Too Close for Comfort [Open]

[Monster]

The night air was warmer for once. Well, okay, it was just the evening, but darkness was falling like a black veil over the landscape. Soon. Soon it would be night and he would be free to roam. The small lupine peeked his little head out of his hiding place, frosty eyes dancing over the shadowy landscape. He was curled up in a hollowed out stump which was positioned nicely on a small hill. Just out of reach of any wetness bellow. The little one held a content expression, turning about in his little hidden home. It was warm, stuffed with moss and other fluffy things he had collected. The young wolf sighed softly. Time to go out into the world.

The chirping of a few birds who were putting themselves to bed was only just beginning to die down, the quiet overtaking the land once more. A sleek form removed itself from the cover of his makeshift den. Anoki's bright blue eyes flicked side to side, surveying the swampy land for signs of danger. Nothing. Well enough, for he wasn't much in the mood to have to deal with others just now. Besides, they all ought to be going to bed. No worries, right? He allowed a small smile before stretching out, rump in the air and a yawn overtaking him. Anoki ran on a different schedule from everyone else. Being small and shy, not to mention prone to sunburns, he found the day so much more harsh then the night.

Anoki sighed and began picking his way down the slope towards the swampy land bellow. His ears flicked back and forth every now and then, all ways listening for the sound of someone approaching. Ivory paws took light steps, jumping from one patch of dry earth to another. Soon he was in a space that was nothing but marsh and tall grass. The top of Anoki's head was only just visible as he jumped about, moving steadily over the wet landscape. His eyes flicked to the right, watching a frog leap into the water, startled by the wolf's motion. A little smile ran over his maw as an idea formed. To confirm it's necessity, his stomach growled softly, announcing his hunger. Time to hunt, and the time was just perfect, too.

Even with such a light pelt, he managed not to stand out in the dark. Slinking along through the tall grass, searching the many puddles and such. The croaking of the frogs had only just started, and he spotted a target. Icey eyes locked on the tiny form. A small frog, making the most loud of croaks in search of companions, was totally unsuspecting. Anoki took a step forward, then stopped and watched it, quieting his breath so it wouldn't hear him. Then another. Stop. One more, and a quick pause. He was so close now... Without warning he lept forward, jaws open wide, and snatched up the little creature with a single bite. Not exactly a meal, but good practice and still edible. Suddenly Anoki stopped, left ear out to the side, totally frozen. The sound of someone walking closer had only just reached his attention. Oh, how odd he would look, standing half in the swampy water, only just licking his lips after devouring the little frog. The young male braced himself from whatever may come. Strangers were not something he dealt with well...

[Kippa]

[ // Toapa // ]
.:. Live fast, die young
.:. Bad girls do it well
.:. Live fast, die young
.:. Bad girls do it well ♫ ♫ ♫

// She moved silently around the shrubbery watching her front paws as she walked. Lost in thought, she hadn’t noticed how far she had walked until she heard the sound of splashing. She looked up and saw an unusual sight. There before her she observed a juvenile wolf with a frog between its jaws. “Seriously?” She asked aloud. She was disgusted by the young wolfs behavior. She had never been a fan of young wolves, and this one was half her age. She sat down and calmly asked, “I hope you’re not really going to eat that.” Toapa had seen the dangers of eating frogs. Depending on the species it could make a wolf foam at the mouth, upsetting their stomach and making them vomit. In all reality, maybe this young wolf should try to digest the frog, he would learn a lesson he’d never forget.

// The young wolf licked his lips as he swallowed the small amphibian. ”Too late”, she thought to herself. She imagined this situation was one of those, “oh wait, did you say something?” moments. She shrugged and continued to stare at the wolf with disbelief. She had the sudden urge to turn around and just walk away, but something about him made her hang around – just for a moment longer. Toapa was never one for communication but it seemed to be her luck that she kept running into strangers in these lands. I guess it was now or never to get over her anticipated fear of communication. Especially with younger wolves. Something about their stupidity was just… aggravating.

// “So, um? Was it tasty?” She asked as she sat down. Let’s put our big girl pants on and attempt to be nice… for the time being.

