growing up too fast [open]

[[Midnight]]

She tried to stick to the parts of the rocks that offered more camoflauge. Her pelt was such a fiery orange, it was too easy for her to be spotted from a distance. Just the idea of it made her nervous, to picture being caught by some lurking Moons wolf who was probably expecting her. She hoped her decision to travel alone was a good one. She had considered asking her mother to go along with her, but the idea made her uncomfortable. Esmerelda was different now that Bion was gone. Akiko knew it was the sharp aching in her heart that made her avoid her look-alike mother.

Truthfully, Akiko was hurt that Bion had left them, but far more troubled by her mother's sudden indifference. Her self-confidence would never be the same. As she began her own private investigation of Caden's disappearance, she struggled to tell herself that she was being useful, not just running away.

She hadn't found a single trace of her Alpha, but the scent of wolves was high in the air. She recognized no one and it made her nervous. She was glad that she was at least fast on her feet, so she could make a get away.
She was also careful to remember every step she took, so she could find her way back to Starlands faster.

The Little Waterfall was so beautiful. She had just stumbled across it, having followed the sounds of running water, knowing that the packs were seperated by rivers and streams. She stood on a protruding rock, staring down at the surface in a trance-like way. Momentarily, she forgot what her purpose was, and took to admiring how the world had such wonderful things all so close to home. She took a step forward to get a better view of what was below, when she realized that the rock was very slick with the waterfall mists. She lost her footing and slid off of the rock, careening towards the water below. Moments before she hit the surface, her cry of fright echoed around the glen.

[Bre]

Drake stretched as he rose to his paws, letting a yawn part through his large jaws. His eyes closed tightly as he continued out the yawn even though he was done stretching. He opened his eyes slowly and blinked letting the amber holes adjust to the light. He stood just observing the land quite a lot; it was beautiful in an odd way. The sounds of various animals and the light wind that whispered into his ear with the nearby sound of rushing water. Maybe he would get a drink later after hunting for some food. He didn't smile though as one would think to such a beautiful sight, in fact he remain somewhat consider emotionless expect for his calm features.

From a far he was quite large as he was up close if you even got that close. He wasn't exactly the friendliest looking wolf you’d meet. His hard expression gave off an intimidating aurora about him, as did his extreme built. He stood at43 inches tall shoulder height over the average height of a regular male which was around 34 inches. His amber eyes glowed regardless of light or not, and his fur was a cream white that turned a darker shade in summer. He flexed his giant paw, which was exactly 5.8 inches long. The average was 4-5.2 inches as seeing he wasn't average it didn't bother him much.

He closed his eyes listening to his surroundings until he heard the sound of a loud frighten cry, maybe about a mile or two norths east of him. It sounded like a cry from a pup, In danger? He took off into a sprint towards the cry, his heart raced in his head. His moved quickly as he could feel each time the grabbed the ground little dirt was sprayed upwards into the air. He skidded to a stop when he reached the water fall and caught sight of a fae in the water, panicking. He without hesitation leaped into the pool below.

His felt a rush when his body hit the cold pool of water, but the didn't stop him from his focus of saving the fae. His head surfaced as his strong back legs began to push him towards the fae who was struggling to keep her head above water. He grabbed a hold of her by the scruff of her neck and began to pull her towards the edge of the sea-green pool. His amber eyes filled with a determined look. His heart wouldn't stop pounding and oddly he felt worried about this fae he knew nothing about as he dragged her to the side of the pool's bank . When she didn't move he nudged her with his nose lightly and tried not to rush her as he figured she was trying to catch her breathe as he was trying to do the same even though he stood looking over.

She reminded him of Fatal, his sister who seemed to always need saving not physically usually but emotionally yes. He sighed and nudged her again.

"Are you okay..?" He asked his tone was soft and the burning eyes of amber were watching her with hope. He may look intimidating any other time but that this very moment he looked like a giant bear scared to death by something bigger than him, Death. He prayed to Mother Earth silently that she wasn't dead. He had seen enough death in his years.

[[Midnight]]

Akiko loved the water, but hadn't yet picked up the skills for swimming. She was still a small pup, barely at the verge of adulthood, and panic had seized her the moment her head went under the water. She struggled to rise but felt she was going nowhere. The current from the waterfall was dragging her under and she was losing energy fast. She opened her eyes to blackness and opened her maw to scream, but only ended up wasting her breath.

