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Post by σя¢нidfrost on May 30, 2010 19:00:13 GMT -5
The air was still. There was not a single breath from the heavens to cool the humid hotness saturating the night. Heat lightning flickered in the distance; a mockery of real lightning that would usually herald the appoach of a storm. Several dark clouds were splattered against an indigo backdrop of glittering stars. A waning moon hung visibly through a thin cirrus cloud, its ghostly light eerily blurred. Dio stirred restlessly where he sat; it was close to impossible for him to sleep on nights such as these.
His wanderings had taken him around and through his territory, and he ended up coming here. To the Still Stones, the border he and Whitestar had agreed upon. This is where the Renegade leader had come to a troubled stop; he had been thinking so hard about his problems that it made his head throb. The Renegades and Shadowpack had quite a history together, and it wasn't a pretty one. It was because my father was ignorant and made all the wrong choices, Dio thought miserably. Now he had to deal with carrying the weight of the enormously frightening reputation the Renegades had created among the Pack wolves.
But I'm not like that. It was true, Dio was nowhere near the same wolf like Diogenes, or Keeva for that matter. Thinking of family made his heart sigh in sorrow. He missed his siblings terribly. Both Zon and Layla vanished as though they had never existed. Their whereabouts, he did not know. Dio longed to look upon their faces again. He wanted them beside him and Malvina, helping and lending advice where needed. He needed them. They shared the same blood, and without them, there was just another empty space in Dio's soul where Zon and Layla had a place in his heart. He bowed his head, and silently said a prayer in his mind. A wish. Just one, and that was to find his siblings.
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muse: Sadness In The Night by Tarja Turunen
word count: 351 |
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Post by ;;Wolfie;; on May 30, 2010 19:28:04 GMT -5
Moonlight trickled onto the troubled lands of the packs, trying to give some kind of apology and comfort to them, despite the lack of rain. Most wolves saw the moon as a mockery, giving them the sunlight when the actual sun was away. Yet, to some it was a harbor, the only helpful thing in this living hell. At least to one certain wolf it was, one certain, troubled wolf. This wolf felt like running to no end, searching for answers that weren't real. For a life that wasn't real, for a life she wanted, to make her feel real.
Moonfeather had wandered out of camp, as she normally did, to clear her mind. Just a lot was going on, keeping the secret safe, as well as her pack and children, and watching after the aging leader. Yet, she knew good and well that Whitestar can manage herself, but look at what happened to Yellowstar. Yeah, it didn't end too well. Before she knew it, the ShadowPack deputy could see the still stones. The border between the Rene..... Moonfeather stopped dead in her head as she saw a black figure pacing between the circle of stones. She could tell who it was right away.
It had to take her a moment to calm herself, so Dio wouldn't be startled. Her emerald eyes scanned his body language. He looked sad, lost, alone. She had heard about the disappearance of Zon and Layla, which really startled her. Taking a deep breath, she cautiously approached the border, stopping so she wouldn't cross it. "You aren't the only one who feels alone," she murmured softly, looking at the Renegade Alpha. Her tail hang limply behind her legs, in a sign that she meant no harm. She smiled smally. "Hi Dio."
Word Count: 302
Muse: Stop Crying Your Heart Out by Oasis [/size] |
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Post by σя¢нidfrost on May 30, 2010 20:07:52 GMT -5
"You aren't the only one who feels alone. Hi Dio." Dio blinked open his mix-matched orbs, pretending he didn't feel a wetness lining his eyes. He didn't want to treat Moonfeather to this show of weakness, these tears. Dio recomposed himself, and turned around, facing the wolf who was supposed to be his enemy. He inclined his head, giving the Shadowpack deputy an acknowledged respect - she was in a position of power, so why not? It was something some of his packmates would probably frown upon. "Moonfeather, raise your tail. You don't have to cower before me," Dio replied.