Lyrics: "Bad Girl" - M.I.A.
Notes: It's cool; shorter posts move along quickly. I don't mind

[Monster]

His whole spine was absolutly ridged. The tention in his body was so obvious that it was almost visible when looking at him. Like was said before; he didn't deal well with others. They were horrible in his opinion. Always judging, always wondering what the heck was wrong with the weird little albino pup who acted so different. So he took the east rout. Come out when they are asleep, and you won't have to deal with the lot. All those crazy creatures who were do much bigger and totally unpredictable. WIth so many personality types and different ways he couldn't keep up with other wolves and the way they acted puzzled him. At least his night life was supposed to keep him safe. From others, and the sun. But of course there's got to be someone to come out and scare the living daylight put of poor Anoki. Why don't we all scare the little freak and make him act normal?! Oh, how he loathed the others. Just two years of life and he was sick of the way some behaved. But whatever. He could deal with one wolf.

Wait a minute... His bright eyes flicked between her and the empty water before him. She said something a moment ago, didn't she? Way to focus too hard. A frown made spilled over his face as he contemplated what it might have been that she said. He didn't have to have laid eyes on her long to know this was a she. The air still held the presence of her voice, something most wouldn't notice. But he was sensative, rarely hearing the voices of others, and besides, her scent was so obviously that of a Fae. He couldn't deny it if he tried. Well, didn't change the fact that he was a fool for not staying aware of his surroundings. Had some freak come with a mind to, they could kill him. Of course they would get a huge, painful, faceful of quills in the process, but it could still happen. Take no chances, live longer. It was his motto, and kept him breathig this long. Besides, those lacking size had double the survival instinct to even odds out. Suddenly his face lit up as he remembered what she had said. Right when she spoke again, too. Really? Well, there was a case of Anoki's luck for you.

Wait. Did it taste good??? Really? Well, let's us just see. Does snot taste nice, doll? Or am I the only weird one for a hundred miles? The sarcasm ran through his mind quicker than a cat can run from water. But he didn't dare take up that kind of tone and attitude with a stranger. He wasn't the kind others let get away with smart-mouthed comments. Regrettibly the downside of... Well, his life. He let out a small sigh and pulled himself up and out of the water. Turning to have a better view of this female who spoke so harshly, he raked yer with a less than thrilled look. She was like his own opposite. Maybe not insanely tall by normal standards, but compared to him she must be twice his size, or nearly that. What could it be like to be so tall? Ah, well he had his own advantages. Like disapearing in grass that was too tall, or being invisible in snow. She might stock out in winter, but he didn't. Of course summer was an ordeal.

Anoki sat down, giving her a look that voiced his mix of nervousness and annoyance at her words, and presence here in general. Night was for him. So he could hunt without as much fear. And here she was, wrecking it all for him. How sweet. Okay, so maybe his testyness wasn't typical behavior, but she was the one up this late! She pught to go to bed. Or get stuck on an island. Heck, that was just mean... But still... "Ah, not to sound rude, because I'm really not a fan of any form of rudeness, but I know frogs. They're little and annoying, but the ones near my hid- er, home, are perfectly edible. I'd offer, but you don't seem too thrilled." a sheepish grin accompanyed the last words as he attempted at making her at least not feel horribly annoyed by him. He didn't like anyone being angry with him, ever. Another reason to avoid the lot of the other wolves. Besides. He had this feeling that she wasn't very happy with him. Some wolves just... Didn't like certain other wolves. Numerous reasons were excuses for this, but he didn't care for any of it. All stupidity. Yes, hate me because I'm small and the world is harsh, I could help it if I tried, right, oh great and jugemental one(s)? story of his life. Aggrivated sarcastic thoughts included.

He attempted a slight smile, but it came across as exactly how he felt. Nervous about her being here and timid to the core. Heck, why ever try and hide it? He was who he was: a tiny little lupine who was forever doomed to be socially awkward and scare out of his wits by the idea of another talking with him. How fun to be Anoki. Bringer of crappy days. He let his gaze wander again before turning back, forcing himself to focus and finish his response, "And yeah, tasted about as good as a frog can taste, what with the slimy texture and swamp water flavor. Heck, if I was actually crazy, I might live on them things. But really, if you had to make a choice, wouldn't you take a quick bite over an empty stomach? Supposing your the color of a cloud and about as fluffy." his tone was all seriousness, even if a small smile did take over his maw for a moment. He was smart enough to take what he could get, when he could get it. Others were so used to their advantages over prey, he doubted they pondered what would happen if they had the problems he did. Notto mention the only reason he caught a rabbit yesterday was that rabbits move slower after you accadentlynhit them with your quills. Inconvenient little buggers only helped him when he didn't expect it. A yawn floated up and out of his throat as he awaited a response. Not tired, but only just finishing waking all the way.