I'm going to die! she realized, the fear of death causing her panic to rise and her adrenaline to pump. She was ready to give up when she felt sharp teeth grabbing at her scruff.

Moments later, she could breath. Someone had her firmly gripped and was helping her to shore. She fell to the ground, with relief, exhaustion having already hit her.

Water was incredibly powerful! She had not known about that, how quickly it could take your life! She shuddered and coughed up water, while hoping to regain some energy in her weakened limbs. The slight panic was still making her tremble.

She turned to find her rescuer and was surprised to see the face of a male three times her size! He was huge, to say the least, and looked intimidating. But he had so valiantly saved her without much effort, it seemed, and she immediately felt she loved this stranger no matter where he may have come from.

"Thank you for saving my life!" she exclaimed rather breathlessly, staring up at him with grateful eyes. She still lay on her belly, with her paws outstretched. It hadn't yet occurred to her that is was possible this wolf came from Falling Moon. The thought had crossed her mind probably because of the fact he had saved her.

"That's the closest I've come to dying. I slipped off of the rocks..." she trailed off, looking down at the brute's large paws. "Oh, my name's Akiko."

By now she felt good enough to sit up, and did just so, leaning back on her haunches. She still panted heavily. The water made her luminous fur even darker red, and she figured she probably looked like a scrawny bobcat in comparison to this mountain lion. She was studying him intently, with a small smile of admiration.

[Bre]

Drake chuckled at Akiko's response and sat down satisfied with himself. He watched her for a moment, She was oddly beautiful for a young pup, this almost reminded him of Fatal she was also oddly full of beauty if you looked hard enough. It slightly aggravated him how he thought she was beautiful but he decided the more the thought about it the more it would annoy him.

"You welcome, Akiko. What exactly are you doing out here alone..? Where's your pack?"

His questions were simple he decided after she answered them he might considering giving her his name. Till then he was going to reserve himself. He noticed he was still struggling to breathe a bit and that made his ears twitch at each sound of her breathing.

Her smile made him a bit uncomfortable as he didn't know if he wanted to return it or not. It could possibly frighten her seeing how big he was. He just nodded at her slightly continuing to watch her, his amber eyes were filled with curiosity. Her green eyes had him mesmerized a bit as they brought him back to his past. He remembered looking into Fatal's green eyes and seeing happiness only when she was with him. Any other time they were blank and glassy.

He let out a cough and flicked his tail back and forth. Maybe he should tell her his name it would be rude if he didn't wouldn't it? He could not decided, as he flexed his paw. It hurt but he couldn't tell why till he looked down and saw that it was bleeding a bit. Letting his rough tongue slid over it to cover up the blood so the young pup in front of him would not freak out about his blood spilling. She was shivering awefully hard, she even looked cold. Something about this pup brought out his soft side he hadn't seen since him and Fatal had parted.

He stood up and walked over to her slowly not sure how she would react. After seeing there was no reaction, he pressed his fur against hers. He had dried out faster than her but that was only because he hadn't been in as long as she. He felt like a protector, mate, or father and he stayed pressed against the small fae to keep her warm. It felt awkward but he was worried and worries always overrides his fears.

"This may be awkward but I'd rather you warm up faster than freeze for half the day, considering you are in the cover of the tree for whatever odd reason. And I'm Drake..."

He said softly somewhat close to her little ears. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore that feeling he was getting. The feeling of actually caring for someone. It sort of made him a little nervous but for what reason he did not know.

[[Midnight]]

Akiko was certainly one who was in tune with the feelings of others. She wore her heart on her sleeve and she knew deep down inside how dangerous that was. Trust, for her, was easy to gain, but oh how easy it was to be broken as well. She felt a certain number of emotions awaken inside her, some she was familiar with, others she was not and she felt slight discomfort mixed with an odd feeling of freedom. As the male questioned her about her heritage and pack whereabouts, she finally felt a rational wisdom return to her. She eyed him warily and took a little too long in figuring out a reply.

