Turn Back (PRIVATE)

[hobbit]

So many dogs frowned upon the idea of solitude; how could any dog wish to be alone, they asked? How can any sane animal wish to be alone, constantly and forever? It was a question the Mailnois could easily answer, though she rarely took the time to do so. She was not placed on this wretched earth to justify her every move. She was not placed on this wretched earth to be an obedient dog, answering every single question thrown at her. If she was, Maiali certainly wouldn’t be wandering through the junkyard, alone, as usual.

Her black nose twitched as she walked with her head slow, sniffing at the ground. There were so many intriguing scents in the junkyard, but most of them meant very little to the bitch. To be honest, Maiali wasn’t even certain as to why she was here. This was a wasteland, with trash piled so high a dog could only imagine climbing up to the top of the piles. Besides, social law dictated that this was the land of exiles; while Maiali was not a member of a pack, she was no exile.

Then again, any dog that knew the tawny beast also knew she rarely, if ever, listened to what social law dictated.

Black ears suddenly spun on the female’s head and ashen lips curled back into the beginnings of a snarl, revealing yellowed fangs which glinted in the sunlight. The animal looked around, lifting her head so that it was level with her shoulders; she stood in a stance that did not scream dominance, nor did it scream submission. She was not standing for a fight, but the snarl clearly told of her defensive nature. “Who is there? Show yourself, or I will find you,” Maiali demanded, her brown eyes flashing as she spoke. Her words were no empty threat.

Someone was here, too close for comfort, and if they did not reveal themselves…Maiali would gladly hunt them down.

[The Xecutive]

Since Wolf avoided town as much as possible, he tried to find other wandering pets. Some he might be able to convince to join the pack not for the reason the pack existed, but for protection. Wolf’s ideals were obviously not saintly, and would then be considered strong and merciless, which meant the best protection. What a strange way to think, but if he had enough in his pack, it would be true.

At some point he crossed the scent of a female dog that was going a little ways away from the town. Sniffing the air, he noticed it was a fresh scent. So he followed, with caution as he always did. This adventure lead him to the junkyard. Was he still a distracted little puppy, this place would be heaven. There were so many things to do. Things to chew on, pee on, and room to run! For a minute, his tongue hung from his mouth and his tail wagged slowly side to side as he took in the scene. Since the humans left, he hadn’t taken all the time to really venture and map out all the areas. It was something he should do, though. To be the best, it would be a good idea to know the surrounding areas. He made a mental note.

He heard the paw steps and sniffing of the other dog. Going into stealth mode, he quietly tried to get closer. Wolf then realized this was not a good idea or a great first impression. For one, the dog would feel threatened, and two, he wasn’t sure what kind of dog he was dealing with. Deliberately, he made noise, making something topple over. His choice to make his presence known was a good one. Immediately, the other dog was snarling. It sounded strong. It was a warning.

This made Wolf smile. ”Not to worry, darling. You don’t need to be afraid of me…yet,” he said in his smooth, cool voice as he came from around a pile. ”Caught your scent. Thought you might want some-” Wolf stopped mid-sentence as he noticed that he did not recognize this dog. The shepherd was an observant dog and made it his business to recognize all the pets and their behaviors. ”Loner,” he thought. ”Perfect.”

”Well, perhaps not,” he finally finished after making his analysis.

[hobbit]

Darling? Another low snarl slipped into the air as the female eyed the strange, black shepherd as he padded around a pile of garbage. Hackles rose and the female seemed to sink lower to the ground, posing to fight, her dark eyes flashing. If this animal wanted a fight, Maiali would gladly give him one; she may be small for her breed, but she was still a Malinois. The breed was not referred to as the German Shepherd without an off switch because they were nice, calm creatures.

A light sneer replaced the female’s snarl as he finished his sentence; while the snarl died, the fire in her eyes did not, nor did she fully straighten from her crouch. She appraised the black dog for a moment before speaking, “My name is Maiali. If you wish to have any sort of response, you will address me as Maiali. Nothing else,” she spat. While some dogs may not have been so quick to lay down the law, Maiali was not a dog with a submissive personality. She demanded respect, and, in turn, she would give it to another dog.

“As for fear…well, I see no reason to fear one so cocky,” Maiali added, finally straightening from her crouch. The other dog didn’t seem like that much of a threat. At least, not enough for her to remain crouching like some sort of frightened hare. “Who are you?” She repeated her earlier question, eyes narrowing as she waited for a response.

[The Xecutive]

Wolf watched as the dog went into a very defensive pose. Touchy, he thought. It was obvious she was not one to mess with, and so he would show her respect as he should have. It was that or they fight and he loses out on a possible recruit. Wolf had plans for the pack, and his niceness would soon be gone when he had enough in it. He would respect and listen to his members, but there would be no more mercy upon those he crossed.