[howlzz]

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//.

Right foot forward, good, now your left foot. Thats it, next foot, there you go, keep on moving. Come on Pyro. Pyro was so tired. Why had he left his nice little island? Oh how he craved the peacefulness, which was quite ironic considering the fact he was anything but peaceful or calm no matter what form of that emotion was emanating from him. His mind was always in total chaos. Maybe that was why he craved the simplicity of his lands. It was the his opposite, and it calmed him down. But back to the point. His coat was still dripping from the exhausting trek through the strong water with waves crashing down on him, but for reasons Pyro could no longer fathom he had had the urge to move, to leave and explore more of the mainland places he had not yet ventured into. But why so late at night? Now he felt vulnerable. His emotions, for once in a very long time, had controlled him. He cursed himself for that, but no matter, now he would just have to find a place to rest and he'd pick up his little impulsive adventure in the morning.

//. Unfortunately for Pyro and his exhausted self, he heard voices. Now for many, this would mean to steer clear. To walk a different direction and catch a bit of sleep. Normally Pyro would have done the exact same thing, luck however, was not in his favor. No matter how tired he was, or how foggy his brain seemed to be there was no way he could ever mistake that voice for anyone's but she. Of course she would happen to be where he was. Because, you know, they liked to stalk each other and go with each other every. 'She just happened to be the beta of his small but ever growing pack. Pyro should be going over there. Checking out why she was talking to another wolf. Or maybe he shouldn't, maybe that would be a little bit too nosy. He couldn't think straight. Which would she interpret it as again? If he was awake he'd know this. He shook his head. Maybe just a small nap? Then he could go track them. Or the one she was talking to anyways. It was rather strange she be out of the pack lands. There was no rule against it, however, so he had no real reason to be questioning it. No, he'd just have to stick this out. Shaking his head to clear it he began silently making his way towards the two lupines. Wondering just for a moment what this mysterious second wolf would be like, however just as he had asked himself that question came his answer. A rather small male wolf, tiny compared to Pyro, nervously stood. Inwardly the russet wolf groanded. This couldn't be good. He knew all too well that Toapa did not like pups, and while this wolf couldn't be considered a pup in age the way he cowered slightly, and the thinness gave off the impression of a slight, meek wolf.

//. As he made himself seen, he quickly decided a easy lie. One of which he could perform no matter how tired he might be. Being nice. Some might say its impossible for someone like Pyro to be nice, but Pyro could easily prove that wrong. The russet wolf could be anything he wanted to be whenever he wanted to be, and because of that he really wasn't anybody. But no matter, that wasn't important at the moment. As he changed his demeanor everything about him began to soften. The angles in his face seemed not to be as sharp, his eyes not as cold, and his maw not as hard. It was easy to do so, you just need to know how to relax. He let the smallest of smiles appear on his maw, and he directed it to Toapa, but while they're eyes met something flashed across his face. Hopefully she would read it as just go along with it, but he never knew how others would interpret his words. He wasn't positive how he would play with this wolf. Would he kill it in the end? He seemed so weak, but then maybe he could use him for other plans. It would all depend on his personality, whether he died or not. Funny really, seeing as his future was set for him so long ago, and now he will never be able to change it, for no one can actually change they're real personality, only mask it. Unless, of course, you don't have one. "Toapa, what a surprise. And whats your name?" The last sentence being directed at the stranger. So unlike Pyro. His voice was warm, open, friendly even. He could not believe he was actually pulling all of this off while he was half asleep. Then again, he had been dong this so long he probably could pull it off in his sleep. [/size][/blockquote][/justify]

[Kippa]

[ // Toapa // ]
.:. Something about me has got you hypnotized
.:. Examine my body like you're the science guy
.:. Watching my every move you anticipate
.:. What ya thinking about, boy I can recreate ♫ ♫ ♫