Apparently she had taken too long with her answer, as the stranger was now approaching her. At first she stiffened, feeling a moment fearful of his size and what he could do to her. When he pressed his flank against her body, however, and felt the warmth of his skin seeping through her wet fur, she instantly relaxed. Nothing about this situation seemed to her dangerous or odd. She welcomed his warm body by pressing closer against him, and let herself settle into a more comfortable postion. By now, she gathered by his smell that was not associating with any of the Falling Moons wolves. Her heart beat faster by the warm breath tickling her ear.

"Drake, nice to meet you, my own personal savior," she said with affection and a small chuckle, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder as a family member might do. One had to admit, it was hard to resist her smile, and the way her eyes shimmered with brightness even after coming close to drowning moments ago. Passion was Akiko's other name; she lived for the sake of what life had to offer.

Her last sentence actually reminded her of her original purpose in wandering the no mans land. She was looking for signs of Caden. Her smile disappeared as she realized she had let her Alpha down by forgetting about him so easily. She wondered if Drake knew anything about the situation...but the moment she tried to speak words about Caden's kidnapping, she found herself unable to do so.

What if he is an ex- Moon and chases me away? I don't want to end our friendship so soon!

She'd try and skirt her way around asking directly for any info he might have.
"Um, well, I'm a part of the Dancing Stars pack.." she started cautiously. Surely he'd understand her hesitation. She turned her green eyes to look into his. "What about you, Drake? Where are you from? Where are you going?"

[Bre]

Drake felt oddly awkward as she showed him further affection. He had forgotten what it was like to recieve affection from others, especially a female. He let out a sad sigh, his eyes shimmer a bit but then hardened. He didnt like to show weakness EVER. He looked at Akiko for a moment before answering.

"I don't have a pack, I'm just a wandering loner without a purpose really. I come from many different places you probably don't even know exist. I use to be searching for my sister..."

He trailed off suddenly filled with a slight rage and his body shook a bit. He needed to remain calm, it wasn't his fault. It wasn't, it couldn't be. Fatal was still alive hopefully. It prayed often to Mother Earth that she was. He would give up anything && eveything to have her back. He wondered if Akiko haf met his sister, his brows furrowed.

"Have you seen a fae with Green eyes? She is pretty average sized, silver fur mostly reserved and rude."

He looked at her own green eyes when he spoke. She was the total opposite of Fatal though. It was pretty ironic and amusing. She was open and friendly where as Fatal had never been. He noticed she had stop shivering and seem to be a little warmer now, pulling his pelt away from hers slowly so it wouldn't startle her. He back tracked a bit before sitting down and watching her.

"You never answered my question of why you are here alone in the forest wandering."

His tone was neutral as was his facial feature. His ears twitched lightly at the sounds of smaller animals running close by. A squirrel peraphs? He didn't bother to investigate as he wanted to hear her response. His white pelt was tinted in the shade of the tree he was under and unaturally a bit his amber eyes glowed with an unreadable emotion. He turned his gaze from Akiko to the rushing waterfall. It created a lovely mist of smells, with pollen inhaling into his nostrils & the aurora of calmness. It made him a little dizzy as he soon became instantly tired. If he layed down now, he knew he would fall fast asleep. But the presence of Akiko kept him in full attention to everything.

[[Midnight]]

Akiko was glad that the water felt as though it was finally draining out of her pelt. She longed to stretch her tired limbs and perhaps give herself a thorough grooming; but she knew better than that. There were so many more important things to be done. She had already let everyone down by being out here alone, and having to be saved by some lone stranger, at that. Would there come a day when Akiko would be the one doing the saving? The thought of it all brought her right back to Caden, and the wolf next to her.

She looked at him, a look of pure confusion on her face as he described a nameless female she'd frankly never heard of. Taya was silver, but that was the closest resemblance anyone had that Akiko knew personally. She felt sorry for him. It must be hard to be unable to locate someone. Hopefully they hadn't been seperated for long?

"No... I'm sorry. I've not heard of her," she replied forlornly, wishing she could help and at the same time wondering what his sister was like. His next question put her back on the defense. She felt that, to speak of what was going on might somehow lead to a betrayel of some sort. Yet, how else was she supposed to get information from anyone? She decided blunt honesty was the only way the two of them could get anywhere. Her face grew concered, wistful.