As the dog went into an attacking crouch, Wolf crouched automatically, hackles going up, eyes burning with intensity. What he didn’t do, however, was bare his teeth or growl. He was in control of his emotions, but he could not control his instincts of preparing for a fight. However, he was not one to be challenged. She soon began to relax slightly, though her guard was definitely not down. “Alright…Maiali,” he said, refraining from using another name. Now was not the time for insults. This dog was strong and he could definitely use her. Then again, she was acting like she was one not to be used at all.

Cocky?! How dare she. This time his teeth bared and a light growl rumbled in his throat, but only for a moment, because soon she got out of her crouch and he mirrored her move, going the extra step and sitting down. He sat straight and proud, head slightly tilted to the sky, chest out. This was the stance of a police dog, but right now it was just the stance of an alpha.

”If I am to call you Maiali, then perhaps you can oblige me by not calling me cocky,” he said, obviously irritated. His eyes were fiery and narrowed just as hers were. “My name is Wolf,” he said, clearly proud of it, but leaving out the ‘cockiness’. He also refrained from saying she must of heard of him. Perhaps she did. Even loners had to hear things. Not gossip, per se, but news in general. Not to be cocky, but Wolf was news already. He was the first one to step up and claim his hatred and pain of being abandoned.

[hobbit]

Oh, had she touched a nerve? The female sneered lightly as a growl built in the brute’s throat. To her disappointment, the sound did not last for long as the brute sat back on his haunches. He held himself in a way that to most dogs seemed proud, but to Maiali it just made her think cocky…again.

Her eyes widened for a moment as the dog spoke. So, this was the infamous wolf? Of course, the Malinois had heard of the male. How could one not? Like Big Yellow, the shepherd had created his own pack; unlike the retriever, Wolf’s pack was not dedicated to waiting for the humans. While Maiali thought it was foolish to wait for the humans, the idea of trying to fight those that did was equally as foolish. Everyone had different ideas and to try and dictate them, especially when they were willing to fight for them, was dumb. “Alright, I suppose that is fair,” the female said. She hesitated for a moment before lowering herself back into a sitting position. She eyed the other animal before speaking once more, “So, Wolf, what is it that you want?” Maiali demanded.

It was possible that wolf had only stumbled upon her, but Maiali doubted this from the way he had presented himself. A dog didn’t act like that when they just stumbled upon you. Then again…this was judging if the dog was sane…and Maiali wasn’t quite sure that he was sane.

But…who would be in this enviorment?

[The Xecutive]

Wolf enjoyed watching her reaction, however subtle it was. So this loner did know who he was. Good. Respect for respect, it seemed. That he could do. It was trust he had issues with and she was a loner so this probably applied to her as well. Finally she sat. That was a good sign. Both of their guards were up, but both were at somewhat of an agreement.

"Well," he began, a serious tone taking to his voice. However, when was Wolf not serious? "I realize you are not one for packs, but I would like to welcome you into it. Perhaps you have a special skill that won't require to be around us as a whole at all times. In return you will receive the treatment and perks any pack member receives: food, shelter, protection. As you have probably sensed, all those wild animals will start closing in soon now that they are beginning to sense that the humans are gone. You will need the strongest, and given your reaction, I'm sure you know I won't accept any but the strongest."

All the cockiness was gone. There was nothing he was laying on the table but a simple proposition. "Is there anything special you can offer to the pack? Perhaps you have something we can use you for?" He paused for a moment. "There is no rush. You may take your time to decide, however if you do decide not to, I would advise you stay out of our way."

[hobbit]

There was a time and place to interrupt others. Normally, the Malinois would have cut the other dog off by now; she rarely had the patience to listen to what others had to say. Call it a personality flaw, if you’d like. It was.

The offer was one that intrigued Maiali. She was well aware of the wild animals closing in on the town; the humans had been the force keeping those wild beasts away, and with the humans gone, there was nothing to hold them back. It was as if a child teasing a hungry dog looked up and the fence between them was suddenly gone. It would be nice to have a place to go when the going got tough, although Maiali was still wary. In her experience, there tended to be some secret clause, something which would make a wondrous sounding deal turn into a nightmare.

Brown eyes bored into the shepherd’s and silence fell between the two as Maiali sunk into thought. Finally, after a few minutes, she spoke, “The protection of a pack would be nice. But I will keep my status as a loner,” she added, her eyes flashing, as if daring him to contradict her, “As for what I have to offer….what do you need?”

There were many things the female could offer a pack (at least, so she thought), but what she would offer was what Wolf desired, and nothing more.

[The Xecutive]

Wolf nodded, agreeing that the protection of a pack is certainly nice. He, for one, needed it himself. The pack wasn’t much of a pack at this point, but he had plans for it to be very strong. Though they would be dependent on each other, it would be every animal for themselves. He would be more of a coordinator, than someone controlling their every action. He did, however, expect the loyalty and respect, for he was an alpha.