// For a little wolf he sure did use a lot of words. Toapa half listened to his ramblings about frogs. Surely he could have summed his answer into a simple, “Yes it was delicious” or even better, just, “Yes". Toapa let him speak but she didn’t care much for his words. ”Well that’s nice, but I don't take food from strangers.” she responded in a tasteless tone. Toapa wondered if this male knew how to hunt real food, such as deer and rabbits. If he was never taught then the law of survival would definitely kick in soon enough. Someone needed to teach this male how to hunt if he wanted to endure in this cruel world. That is if someone only cared enough to teach him. And that someone was not Toapa. She hated kids. Never wanted any to call her own and definitely was not going to take on a stray to teach and train. She would reconsider of course, if one could be easily manipulated. Which, by the looks of this the submissive male was by no means fit to be transformed by her.

// A new, but familiar face approached behind a curtain of darkness. ”Greetings your highness”, Toapa said gently. The words were dressed up in playfulness, but all the while serious and respectful. Pyro was her leader, and although she danced along the borderline of his annoyance, she knew to always keep a prominent value towards him. She nodded her head to him and then glanced towards the young wolf. What sort of game did Pyro have in mind here? She hadn’t really cared to get his name, in her mind he was just “pup”. She smiled as a better idea popped into her head. For some odd reason Toapa had a habit of giving out names to wolves, rarely calling them by their proper name. ”This here is Bullfrog.” She smiled playfully towards Pyro again, wondering if he would scold her for her foolishness. Did he want her to take a silly stance? The strong brute was always on her case about something. But hey, that’s what friends do. They correct each other when they find mistakes in their companion. And fortunately for Pryo, he was the only living creature who could give Toapa advice. She honestly valued his opinions.

// Leaning back on her haunches Toapa waited for her leaders next move.

Lyrics: "Bad Girl" - Danity Kane
Notes: tehehehe

[Monster]

Anoki flicked an ear as mild amusement washed through him at her strangers comment. Yeah, well he didn't like talking to them. Not that he would dare get snippy with someone so much bigger, and probably stronger too. There was one of many ways to shorten one's lifespan. That, and sticking around much longer. His muscles quivered slightly as the seconds ticked by and he was still stuck here. He didn't like being around anyone, and those who were somewhat unfriendly, not to mention perfectly able to kill him should they so choose, were not on his list of wolves he would be safe hanging around. In fact they were so far off it it was taking a lot of control to keep the need to flee from showing on his face. But he managed it well enough. He wondered if the whole frog thing had her thinking he wasn't capable of caring for himself. Now there would be the point where things turned around. Anoki was full of surprises and he did so enjoy the incredulous looks he could get. Hunting, was not his problem. Avoiding fools who stayed up past their bedtime, currently was. Who on earth would stay up this late that wasn't nocturnal? This female should not be here. That was what really got him edgy. If she was able to stay up and not be tired like most were when he saw them, she could spell trouble. He relied on being able to outrun and out think any sleepy wolves who came chasing him.

The snowy hued wolf stifled a yip as he whirled around, looking to who the Fae had addressed. Anoki's frosty eyes only enlarged as he looked up at the male who was his exact opposite. With russet fur, sprinkled with bits of white and black, this wolf blended in far better than Anoki ever would. Unless he bathed in mud. And one of the dark eyes was covered with a patch of black, so dark it could have been made of the very shadows that were blanketing the land. Not to mention this wolf was so much more impressive. He had the kind of muscle and size that would never belong to this little one. And everything about him... Well, honestly it was hard to tell. The kindness, if it was that, was plastered over his face, over top of a layer of fatigue. At least this one was tired. That was to Anoki's advantage. If this wolf, whatever his name may have been, had been fully alert then Anoki would have been visibly cowering. No one of his small size would dare approach this male in the light of day. No way. Even now he had set himself up to run should these two dare to attempt harming him. What they didn't know played to his advantage. And he not only knew the lay of the land, perhaps better then these strange wolves, but he also knew he could slow them down if he had to. All it took was some good aim...