He walked wearily on tired paws towards the border, coming to stand beside one of the stones. The grass crunched pitifully beneath his feet; a sad reminder of how less it rained. "How goes it in Shadowpack?" A straight forward question, and one that he expected Moonfeather's answer to be editted and summarized. But surely if she were up at this hour, there must be something troubling the young deputy, just as something was troubling Dio. To say the least, he was a bit concerned. |
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Post by ;;Wolfie;; on May 30, 2010 20:25:20 GMT -5
As Dio had said, the deputy raised her tail to it's comfortable position. Yet, she was surprised by his respect for her. They were supposed to be at each other's throats right now, but he was just too, calming for violence. She felt as if he wasn't the monster Keeva and Diogenes had created, but an average wolf. One that cared, felt things, and loved. It was like she had some sort of connection with him. Moonfeather snapped back into reality and just came to in time to hear Dio ask how her pack was. Oh the words she could say.
"Just about as good as the other packs. But, we are far better off. And how is your Pack?" she replied, returning the question. Moonfeather couldn't help but wonder what was bothering him. Just a million things could be running through his head, but she didn't expect for him to tell her anything. Nor did he her. The young deputy decided he wasn't a threat, or a monster, not like anyone thought he was. Deciding so, she sat down and curled her tail around her paws. Stars shone brightly above her, but each flicker caused her deeper and deeper pain. |
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Post by σя¢нidfrost on May 30, 2010 20:51:09 GMT -5
Dio remained standing, fighting to hold back his pain and frustration. "That's good, I suppose," he replied. He'd almost wanted to tell her to send his regards to Whitestar, but he had to remember that she would probably think this suspicious, and left the thought alone. When Moonfeather asked him about his pack, Dio wanted to tell her everything. How everyone but him was doing ok. How the lonliness of his lost brother and sister often kept him awake and left him exhausted. How he yearned to sink his fangs into Matrix's throat and kill the bastard for his betrayal. How much the burden of his job and just being who he was hurt so much that it was close enough to physical pain.
Instead, Dio attempted to lie. "Everything's...alright," he eventually said, but his voice cracked. Tears erupted from glistening, watery blue and silver eyes. He tried so hard to keep it together. Unable to stand any further, Dio sank to the ground, his nose buried under his paws. |
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Post by ;;Wolfie;; on May 30, 2010 21:15:13 GMT -5
Moonfeather felt her heart break into little bitty pieces as she watched the strong and prideful male fall to the ground. As she watched him sob and bury his muzzle in the dirt, she swore that she saw something. For a split second, Moonfeather swore that she saw a tiny pup, no older than 5 moons, curled up and sobbing for it's mother. Even though she was seeing things, it took all her strength to hold her back from wrapping herself around Dio and cuddling him. Cooing to him that everything will be okay. This showed to pure innocence of Dio, that he wasn't like the rest.
Moonfeather fell to the ground as well, getting eye level with him, and close enough to where their noses almost touched, but they were still on their own side. An invisible wall separating them. Tears seemed to well up in her eyes, stinging them with their salt. "Dio. You know that I won't hurt you, I know that you won't hurt me. I know something is wrong, so please, tell me. You know the last thing I want is someone getting killed or hurt," she told him honestly. Suddenly, she remembered flashbacks from the year past...
Moonfeather was visiting Ashfang's grave while she was pregnant with Bramblethorn's pups. Dio came too, but didn't attack or ambush her, like most wild and untame wolves would. He just sat beside her and they briefly shared memories about him. Although the memory was painful to the tenth power, it was reassuring to her in some way. "Whenever you feel alone, you aren't. There is somebody, in this world, that watches and follows you, protecting you. But you must never give up, even if the world wants to hunt you down. You're strong Dio, and keep it that way," she encouraged, smiling. Silent tears caressed her cheek, dripping to the ground. |
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Post by σя¢нidfrost on May 31, 2010 12:38:51 GMT -5
Dio raised his head slightly, a solitary silver eye gracing over Moonfeather's face. God, was she crying with him? He felt humbled by her tears; normally, a Renegade didn't deserve anyone's tears, but he was a special case. A very special case. The friendship he shared with Moonfeather was an edgy one because both came different sides of the feuding packs. But it was good to know there was someone else that cared. Her words brought him back to himself.