”Hmmm,” he said standing up, looking at her. ”Don’t be alarmed. I just want a closer look,” he said as he went to the right and advanced toward her. Wolf stood tall and proud, but showed no signs of attack or aggression. He was closer to her now, looking at the dog from an angle. ”You’re strong and probably fast. I can see that, but what is it that you can offer me. Anything at all,” he insisted, seeming to look into her rather than at her. It was as if he would be able see into her mind and uncover the secret if he looked hard enough. Did it make him crazy for doing such a thing? He didn’t think so. He didn’t think so because he didn’t notice he was doing such things.



ooc: Sorry it’s so short ><

[hobbit]

ooc; Tis fine

bic;
Despite what the brute said, Maiali could not help but tensing as he approached her. Kind encounters with dogs in these times had been limited, and she could not simply push away her knee jerk reaction, no matter what she was told. Though, Maiali was able to stop herself from leaping up and snapping. Maiali listened as he spoke with a light frown on her crow colored muzzle. Strong, sure; decent enough, at least. Speed was what Maiali prided herself on. Speed and agility were what she used.

“I get around,” Maiali murmured softly, “Perhaps, when you need information, I can find it…and get it to you?” she added, tilting her head like a quizzical pup would, though the glint in her eyes was not something any dog would find in the young.

Her suggestion did not sound like much, but Maiali knew how valuable a spy could be. Especially a spy that was not known to be a member of your pack- such a spy could easy penetrate others pack, gain knowledge they did not wish to have out there. Knowledge that would be useful, if it ever came to war.

Given his rank, Maiali was sure Wolf knew this as well.

[The Xecutive]

For a moment, Maiali seemed offended by his comments. It might have been the probably fast that she didn’t like. It gave her away, though. It meant she was fast, or at least considered herself fast. Wolf already knew this, though. Her breed was similar to his own, and speed was in their genes. Gods forbid they get an injured leg in such troubled times. Then again…there seemed to be no hope left of any figure(s) watching over them. They were on their own.

Wolf perked up, almost seeming alert as if he’d just heard something near them. Hopefully this did not alarm the other dog, but her idea was just too brilliant to not have any sort of reaction on his part. A spy? The idea sounded almost comical, like those moving pictures on that box they called a Tee-Vee. He’d heard the word before, and even at the station a lot of the cops used that word. It was covert and somewhat exciting when they talked about it. To have his own, though? What an intriguing idea indeed!

“Information,” he repeated, wrapping his brain around the idea. “Well, now, that is useful to me. At the moment there isn’t much priority for it, but perhaps you can listen in on those around you. If you can, I’d like to know what the other pets are saying about me. More importantly, if they’d like to join me. Of course, it isn’t your place to tell them they should, but you can tell me, and I’ll make sure to make an appearance.” Wolf grinned, finding the idea of it all very fun, maybe too much so. Either way it would help the pack, especially if some sort of war started between them all.



ooc: I’ll put Maiali in the Unforgotten stats and put a note that all pets don’t know she is part of them.

[hobbit]

Ooc; Okay : )

Bic;
The other dog’s sudden alertness startled Maiali, though it only showed in the barely noticeable widening of her brown orbs. Her eyes flicked around the junkyard, and her ears swiveled on top of her skull; she could not pick up any sounds, nor could she pick up any strange scents, so why was the brute standing there like a watchdog that had just scented a ‘kind stranger’?

Oh….the female settled back down suddenly, realizing what had gotten the other to look so excited and alert. The spying thing. She listened to his reply with a nearly expressionless face, though her mind was buzzing. True, there wouldn’t be much priority for it now, but now that there were three packs a war would come soon. She could almost smell it on the horizon. Besides, she could most certainly listen to others and pry information from them; it was a skill of Maiali’s. She could get answers, if she wanted them.

“Sounds like a good plan to me,” Maiali said, a light sneer making its way across her muzzle. Oh, the trouble she could start with such a role! Furthermore, she would be free of any repercussions if a war came and Wolf began to lose. Who would trust the loser, after all? They tended to lie to get softer punishments.

[The Xecutive]

Wolf nodded, glad that they are in agreement. She seemed smart enough. ”Perhaps I’ll get the others together and you can meet some of those that will be helping you as far as food and protection goes. I’m not asking you to stick around, but I’m sure it’ll be beneficial to know who’s on your side.”He looked around and even though he knew no one was around, lowered his voice. ”Your services will be appreciated and I’ll make sure the pack respects your wishes to be alone. Although, I do expect your loyalties to lie with us. Believe me, you don’t want someone like me on your bad side.”

