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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2013 16:02:27 GMT
 Ah, Harley did love autumn. The way that leaves fell on his belly as he lounged out in the sun, both cooled and warmed by the shade and the sun's rays... the fresh smell of deer starting their rutting season, the way it made his mouth water. All of it was his favorite: he enjoyed it to no end and wished time would stop. A loud huff escaped his muzzle as he stared out toward the nearby cliffs. He was happy that Ryu and Bear were both his new leading ranks, and he'd be their subordinate and help in whatever way he could... however, there was the lingering feeling of sadness for Brooke. She was getting older, and... he really didn't want to think about the inevitable cycle of life at that moment.
Golden eyes stayed fixated on the cliffs, a strangely misted-over look on his face. It seemed uncharacteristic for him to be so lackluster in personality today, but even a dog like him couldn't escape the dawning of the fate of his friends. He had already seen death too many times in the past... An ear flicked a little. He really needed to snap himself out of this. What if Lee came over and saw him moping around? He wouldn't hear the end of it. And if Ryu or Bear showed up, he really had no idea what'd happen. Sighing, he rose, his large body hulking upward before he shook himself of dead and crumbling leaves. His fur was finally starting to grow out for the winter. Of course, that meant that lots of annoying debris could get caught in it. He sat right back down and started to groom himself.
That was when another scent came on the wind, and a wry smile appeared on his muzzle. Looking up, golden eyes looked over his new leader and comrade before he bowed his head lightly. "Well, look who it is~! Congratulations, by the way... How's the big life treatin' ya?" He shot Ryu a wink at that before stretching his limbs out. At least Ryu's company would help him feel better.
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Post by Hunter on May 6, 2013 17:29:34 GMT
He’d come to the pack as a scrawny kid, who’d have known that he two years later would be the new Warden of the pack? Much had changed - he was far from the stuttering klutz he’d been. He felt confident and happy, and after his imprisonment in Iris he’d finished his education as a soldier. Now, only a few days ago, Brooke had chosen him as the one to take her position as alpha. The days had been hectic, because winter was creeping closer and closer, so the pack’s food stores needed to be filled. Besides that, he also had to consult with the Brotherhood of Senka, listening carefully to their reports so that he could at least get an idea of what their enemy was doing. He wouldn’t want to be caught by surprise. The Soldiers also needed to stay fit for fight, after all, without them the Tempest Pack wouldn’t be as much of a threat to the felines. He was happy that Bear, his General, could take care of much of the work with the Soldiers so he could focus on the other matters, which sometimes also included skirmishes between the packmembers themselves. But Brooke was there much of the time so far. She would help him through it all until she deemed him ready to stand on his own legs, for that he was deeply grateful. Much responsibility followed when leading a pack, but it was responsibility he was ready for, and though it’d be hard, Ryu knew he wouldn’t want to live without.
He trotted outside the Asylum, soon to be met by a bunch of furballs, giggling and wagging with their tails as they respectfully greeted him with cheers. Ryu had no puppies of his own, but already during the last few days he felt like many of the puppies in the pack were turning into his own family. After all, family was all the pack was about. Through they weren’t all bound together by blood, they were bounded together by something stronger. They were pack. Many canines were already getting used to the thought of having a new leader, dipping their heads or at least treating him with more respect than usual. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t take a little fun among his friends. Catching Harley’s scent, Ryu decided that right now when he had a moment, he should spend it with a friend of his. He’d grown fond of the shepherd after the rescue of Valkyrie and Ares, and in the battle against Lexis had Harley too showed himself a great soldier. He was good to have on your side, a great soldier with a great personality.
He found the bigger dog close to the Asylum, enjoying himself among the autumn colours. Or at least, so he thought. As he got closer, he noticed that his comrade wasn’t looking as full of energy as he usually did. His scent then gave him away, his own brown eyes met by Harley’s golden, a quick wink following as the shepherd greeted him. Ryu grinned genuinely, it seemed like Harley hadn’t lost his mood entirely. ”It’s great, thank you very much my friend,” he replied happily, coming to stand in front of the bigger dog. ”There is much to do, but I think we will be ready for the winter. I’ve never realized how fast and hardworking our Fangs are - and with the new Juveniles being ready to take on a role in the work, I can sleep somewhat calmly in the nights.” His voice was happy, full of life as he spoke, but something then nagged at him and he continued in a slightly more serious manner. ”I’d like to know more about the Iris, though. Or perhaps you’ve hunted them all down already? If so, I should consider whether to prepare a feast of victory instead of a battle,” he joked with a crooked smile.