A frown creased Anoki's face as he looked over at the female. Bullfrog? Really? While she was at it she could call him snowy, too. Ugh, he really found nicknames annoying sometimes. Just because he had caught one frog at the wrong time... Now this was happening and it actually irked him slightly her playfulness wasn't something he thought to be very funny. But maybe that was because for him it was really morning, and he didn't always have the best attitude when he first woke up. Actually that would make a lot of sense. Not like he would dare challenge her if he were totally thinking right. But all the same he flicked his tail, debating whether or not to give her a snide remark in return. Ah, maybe not the best idea, instead he muttered, "Uh, no. I'm Anoki. And I didn't catch your name." His first words were for Toapa, and he tried his best not to use a tone that would make her angry. But really, did she think he was going to be saddled with a stupid title like that? And his last sentence was for this male. The way Toapa spoke to him, Anoki figured he was of high rank. Perhaps an alpha. Well, Anoki didn't much care for alphas, what with their arrogant ways and the fact that they were allowed to belittle him at their own whim. It didn't sit well with him, not at all.

Even after he spoke, his small heart continued beating at what seemed like a million beats a second. It was an automatic reaction. He had conditioned himself to fear others, and with good reason to. Too many times he was taunted and hurt. Not again if he could escape them. But as long as it was dark he had a home field advantage, and a chance of living through this ordeal, no matter how hopeless it seemed. What he couldn't help was his fur beginning to stand on end. No matter how 'nice' this wolf may be, he still made every muscle in Anoki's body tense until he was only a split second from dashing away. And yet he stayed this long. Maybe the little wolf was more lonely than he thought himself to be. His bright eyes held a cautious glint, not hiding that he was very close to either leaving, or showing them just how he had survived his two years of life.

[howlzz]

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//. A mixture of annoyance and anger were coming to a boil under his undeniably perfect mask. This pup, so weak, so innocent. It made him want to change it. That, or kill it. Either way he wanted it gone. No confidence. That was what first struck this wolf from the way his demeanor had changed when Pyro had walked in. The way he shook. The way he cowered. Where Pyro came from self confidence, no matter how fake, was needed to survive. You needed to be sure of yourself. This wolf showed none of it. Maybe he had been beaten down in life, but Pyro had most likely been through worse. He had no sympathy for this wolf, and had he not seen potential entertainment he would have finished him off already. Even impaired by exhaustion he could kill this wolf out with a sing swipe. Luckily for the pup he hadn't had a good laugh in a long time, and he decided he would prolong this wolf's suffering, picking his mind apart piece by piece before finally tossing the whole thing. That was his plan, anyways. Then again, Pyro had a tendency of thinking to far ahead, even if he did feel like this task would be as fun and simple as it usually was.

//. Pyro really wanted to say a few choice words to this little wolf at the moment. As he listened to Toappa's reply and Anoki's answer as well he could not help but want to laugh. If Toappa had done anything of the kind, no matter how much higher a rank, stronger, or bigger then Pyro, he would have been all over her. No, this little boy simply corrects her without really correcting her. On the outside, however, a apologetic grin was spread across his maw in offering to maybe help him get over the fact that whether Anoki liked it or not it was highly unlikely that nickname would ever go away. He let Toappa do his dirty work. She could be the bad guy and he could be the hero. He wasn't really worried she would act anything but. Even Pyro was getting annoyed by this weakling's cowardliness and he had much more patience and control over his feelings then Toappa in this aspect. He knew he had to respond to this, but his mind was going fuzzy again. He knew his emotional walls would cave soon. He had to get this over with and get some sleep. Then he could come back later and finish off this wolf's battered mind. There wouldn't be much left when Pyro was done. Physically Anoki would be perfectly fine, but mentally he would be torn to bits.

//. As his mind raced to find the perfect words that on any other normal day would have come easy, he began to wonder if he would have enough self control to not harm him. His emotions were beginning to get away from him, slipping through those same bars he had not very long ago just put up; strong and sturdy.

"Ah, yes. Anoki it is then. I'm Pyro. Alpha of the Fovos pack. And you, Toappa, haven't I told you not to be so harsh? What have you done? This poor pups shaking to death!" His voice was playful, he wasn't actually scolding Toappa, he was making it quite clear he was a nice, harmless being. He grinned foolishly at Toappa before looking back to the pup. "So, what brings you two here on such a nice night?"[/i] He really just wanted to know how capable this wolf was, and Anoki's answer would give him a lot of the information he needed.
[/size][/justify][/blockquote]

[Kippa]

[ // Toapa // ]

