle him to the ground. It probably wouldn't work; she was petite and he was humongous. Still, she covered him with wet kisses, while rubbing her scent against his pelt.

"Drake! You won't regret this! We can explore the territory together, you can teach me more about hunting and fighting, and I can help you look for your sister!" she exclaimed all in one breath. A begging whine came from her throat as she planned everything out. This life wasn't so bad after all. When she was with Drake, she was focused on the future, not on what had already been left behind.

[Bre]

No words could describe his shock as the little pup raced towards him knocking him a bit off balance and then to the ground suddenly. He was overwhelmed by her attack of kisses. He hadn't expected that, he didnt expect half the things she had said either. Help find his sister? Teach her to hunt and fight? What in the hell had he gotten himself into? He didn't chuckle either he was tense. He had never recieved such affection before. It made him nervous and unsure of himself.

Drake had never had such a thing happen to him. Once she rolled off of him, he stood swiftly licking himself and trying to calm his nerves that were jolting in shock. Her scent clung to his white pelt like a bee hovering close to a sweet flower . He looked aylt the ground rather than Akiko, he felt embarrassed and awkward. He had no clue how to act, he would have to get use to it though if he wanted to be her father or whatever the case may be. His eyes rose to Akiko's face with a soft smile. He wasn't so certain bout his decision anymore. But he wasn't going to take it back.

"Bandit, am I need in any manner at the moment for the pack? Have you all ate yet?"

If they hadn't he would go out to hunt, clear his mind. Recuperate was the word he searched for. His mind wandered back to Akiko's words of finding his sister, she was far to young to be going off to find his sister. Just the thought of her in paws of himself mad him very uncomfortable. He was hoping Bandit would not let her do that as she was clearly clumsy and filled with curiosity for danger. That would mean he would spend more time trying to save Akiko than find Fatal. He frowned at the thought, he couldn't do both now could he?

[Paint]

Bandit reacted with much the same mild alarm at Akiko's over zealous reaction to Drake's words. She almost wanted to laugh, but it wasn't much in her nature. A little curiosity filled her when Akiko spoke of helping Drake to find his sister, but she let it go. He was not alone in having lost siblings, and she did not need to know. So she did not ask.

"Welcome to the pack, Drake. Feel free to hunt if you wish, I do not know if anyone is hungry at this point. I'm sure Akiko will show you the space where we bring our larger kills in when the time comes," she offered him a little freedom. "When you wish to speak to me concerning the impending... dangers, please feel free to seek me out."

Bandit then made to take a step away, glancing back at Akiko and considering her. They were distantly related after all; did she owe her any advice? Drake certainly seemed to have a soft spot for her but Akiko was wearing her heart on her sleeve which could be very dangerous.

"Akiko, you should go and find your mother, I know she's been looking for you," Bandit reminded the young wolf. She was sure she'd heard Esmerelda speaking vaguely of her daughter a few days ago. Bandit supposed the young female felt somewhat out of the loop, if she was sneaking off into No Man's Land. Bandit frowned. "And let Drake have time to settle in- don't be bothersome."

[[Midnight]]

Akiko sensed that she may have gone overboard with her joyous response, but she couldn't bring herself to care much. She was just glad to finally have something... well, something she could call hers. She had found Drake, she'd brought him to the pack, and now he was her closest friend. She wasn't quite sure why she felt as though she deserved something for 'winning' Drake to their side, but as she glanced at Bandit, the young she-wolf looked almost expectant, as though the Alpha had forgotten to thank her.

Her tail wagged slightly as Bandit mentioned that Akiko would be showing him around the territory. Oh, yes, indeed! There were all sorts of things to be shown; the dens, the best hunting spots, yada yada. It felt as though there was suddenly a lot to be done, but she didn't mind.

Akiko was frowning by the end of the conversation, though, as Bandit gave her a mild chastisement. And Esmerelda was looking for her? Akiko couldn't help but doubt that, but she didn't dare argue with Bandit and instead gave a respectful nod of her head. She glanced away with embarassment for a brief moment.

I'm not bothersome! she yelled in her head, but she forced a polite smile to her Alpha before she turned back to Drake.

"Want to meet my mother?" she asked him, curling her tail with renewed delight. "She's beautiful. I get my coat from her. She's kind of... Well, lately, she's been..."

She trailed off, furrowing her brows as she struggled to grasp at the right words to describe her mother. What was Esmerelda like these days? She was... Well, Akiko wasn't around her much anymore, so in all honesty, she couldn't really say.

"Well, anyway, I can show you around, and hopefully we run into her along the way."