"I'm also looking for someone," she responded, trying to keep herself from growing too upset. "My leader. He's a sandy brown color, very kind and noble, handsome, smart..." she trailed off, searching his gaze again. At least he wasn't a Falling Moon.

"Actually, he's been captured by the pack just beyond the streams. Do you...do you know anything?"

[Bre]

Frowning at the fact she didn't know of Fatal,he watched her become ridged when he questioned her being alone. He stood up and stretched, his back legs almost touching the edge of the waterfall's pool. He arched an eye brow as she described her leader, the way she spoke had some type of clear affection. Maybe, he was her father? It was questionable.

"I know nothing of your leader, I didn't even know there was actually a conflict. I scented other wolves but thought it was just a giant pack that sent out others to portal the borders. Clearly I was mistaken."

He began to pad back towards the Forest, he turned around half way there. Looking her over again, Should I return her home? She doesn't seem to be safe out here alone. He didn't know.

"I think its best you return to your pack, Rivalry between packs are dangerous and seeing how one is more ruthless than the other; you could possibly get hurt or killed. And if I hear anything of your leader I'll find you and let you know small one."

He waited for her to make a decision although either way her was going to bring her home, he felt it was his job to protect her. What would be the point of saving this young pup and then letting her wander into the enemies territory and die? He beckon her with his tail with calm amber eyes.

Drake turned away from watching the small pup and looked about, he wasn't quite in a hurry but he was very hungry. His stomach growled beginning to chew on its own empty self it seemed. Ears perked and eyes alert he zoned out of watching Akiko and into hunting phase. His muscles tensed a little as he listen to sounds around him. His ears twitched at the sound of hoof steps not to far away, about 2 miles away. It sounded like a heard of 5 with two fawns making 7. It smelt like Elk but he had hunted elk a couple of days ago so it was questionable. Maybe it was Caribou? Regardless his stomach wanted to be digesting meat of another animal not air and acid juice that bubbled inside aimlessly without a purpose. Luckily for him, the prey happen to be located int the meadow or field he had just left before coming to Akiko's Rescue.

"Are you hungry? Because I just heard lunch settle to eat their own lunch."

His tone was amused and his amber eyes seem to laugh in a evil sense. It was pretty dark humor seeing how they we're going to kill in a minute or so. But that is if she joined him, If not he would kill alone. He hunted better solo.

[[Midnight]]

The older male almost seemed to be looking at her as thought she were nothing but a newly-born whelp. She felt his gaze was somehow scrutinizing, but what he was thinking she could only guess. As he spoke of his limited to no knowledge of the surrounding pack feuding, she seemed to shrink back into a worried state of mind. He seemed to be telling the truth, which meant that the other loners out here were probably unaware of the facts, as well. She opened her jaws to speak as he started to pad away - was that it? Was he leaving it at that, abandoning her out here to be alone with her disappointed thoughts? She felt a tiny flicker of panic and was about to sit up, when he turned around again, adressing her once more.

This time his words struck different nerves for different reasons. She was sad that her adventure to find out more of Caden's kidnapping was finished already, but felt proud at Drake's promise to find her if he finds anything out. So, today had not been a waste. She'd gained the pack a very neutral ally, perhaps not one who'd be willing to risk his own life to help save Caden from a pack he didn't even know, but one that seemed observant and willing to be helpful. And, after all, he had saved Akiko's life. She knew she owed him a debt now. As soon as she was a full adult, which was only a month or two away from finally happening, she'd repay him somehow.

"Drake...thank you," she had started to say, ready to give him a sad but grateful goodbye. But she stopped herself, watching him curiously - he seemed to be listening for something, his senses trained on something in the distance. Following his lead, her body stiffened warily, ears perking and nostrils flaring to test her surroundings. She thought she could hear some faint scrabbling and hoofprints, but as inexperienced as she was just yet, she couldn't be entirely sure.

But his next words sent joy through her and her tail curled delightedly. Not only was he inviting her to join him for a while, which she was more than eager to do, he was offering her to hunt with him. She'd certainly hunted many times in her life by now, and had helped bring down a kill or two, but hunting was still more of a challenging game for her that she still needed time to master. She was always up for a hunt.