"I try to be," Dio replied softly, resting his head on his paws. The tears had gone from his eyes, leaving them reflecting the stars like clear pools of water. He was calm now, and ready to discuss his problems. Dio looked evenly at Moonfeather, his face a solemn mask of sadness. "Malvina is pregnant. In her state, I am concerned. Should Matrix choose to attack during this time, she won't be able to fight back. I keep scenting him around the outer rims of our territory, and everyones' nerves are on the edge."
He paused there, inhaling dry, dusty air. His and Moonfeather's scent lingered in his nose, reminding him of their seperate loyalties. Dio blinked, and continued. "And I've been thinking about establishing a treaty with your Pack. We've been at peace, albeit a tense peace but peace nonetheless, for nearly a moon now. I see no reason to quarrel with Shadowpack, but I need to see if the rest of the Renegades agree with me before I can request a meeting with Whitestar. The last thing is, I miss Zon and Layla, my beloved siblings. I've not seen them for a year. Some part of me tells me that they're out there somewhere, and I can't bring myself to think they are dead." |
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Post by ;;Wolfie;; on May 31, 2010 13:12:31 GMT -5
Moonfeather sat quietly, listening to his problems. All of which seemed very familiar in one way or another. She felt her heart tug in pain with each of his problems, most hitting home. Loosing family, gaining a new one, fearing something, and wanting peace. The deputy nodded, but couldn't help but feel happy for Dio. He was a nice wolf and deserved something good in his life. "That's a lot to deal with, Dio. I understand every single one of those. Even though Layla was a monster, she is you kin and you love her. Yet, I'm very happy about you and your mate. You deserve one good thing, and don't worry about the Matrix bastard. We're on the lookout as well," she replied, smiling at the mention of the pups.
"And I think the treaty is the best way to go. Whitestar and I have the up-most respect for you and you pack, but I'm not sure the rest of ShadowPack does. They'll have to change in time, and learn that Diogenes and Keeva no longer roam these forest, and it is your turn to prove them wrong about you," she added, speaking with her heart. Even though she tried to act happy, it was all just an act. It took every fiber of her being from balling and howling all her pain away. Just being in the presence of Dio made her want to blurt out all the rough things she'd been keeping inside all these years. From the merciless killings and betrayal. All she could do was hang her head like a little pup. |
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Post by σя¢нidfrost on May 31, 2010 13:25:10 GMT -5
"Mhm," Dio agreed wholeheartedly. Then he noticed Moonfeather was no longer looking at him. Her muzzle pointed sorrowfully towards the ground, at her paws. He inched closer towards the border, reaching across it to place a paw over her's. "Hey, don't try to cheer me up when you yourself aren't well," Dio chastised gently. |
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Post by ;;Wolfie;; on May 31, 2010 20:21:06 GMT -5
Moonfeather looked up, half in shock and half in relief, as Dio was concerned about her. It was surprising that this was the strangest, yet truest friendship ever. She always knew he had good inside him, never doubted that. "Don't worry too much about me Dio. My troubles are pebbles compared to yours," she insisted. Yet, when he placed his paw over hers, she felt something inside her cut off. It was like she was drowning and it was hard to breathe. And it wasn't the kind of feeling you get when your in love, but it was the feeling when you knew something bad was about to happen. Her pupils expanded as she watched something unfold in front of her, or at least she believed it did...
Moonfeather saw herself and Dio, standing flank by flank, facing opposite directions. Her once beautiful coat was matted with fur and chunks were missing, as was Dio's coat. She seemed to be growling, but at who? The deputy followed the direction her muzzle was facing at to find her snarling at Silentstar. Fear and curiousity gripped her, since she didn't know what was going on. She turned to see who Dio was snarling at, and it was Ravenstar. What is going on? she wondered, but her thoughts echoed around her, yet none of them seemed to notice it. What got Moonfeather, what that it was raining the entire time. Yonder, Moonfeather saw something that made her heart shatter. Orchidfrost and Whitestar were laying on the ground, blood pooling around them. Yet, clamped in her leader's jaws was the head of someone. Matrix?! she wondered again, but couldn't get a better look, for the vision faded into black.