// As expected the young male corrected Toapa and gave Pyro his official, birth name. Anoki. She once knew a wolf with that name. He was a strong and powerful brute in her pack. His roots were from a tribal group of wolves, his name meaning actor. And a performer was he. Toapa hated that wolf because she was never a fan of his tricks. He mocked her. Toapa was the "trick-star" of the group, and she refused to share the spotlight with him. And she'd be damned if she'd be in the position to do it again. She glared at the young male as she wondered if he would live up to his name. Anoki. She marveled of the idea of his trickery, and if his overly submissive stance was just a ploy. Toapa’s ideas shifted towards Pyro. He was a marvelous actor. In a short amount of time, the female realized there were too many actors and actresses on the stage of life right now. It just goes to show, you can never trust anyone. You can’t even trust yourself.

// Pyro dryly scolded her, reminding her to not be so harsh. Hello? Don’t forget who you’re talking to, Pyro. "Sorry", she complained. You can never tame the wild heart of Toapa. It would be like asking Bullfrog here to put some big boy britches on. Toapa was unsure if she liked the game Pryo pulled her into. The good cop bad cop routine was a favorite, but not when she was leashed. To be a true bad cop you have to break loose of your chains. You have to run wild and get in your opponents face. Saliva and foam would run down your maw, your fur would bristle sharply, warning anyone who dared cross your path would immediately be exiled. Her ears folded slightly, pinning to her head at the idea. Oh please Pyro let the demon hound run. Please let her sharp canines plow into flesh, pulling limbs apart.

// Her heart skipped a beat. Calm down girl. You’re giving false hope. Her leader began to speak, and she soon realized it was not a command to kill. Pyro wanted to know what the young wolf was doing out on such a nice night. She assumed the question was not directed towards her. She had strayed away from the pack lands to clear her mind. If Pyro was out looking for her, he would have clarified his disappointment more directly, and prominent. Toapa could see it in Pyro’s eyes that he was up to no good. Pyro was her most valued companion, and she liked to think she knew him as well as she knew herself. She assumed he too fought the urge to kill this pup; end both the pups misery, as well as their own. She knew the wheels in his head were turning as he thought of a better use for the young male. But damn how she wished she could be the one to kill the pup. Pups were no use. Sure they grow up to be adults – but shouldn’t we kill the weak and work for a stronger tomorrow? She signed once again as she tried to contain her racing thoughts. It seemed like her and Bullfrog would have to learn to tolerate each other. Toapa knew this wouldn’t be the last time she saw this male. Pyro, unfortunately, was too interested in him. This better be worth it.

[Monster]

A mildly annoyed and still quite wary look passed over his face. Once again being the little one put him in a position where everyone else was bigger and had blood on their minds. Of course this red male Pyro had been acting nice enough, yet why didn't he trust him? Either he was so socially awkward everyone made him nervous now, or his instincts were kicking in. Trust no one bigger than yourself unless you have a darn good reason not to. That's what he was taught from a young age, and it made a whole lot of sense. While this Pyro had a most sincere expression, the holes were a bit more visible in that of him companion. Her impatience was beginning to show more, and it only made his flight instinct scream at him to run. But there was his problem. Running could show them the weakness they wanted to see, it would give them reason to chase and the male might not be so nice then.

The alpha part did not surprise Anoki one bit. Even if this wolf was not trying to, he exuded a presence of one who held the power, a leader who knew he was in charge and relished the fact. Not exactly the type of company Anoki would want to keep, supposing he wanted to have any company. Which he didn't really. The reprimanding of Toapa was interesting to watch. Pyro said it in a playful sort of voice, but Toapa seemed to be having a mental argument with herself. One more reason the small ivory wolf kept away from packs. He didn't much care to be under the command of anyone else, not unless they gave him a reason to trust them. So far, there two were a dynamic duo of terror for him. Large and far more powerful, they gave him the feeling his own death could be imminent. Yes, that's how we make friends children. Scare them into submission, we'll all be best buds after that, Anoki though sourly. Of course this wolf had some secret agenda. He just didn't know what had caused this sudden interest in he, Anoki, a tiny little wolf that few saw any potential in.