"Starving!" was her eager reply, sending a smile Drake's way. She pulled up to his side, feeling happy, once again losing sight of her dark purpose, the reason she was out in this pack-less territory. This large, dark, and handsome male next to her was the kind of happy-go-lucky distraction she needed. She was, after all, still a pup.

[Bre]

Taking off into a soft sprint just fast enough to get closer to their prey but slow enough for the pup to keep up. He immediately lowered into a crouch once he spotted them and signaled with his tail for her to do the same. He looked back slightly his amber eyes glowed and he nodded at her. Jerking his head to the left she hope she would understand he wanted to stalk around and send them his way.

He crouched down in the tall grass, ears perked and his weight resting on his legs as he made his paws as light as possible. This had never been a hard task for him, he was skilled in stalking a little to skilled some would say for he moved with the grace of a cat when stalking. He locked his eyes on a elk and her fawn. He focused more on getting the fawn to separate from its mother, If he could get it to wander just far enough he could then run straight for its Mother without worrying about the small fawn blocking his way. He let out a low sigh, he was a good 30 feet from them so he knew the mother hadn't heard him nor was she paying attention to her now wandering fawn.

He watched as Akiko circled around them and look at him as if waiting for him to say it was fine. His eyes blinked slowly and before he knew it the mother and fawn were heading straight for him with Akiko on their hooves. Drake had learned patience a long time ago and now it was becoming very useful, the tensed muscles in his body seem to ache a bit from being so tired but he held waiting for them to draw a bit closer to him. Once they we're both within a couple of tail lengths, he quickly shot out towards the mother like a bullet out of its barrel. He let out a growl scaring the fawn and his mother. The mother too in shock stopped dead in her tracks till her was only a few paw steps away from her. By then he had already closed the short amount of space they had between them and was now leaping forward with paws spread out and teeth bare. Not taking any time to drag the Elk down and make the killing blow to her neck. After making sure she was dead, he looked up meeting the eyes of the frighten fawn and sighed.


He considered it was a painful sight to see your mother die in front of you. He slowly approached the fawn and was shocked as it did not back away. He growled at it but it didn't budge nor move it just stared at its mother�s motionless body, and then sat down. Drake began to feel a bit guilty but that was soon over taken by pain from his own past and hunger. He looked at Akiko and murmured with a cold tone:
"Kill it."
He turned away not wanting to watch but didn't flinch when he heard the fawn's breathing stop. Waiting for Akiko to drag her kill over he sat back, even when she had. It was out of respect for Fae's that he always let them eat first even if he had killed on his own.

"You go a head and get your fill first, I'll eat after."

He said nodding at the Elk and her fawn. His tail neatly wrapped around his giant paws as he watched her rip into the meat. His stomach gave a tug but he remained still, no matter how hungry he got he couldn't disrespect a Fae nor his ways of being raised. He couldn't bring himself to it, or maybe it was because it was basically beaten into his mind set. He consider it was probably both, but it didn't matter none the less. Did it..? What if he hadn't been treated the way he was would he be a different person? He always seem to be questioning this, whether he was focused on it or not it wandered in his mind. Just sat there talking to him as if not wanting him to forget the unknown question.


While waiting he muttered thanks to Mother Earth and Father Morpheus, the two of switch he followed.After this I shall return her to her own borders. She's already had enough adventure for one day.he thought as her recalled her nearly drowning in the waterfall pool. He shook his head and chuckled she was a reckless, adventurous pup just as he was except he wasn't as naive as she and probably a bit more careful.

[[Midnight]]

{I'm not usually nitpicky, but that was very slight power play :C}

Akiko stared down at the fawn as it heaved for breath, its eyes wide with terror. She saw Drake's strange hesitation, and she frowned, confused. At his command to kill it, though, there was no hesitation on her part. She did not question her nature. In fact, she enjoyed ever minute of it. Her jaws clamped firmly on its throat, sinking in deep until she felt blood pouring into her mouth. That savage fury to rip the kill apart made her dig into the kill the moment she looked over at Drake, as though to get his permission. She nodded at his generosity, and ate to her fill.