Once Dio removed his paw, Moonfeather returned to normal and she was gasping for breath. There were no words to be said, therefore she was too in shock to speak. Her gaze met Dio's, and her eyes were deathly afraid. All the sadness that had troubled her had seeped away and fear had set in. Why were they fighting their good friends, WindPack and ThunderPack? "Did you see that, or was it just me?" she blurted, all tone from her voice gone. Fear had set in, and it showed. Thing is, there was no stopping it.
OOC: Heheheheh! Tiny sneak peak for ya! |
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Post by σя¢нidfrost on Jun 1, 2010 15:57:59 GMT -5
"Was that..a vision?" Dio asked, his words mumbled, too stunned to speak properly. Did that really happen? Why was Whitestar covered in blood? Orchidfrost..? He was so choked up and frightened that he was visibly trembling a little. What was going on?! If he remembered correctly, what he had seen had probably been a sign from..Starpack.
Why would they send me the sign as well? |
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Post by ;;Wolfie;; on Jun 1, 2010 20:22:22 GMT -5
Moonfeather stared into Dio's eyes, seeing the reflected fear like hers had. So he did see it! But why would StarPack talk to him as well? Were they trying to tell them something? Nonetheless, this was not something to advoid or ignore. This vision was serious, and so are things to come. "Dio, I think our Packs need to rely on each other. Like you saw, something bad is about to happen and the rest will turn on us," she woofed, seriously. Her eyes were pools of worry, yet confidence and hope. "Most importantly, we need to protect Malvina and her pups. As well as Whitestar. If you ever need assistance, I'm at your service as well. Matrix is coming back, I can feel it," she mumbled, looking around her uneasily. |
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Post by σя¢нidfrost on Jun 2, 2010 15:06:12 GMT -5
Dio nodded as he rose to his paws. He looked down, realizing he was standing directly on the border; Dio grinned a little and backed up a few tiny pawsteps. "Yes, that's our number one priority right now." His voice was hardened, as if he were angry. Not at Moonfeather, but at the predicament he..they, were both in. Dio looked around, scanning the darkness with his sharp eyes. There was something in air that made his spine tingle and put his instincts on full alert. It was fear.
"I think it might be wise if we both returned home. I feel like we're being watched, and its close to impossible to fight Matrix, if he's near, by ourselves. He can stop time.." |
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Post by ;;Wolfie;; on Jun 7, 2010 7:43:27 GMT -5
Moonfeather looked into Dio's eyes and shuddered. The thought of Matrix stopping time made her cringe. She didn't have a power like Dio, but surely he could survive. Moonfeather was nothing but a mortal canine, nothing special about her, besides letting all her loved ones get killed. The names racked up in her head. Applepup, Ashfang, Sunfeather, Sootheart, Thornshadow, Thunderheart... There was no way she'd let Dio get killed, nor Malvina. She wanted to see how the soon-to-be heirs acted and if she could trust them or not. Sheeva was a nightmare of her own, but her own son took care of that problem..
Moonfeather snapped out her wallowing of sadness and dipped her head to the Renegade leader. "I agree. Go and be with your family. If you see Matrix, just howl and my finest warriors and myself will be there soon. Not that you would need us, but just in case," she offered, a tiny smile in her eyes. The Renegades and ShadowPack needed each other now than ever because whatever RiverPack, ThunderPack, and WindPack were planning, it couldn't be good. "StarPack light your path, until we meet again," she woofed and dipped her head. Moonfeather swiftly turned around and tailed it back to camp, she could tell that there was indeed something watching her and the Renegade leader and it made her uneasy. |
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Post by σя¢нidfrost on Jun 7, 2010 19:10:17 GMT -5
"May they light your's as well," Dio replied. It felt so strange to exchange words like these; he never used Pack jargon, and the words felt foreign on his tongue. Nonetheless, it felt right to say them for some reason. Dio watched as Moonfeather disappeared into the night; only then did he too depart. It would do no good to stay out here all night - Dio laughed quietly. Them, the Renegades, the things that go bump in the night, scared of one wolf? The concept was darkly humorous, but he had his reasons to be wary of this particular individual; he who slayed the most powerful wolf of that time and lived to tell the tale.
Perhaps it wasn't wise to underestimate anybody.
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end thread? |
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