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2013 11:15:37 GMT
Harley was at least glad for the company: as soon as he saw Ryu, his spirits lifted a little more. The very fact that he was going to lead them after Brooke helped Harley feel more at ease... it would have been worse had he not known the dog as a successor. It gave him hope for the future. While death was imminent, Ryu would surely lead them on to new life instead. Looking over to him and stretching again, he decided to stand up, giving him another slight bow in the process. It was a fine line: he didn't want Ryu to feel alienated from him now that he was a leader, but Harley also didn't want to be too informal and not show him the new form of respect he deserved.
His tail wagged as Ryu addressed him, and he nodded. "Well, that's good, mate. I'm glad that things are falling into place... winter's always a bit of a troubling season, aye?" he spoke, tilting his head to the side. "Just know you can always spout orders at me and I'll do whatever ya need, kid," he added with a grin. Already his spirits were picking up again! It was bothersome that Harley knew what was coming soon, but this was certainly a welcome distraction. "Aye, mate, that's their job is to be fast! Don't worry, we'll all be ready to go for winter comin'."
Ryu then spoke again, causing Harley to let out a loud bark of a laugh. "You caught me. War's over, kids! Everyone go home!" he shouted before laughing again. "I'm not the best when it comes to spyin' on people or anything, but... what were you wanting to know? I can do my best to help you out if I can."
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Post by Hunter on May 11, 2013 19:57:44 GMT
The bigger dog made a bow, a gesture which Ryu felt strange among those he considered friends, but he still appreciated it. Support from friends was more important for him than anything these days when the pack still was adjusting to the shift in leadership. Any few who now would doubt his skills would turn to loyalty if they saw others following him – and with Brooke still by his side, he would soon be a skillful leader worth following, at least that was what he hoped. He trusted that Brooke could turn him into what he needed to be. She wouldn’t have chosen him if she thought he wasn’t capable of carrying the heavy but desirable task.
”Definitely,” he answered to the bigger dog’s question about winter. ”I have a lot to learn, and that with very little time. But Brooke is still around, ready to advise me if I should need her help. She has always been a good leader, and will be remembered for a long time. I’m proud of her choosing me, and of all the dogs already willing to follow me,” he smiled. So far he hadn’t heard anyone unwilling of his leadership, but he knew it could happen, knew that he in the future might have to fight to maintain his position as alpha. It’d be hard work both physically and mentally, but it was worth it. He would put every thought, breath and heartbeat into his work. He’d do all he could to guide Tempest into the glory it deserved, and he knew he could trust Bear to have the same desire. Tempest was their lives. His life. And he wouldn’t fail it.
He laughed heartedly at Harley’s comment, knowing that the shepherd always was ready for a jest. But how wonderful it would be, the war over, peace in the city. Peace for their loved ones who could grow up and old without having to worry about seeing the horrid masks which the war could wear. Happiness. That was what he wanted to give. Happiness. Peace. Victory. How well wouldn’t he be remembered if that was what he could give his pack? ”I wish I knew what they were planning. But I guess we all would like to know what’s running through their nasty minds. The spies say that something bigger might be up within the pride, but they don’t think it’s an attack. Some suggest it might be a turn in leadership - just what we’ve had.” He frowned slightly before continuing, turning his gaze toward the city in which their enemy was located. ”If so, I wonder what kind of feline would lead them. If not the malicious son of Florence… then who?” He knew very well that Harley could only guess, just like himself. He closed his eyes and lowered his chin slightly as he laughed half-heartedly. ”I’m sorry. I should not burden you with my musing, my friend,” he said, happiness once again flaming in his amber eyes as he reopened them to look at Harley.
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