Satisfied, she walked a few feet away and settled down onto her stomach, licking her paws rythmically. She wondered for a moment, pausing during her licks, if she was betraying her pack right now, and Caden. Was she allowed to enjoy herself this much in everyone's time of need? Spending time with Drake was proving to be adventurous and pleasant. She looked over at him again, a slight wag in her tail as she smiled, though her eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"I saw your eyes before, Drake. Why is it you looked so...sad, almost? Wistful?" she questioned without any hesitation. She figured she could get away with prying - she trusted him enough by now, she doubted he'd get to angry at her. She'd use her age as a pup to protect herself this time around.

[Bre]

(Ah sorry ;( )

Drake didnt move to the left overs immediately nor did he answer her. He just sat, thinking his eyes clouded. He was not about to become friendly with this pup at least not to that extent. It was not ever in his nature to be friendly, even as a pup he was consider somewhat evil and anti-social. You had to talk to him first you he would never speak to you. But that was how Drake was, if it bothered others he didn't care for he hardly care for any other opinion.

"Why did you kill it without hesitation? You enjoyed it as if it were a mere game, I saw it in your eyes."

He wasn't the one to judge but if she was going to question his motives he should questions hers. Thats how he was, deflecting anything that seem to be directly tied to any depth of himself he would ask the opposite of the question. Reserve psychology was what it was called. He used it often but it was such in a calm sarcastic manner no one ever picked up on it just like his emotions. He showed them but no one noticed as the dismissed it like it was a joke which was exactly how he wanted it. He didn't need someone to try to figure him out as he was figuring everyone else out. He liked to be a mystery it suited him.

Also considering he could hide himself very well but also reveal himself in a way no one ever pick up on. It amused him sometimes and that would bring a soft smile to his lips but it never stayed long. He padded over to the kill and crouched down amber eyes still locked with Akiko. She was quite the pup. Somewhat the usual type of pup but also unusual in a way, if that made any sense but then again it didn't matter unless it didn't make sense in his head which it did. He chewed lightly at the Elks thigh ripping into the meat, he would of savagely ate but he knew how to present himself in front of others especially a fae no matter what the age. He looked like a giant bunny gnawing on grass as he bit into the kill, not to hard but not to soft. Just enough to rip it off and swallow it.

[[Midnight]]

{ahhh no worries. Just next time maybe break up the posts to give me more opportunities to control my own character (: I was thinking about making her rush into the hunt all disorganized-like haha.}

Akiko in all of her sweet innocence had always been perceptive. She could pick up on others emotions, perhaps only in her subconciousness; it was like catching someone's mood like one would catch a virus. It didn't mean she could read into what someone was feeling, or that she was always aware of what someone was thinking. But when the moment seemed to call for words of comfort, she comforted, or perhaps if she felt the need for silence, she tried her best to keep her muzzle shut tightly. As she watched Drake's body language and avoided looking into his eyes for fear he was upset with her question, she felt some sort of fear close off her curiousity. Perhaps her question had been too pointed. He seemed lost in thought; his silence conveyed that clearly.

His choice in an answer was a simple question, and one of the strangest she'd ever been asked. Her eyes clouded over with confusion as he turned the tables on her. She pictured the moments they had closed in for the kill, cutting off the fawn's escape routes and chasing the mother off. He was right, she had not hesitated a single moment. But it was the first time another wolf had questioned her very nature to kill and eat, and she looked at Drake with a searching gaze. She almost seemed to be double-checking whether or not he was being serious or perhaps just teasing her. She found no answers in his face, and besides, now he was moving to eat his share at the carcass. She looked down at her paws, feeling more like a pup in that moment than ever before.

"...Actually, I do treat it like a game sometimes," she said slowly, quietly, as though it was a possibility that her answer would break some sort of wall that had been holding back the unknown. "I enjoy hunting because I was made for it."

Her response sounded oddly simple, and yet she felt sure that it was simply a fact of life. She was a wolf. Wolves hunted to survive. She would not question that part of her nature and felt it extremely out of place that Drake had led her into this conversation. Her head tilted with thoughtfulness.

"Besides, should I have let it suffer any longer?" she shot back with a slight challenge in her tone, feeling a bit ornery, but at the same time dying to hear what his answer would be. She seemed in a trance as she watched him neatly picking at the leftovers.