What brought him here? Well, you know... Apparently there's this thing called eating, and everyone has to cause food is fuel... Honestly. Did they think he was standing around here for his own entertainment? Well that sure as heck wasn't the case. His time was better spent keeping alive. Survival was for those who worked for it, and well he sure wasn't one of the slackers, no matter what that somewhat resentful look on Toapa's face said she thought. Did she think he had lived two years cowering before every wolf in sight? Nope. He had lived by being a pretty quick thinker and learning fast. And he planed on learning how to get out of this conversation with his throat intact. Yeah, this would take some careful treading. He forced himself to calm down some more, meeting Pyro's gaze. A careful, but less oh-mi-gosh-they're-gunna-kill-me expression took over. Of course he was still afraid, but he was in save-my-but mode, and this was what seemed like a better plan.

His light blue eyes held a careful glint, the look of a wolf trying to figure out how exactly he would go about things. His choices would be everything, and so it was absolutely imparitive that he get it right. Easier said than done, but at least he had a mostly peaceful life... He didn't dare let his mind stay there for long though, seeing as he was sitting in the spotlight and seconds were ticking away. Blinking as he regained focus, Anoki replied, "Well, I'm here because I haven't eaten all day because I sleep then. So, one would say I'm here to hunt." He glanced over at Toapa and added quietly, And I mean real food, not frogs, thanks."










OOC: I got lazeh :/ Have to go to bed, all tired and such. sowwy for the foreverness it took and the crappyness D: I lost my muse so i had to wrap this up fast.

[howlzz]

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[bg=292421] Alright, now Pyro was, while still annoyed, slightly intrigued. Bullfrog here, while seemingly stupid, was somehow figuring out how to act normal. Ans he was doing it quite well, too. So he might as keep playing along, if for nothing else, then his curiosity. He seemed slightly more intelligent, still naive, but maybe a bit more intelligent. Slowly, Pyro's view towards the young wolf began to change. Not respect, not yet, but he was no longer such a nuisance. Alright, he'd give him a chance. Alright, and if I may ask, why are you out here, at night, when most bigger predators are feasting? And why not eat all day? It was a simple question, but he knew that there would be a interesting answer if this boy chose to answer truthfully. Then again, he could decide to give a totally unbelievable answer, and in which case Pyro would become completely irritated, but he'd just have to see. He really hoped this little lupine would take as much precaution as were in his bright eyes. Without it he might tread on Toapa's paws. She wouldn't like that. And then he'd be tearing apart a fight in which Toapa would get terribly mad at Pyro, and Pyro would probably end up having to let Toapa kill him to keep their friendship at bay, she was very high strung like that. And this creature was curious, so much in fact he wanted to protect him from his fellow friend. He looked to Toappa, what exactly was going through her mind? Why was she here? He was still slightly fuzzy, and he felt like he was in a stupor, almost. And Toappa, what exactly brings you here? Patrolling for recruits for our average lands? It was just a simple question, but he would never be letting up on her calling his lands average so many months ago. Never. Especially now that she was beta. It was rather ironic, and he would never forget it. It had stung. And it wasn't a very good start for her, but still he had let her join. And now here she was with him, and his ever growing pack. He had had so much doubt before, but now, her being one of his closest friends, he could never imagine his pack without the sarcastic, fiery wolf. It just wouldn't be the same, and there was no way that he would have gotten as far as he did. He still had yet to figure out her past, but he was getting there. Now he wondered though, would she snap? Would she end up ruining all of this? He couldn't let her. No, because he still wanted to see what this wolf was up to. Quickly he gave her a warning glance, just to make sure she understood that he was out of boundaries for her. She couldn't touch him. This was a puzzle for Pyro to decipher, he wanted to, and he wanted to do it by himself. He knew Toapa enough to know that she would want to hurt this pup already, without even knowing what he was about. And even though those were Pyro's previous regards to the situation, it was different now. Word count: 581 Notes: Oh gosh... you can feel the tension in the air. Oh well, Pyro is TRYING to smooth it over xD

[Kippa]

[ // Toapa // ]

And I mean real food, not frogs, thanks. Oh well aren't you just cute. Too bad, cause the nickname is here to stay. Sorry, but not sorry. Toapa huffed air at the young males response, her eyes pleading with Pyro to reconsider. Alright, so the dumb pup had survived a whole year hiding from dangerous things. Please Pyro, please tell me how this will be any use to us? The only thing he could possibly do is be some sort of lure or bait for the other packs. Oh, hold the phone. Did Pyro have that in mind? Were they going to manipulate the male to use him as a scapegoat in some terribly awful mission? She liked the sound of that. Okay, he could stay.