Threat? Oh no, Wolf did not deal in threats. You only threaten someone if you’re not going to do anything. This was nothing but a true statement. She was a loner, and therefore her own alpha. He was prepared for the tension to get a little high, but it was expected that her agreement to join the pack, even secretly, was that Wolf is now her alpha. No matter how she might look at it, it was true, and he would not stand for any double crossing. The pack was growing, and that meant bad for any other pack.

”I take it you won’t have trouble finding me if you need to? I’m working on official territory, but I’m sure you’ll find me regardless.”



ooc: Haha! And the tension begins >D

[hobbit]

Food and protection…hadn’t she made that part of it clear? Maiali would assist the pack, but she would not be affiliated with them; she would not hunt with them, she would not fight for them…unless, of course, she absolutely had to. Her job as a spy was to gather information- spies did not fight battles or join in on the hunts. As he continued on, his voice noticeably lowered, a low snarl played on the dog’s black muzzle. Threats were things Maiali had never taken kindly to and she didn’t bother to hide the irritation, the indignation, flashing in her brown eyes, “Was that a threat?” she asked, her voice as soft and smooth as silk.

A light snort escaped the tan animal, “I told you, I would be a spy. I am not a liar- it is, in my opinion, distasteful to lie. As for finding you…I am sure I can do that easily. My nose happens to work,” she added with a light sniff, as if emphasizing her point, “Anything else?”

Part of her was tempted to add a mocking alpha at the end, complete with a sarcastic bow, but Maiali simply wanted to leave and stir up things. Any arguments with Wolf would only hold her back from having some fun, and Maiali had not been able to enjoy herself in so long, she hated to continue to wait. While waiting for a reply, brown eyes danced over the garbage in the junkyard. Umbrellas…dolls…those things that kept food cold…so much stuff. However, Maiali did not enjoy the land. All of the junk was a constant reminder of the humans; all the junk was a threat; all of the junk was just that: junk. Maiali may not have high standards, but she did have standards, and one of them included not finding shelter among trash.

[The Xecutive]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/w2ll3d.png] <div align="justify">Wolf chuckled lightly, a sound that might of sent other animals’ skin crawling. Maiali probably wasn’t one of those animals. In fact, Wolf was almost sure she was probably laughing inside. He cared not. Her comment was a bit comical to him. ”Maiali, one thing you’ll need to know about me is that I don’t threaten others. It is only a simple matter of what I will do. No offense, but in my personal experience, threats are never followed through and therefore I do not threaten.” His own words sent his instincts on edge, causing his hackles to stand up again as if he were about to carry out said threat. At her words, he calmed down once more, watching her as she spoke. Wolf concluded that she didn’t seem to be lying and nodded in response. ”There is one more thing, actually,” he replied as he looked around once more. The shepherd was acting as if he had somewhere else to be at that very moment. It was something that can also be seen as paranoia. ”There is a wild creature that has joined my pack. She owes me her life and has decided to be of some use within the pack. She looks something like a cat with a very long, striped tail. I’m only telling you this so you don’t try and kill her. Also, a white Saluki. She’ll be hunting for us. There’s a clearing beyond the trees of the forest near the cemetery. That is where the cat-like creature will be and where Helene will be storing food. Feel free to sleep there safely at night and take your share of food.” Wolf felt rather silly not having an official residing territory, but for now this would have to do. He knew of another that was interested in joining and this brought their numbers up to five. It was rather exciting to see that his pack was coming together and he was alone no more. Though Maiali wasn’t “technically” part of their pack, it was still a number. Would she fight if the time called for it? That, Wolf wasn’t too certain about… </div>

[hobbit]

The chuckle was a cold sound, one that would have sent her running for cover as a pup, but Maiali was not a pup any longer. Chuckles and snarls did not send fear into her heart any more than an ant did. It seemed, however, that the definition of a threat could be argued. His words sent a smirk dancing on her muzzle again, despite the sudden raising of his hackles. “You declared physical harm,” she reminded him, “Or promised. Therefore, you threatened. However, I am not here to argue the meanings of a word,” she added, falling silent as the brute began to spoke once more.

“I don’t eat cats, or anything resembling them,” Maiali assured the dog. Her tastes rested with rabbits and whatever scraps she could get her paws on. Cats, in her opinion, were too much trouble to hunt and too intelligent to kill. The dumb, of course, were not ones she would mind doing away with. She would, however, try to seek out the others; if she was to be working as a spy, she’d like to know the behavior of those in the pack. Spying without knowing who to trust was a foolish idea, for if she relayed information to the wrong animal, it would not do any good.

The Malinois’ jaw parted in a yawn and she dipped her head slightly to the black shepherd, “I must be off. I will seek you out soon, if I hear anything worthwhile…goodbye, Wolf,” she added before padding past the dog. She paused, scenting the air, before bounding off, leaving the junkyard, and the alpha, far behind.