[Bre]

Drake sighed at her she was taking his question the wrong direction but no matter. He decided it was best to answer her than get this pup on her way home. He stood after cleaning off his paws with his rough tongue.

"Actually it wasn't quite suffering, it was in shock there is a difference. Everyone must learn to lose things some at a young age others at the times it usually occurs, it nature. Suffering in that situation would be if it was already half dead and had broken several bones in it body but still happen to be alive and you just watched it till it died by itself. That is suffering."

He didn't intend on sounding wise so he was guessing he didn't he didn't hope she though he was scolding her. he was simply questioning her motives, he usually did that to everyone. He glanced at her over his shoulder and flicked his tail over her nose, then he realized she probably didn't understand what that meant so he spoke.

"Come on now, it's time to take you hope before the sunsets it already descending from the sky as I speak."

His tone was more soft now that they were off that subject, he waited till she arose realizing he didn't know the exact way but pretty sure she did. He nudged her forward with his snout as if saying ,You lead I follow after. This pup was quite the entertainment. She was intelligent to a certain degree that a pup could be but was willing to find out more as she wasn't afraid to ask questions that pleased him a bit. But also made him cringe inside, he wanted to have pups maybe one even like her. But that wasn't likely to happen he wasn't the friendliest looking wolf around town.

But that didn't matter when the matter in paws now was to return Akiko to her home safely. He flexed his shoulders as he walked, making them loose. It was nice to a have a purpose, a goal to complete, a promise to keep. Even if it was a simple task like this it made him feel as if he suddenly had a purpose in life.

[[Midnight]]

Akiko felt relieved at his mild response, though somehow even more personified as a pup. She tried to laugh it off inside of herself, she was after all still a pup, so it couldn't be helped. She gave Drake her full attention as he described the differences between nature, loss, and suffering. She still thought to herself that animals suffered when they were facing death, shock or no shock, but she didn't dare argue with Drake. She was far too grateful to him for what he'd done already; and part of her knew he would know tons more about life and suffering than she possibly could. She'd have to accept his lesson as it was. She was sure, though, that she'd not be forgetting this conversation for a while. This entire day, actually.

She felt a little sad that Drake was already ready to take her home. She thought of what waited for her there; sadness, tension, suffering, shock. A mother who no longer loved her, and a spot in her den where her father used to be. And then, Caden's empty den... She sighed, much like a child would when being begrudingly obedient. Drake was far more fun to be around. She watched him flick his tail, and screwed up her eyes a bit in confusion over what the signal meant. When he nudged her, though, she giggled and took off in a slight sprint.

"Oh, that's what you meant! You're odd, Drake," she told him, her head turned in his direction as she padded forward. Her paws were headed North, where her pack was likely waiting anxiously for her return. Hopefully nobody had missed her (she doubted anyone really had) and if so, they wouldn't scold her for trying to search for Caden on her own. She could defend her case, though; as long as she left out the part where she almost drowned.

"But I like you," she added, looking down at her paws, her eyes lost in thought. She was sad that Drake was probably going to be long gone from her life, and soon. As she continued walking, her pace slow and casual, she looked up to the setting sun. Already the clouds had begun to glow with various shades of orange and pink. It was beautiful, to say the least, and so awe-inspiring how time moved forward no matter what was happening down on the ground.

Before she knew it, Akiko felt her eyes tearing up. She couldn't explain why, and the fact that the tears had come so suddenly actually frightened and confused her. She had no reason to be crying; she actually felt happier than she had in a long time. She stopped in her tracks, lifting a muzzle to her paw to both hide and wipe at her face.

Before Drake could against any questions, she swiveled on her paws and ran to him, burying her face into his black chest full of fur.

"Drake, where will go now?" she asked desperately, her voice strained due to her sudden upset.

"Do you think... Would you like to stay with my pack?"

She kept her face hidden in his pelt, mostly out of embarassment. If Drake had thought of her only as a whiny pup before, certainly that was going to stay that way.
She wondered if her offer would even be valid; in the end, it was up to their new Alpha Bandit whether or not he could join them. But the Stars needed more wolves like Drake, and Akiko couldn't help but feel that she needed him, too. Already he seemed to fill a lost void that had appeared in her so suddenly. She imagined he could be like a replacement father, that she could confide in any time.