An excited expression crossed her face, but only for a brief moment. And Toappa, what exactly brings you here? Patrolling for recruits for our average lands? Excuse me, what was that? Oh give it a rest Pyro. I make one mistake and you just keep bring it up over, and over again. Clearly it must have hurt you, because you seriously need to let it go. The female sighed and with a monotone voice replied to the alpha, "You could say I was trying to fix the average persona of the pack. I wanted to see if this here Bullfrog could liven up the pack." You happy now? See Toapa can be polite when she wanted to. Or in this case, was forced to do. But, if Pyro wanted her to be nice to Bullfrog, pretending he was of some value, then Pyro would have to take the heat of her sarcasm. Sorry Pryo, but that's the way it just has to be.

She looked at the male and gave a half grin, it was the best she could do. It was an awkward smile, but it gave the message that she was trying to be on her best behavior. An apology should be given. Except, Toapa really didn't know how to deliver one properly. It would probably be more awkward than her fake smile. Eventually the smile turned into a more genuine smile as she pour more charm into the situation. Alright, so lets put our acting skills to use. No more of this easy to read crap. Time for the serious business.

[Monster]

   Obviously this alpha was a quick thinker. It showed in the way he hardly gave any signs of preparing something to say and yet always had a response after a short pause. This time was no different and not long after the reply to Pyro's first question had left his lips did a reply come from the older wolf. If Anoki wasn't so terribly frightened of most anything bigger then him, which was most creatures, he might have laughed. Really, the urge to do so was filling up his whole little body, and he wondered how much of his amusement at this new question was showing in his expression. Silly alpha. When will the big ones learn that being small doesn't mean that you're eternally doomed? Honestly. A little smile played at his maw and for nearly a minute he forgot that he had been scared.

   Of course his relaxation didn't last long, but he managed to let his muscles loosen without dropping his guard. A snowy ear flicked back as the youngster pondered if this would annoy anyone. It seemed that just breathing had made Toapa angry with him, and he really wished he could have changed it. But, too bad for miss grumpy guss he couldn't magically turn into an older wolf who knew more. That was usually what parents were for. Teaching. Unfortunatly his family was a bit off and learning anything about survival most often required going and doing things yourself. So, toapa could sit there and steam while he took pride in his own accomplishments. Whatever it was that made her act like this, supposing she wasn't just naturally sullen, he decided she could keep her anger or whatever and he would work on self-preservation. Seemed like a good plan.

   He took a breath to steady his freyed nerves and plunged into the task of replying. He wasn't exactly a speed answerer, but he didn't take forever. Answering was a science and without a bit of time to think he feared he might say something dumb and ultimately his life depended on making as few mistakes as possible. He glanced back to the hill where he had first come from, wishing he could escape to his hollowed stump and just forget he was ever in this trouble. He looked back to Pyro and answered as best he could, "Well... You see as much as you might think the night is dangerous, I can safely say that getting around is far easier than one might believe it to be. The bigger hunters might see in the dark, but not perfectly. I know how to stay unseen, and the other creatures can show me where food is at. Besides, everything looks better under pale moonlight than a harsh shining sun, don't you think?" A little smile dared to curve it's way over his lips. His face spoke only sinceriy when he answered, because Anoki never saw a point in lieing. Did him no good.

His own amusement grew while he watched the conversing between pyro and Toapa. Apparently she had come looking for recruits? Hah, not likely, but then who was he to judge if he couldn't find a better answer? While he could concievably say she came looking for little ones to kill, he figured she had a better way to use her time. Like getting away from him. That he would like. If she left, it would be one less threat, but he doubted she would. The alpha seemed to know this wolf quite well, so they must have been in each others company a while. Right about this time was when he began wishing he was luckier. Well, anoki might be a bit lucky at times, but it seemed not getting killed by the shewolf was going to take a lot. It was just pyro right now who was keeping the little wolf alive, and why? To prolong his fear and allow him time to see how hopeless he was? Well even if it were for some other reason, Anoki didn't think this was going to be fun. Pyro seemed the kind of wolf who he wanted to trust, but knew better than to. Fool anoki once and he learns his lesson. He would not be tricked. Not by a stranger. Not by anyone so long as he could help it.




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