A Cheery Beginning

[lighttogekiss]

After being exiled from what he thought was his family, Justice began wandering, searching for other wolves. At first, Justice moved quickly, going miles and miles before stopping; now, however, Justice barely even goes one mile before giving up. Justice hadn't encountered a single wolf at all; he was starting to give up hope.

Justice comes upon a seemingly large forest, and his spirit becomes lifted once again. He trots into the forest and realizes that there were many animals in the forest. Justice simply couldn't remember what the animals were. After such a long time not smelling anything living other that vegatation, Justice had forgotten the specific smells of the different forest creatures.

Justice continues trekking through the forest, using his sight rather than his smell to guide him. Justice had been traveling for a long time within this forest and he still hadn't encountered any wolves. Maybe... Maybe there aren't any wolves left...

Justice was going to turn back before he realized that there wasn't anything to turn back to. At least there's....some life here.. Justice thought as he looked back and forth between a squirrel and a bird of some sort. Of course, Justice wouldn't hurt those.

Justice entered a clearing filled with trees considerably shorter that the others in the forest. For a moment, Justice didn't realize the shift, but then, all of a sudden, his surroundings hit him. These are...These are..Cherry blossoms.. Justice looked to the ground where he was standing and saw a few pink blossoms beneath the now brown leaves covering the ground. I haven't seen one of these in so long. Justice thinks as he walks over to one of the trees.

Justice stands under the tree for a moment before plopping down in a small pile of leaves. I'll just wait here...There's no way that if anyone lives in this forest, that they wouldn't come here. Right?? Justice lays his head down in the leaves and drifts off into sleep, dreaming about wolves he would hopefully encounter in the future.

[.swift]

BAYLIN
Wanna be the one you run to when you need a shoulder
I ain't a soldier but I'm here to take a stand

Early evening, the large male drank in the crisp, sweet scent around him. As the sun began to dip, so did the temperatures, and this was a lovely respite for the large male. The still persisting drought was not doing him any favors, not with his thick pelt. He welcomed even the slightest bit of relief from the heat. Taking deep, slow breaths as he marched along, Baylin inwardly rejoiced at the coming evening.

Moving at an even, ground covering trot, the auburn male kept his cadence by listening to the leaves crunch under his large paws. It was a sound he has grown so accustom to hearing in his travels since early in the summer. The leaves should only now be starting to drop, but the heat and lack of ran has caused most of the trees to loose their leaves prematurely. It was sad really, Baylin loved traversing the forests this time of year to see them in full color.

It was out of this habit that brought him here today. While he knew there would be little to see this year, it just felt wrong for the vagabond to not come. Even though he had no permanent home, he still had his routines he liked to follow. Thus, he was here, and after a long day of traveling, Baylin was exhausted. Musing to himself, he wondered if that little grove he had visited in seasons past was just as lovely as he remembered.

Pointing his nose to the center of the forest, he set course for Cherry Corpse. The journey was not long, as he was already nearby. Pausing as he neared, Baylin sighed. No, it was not quite the same. He suspected it wouldn't be, with the drought so harsh. That and the fact that it was not the right season to visit. The pink blossoms had long since fallen from the trees and where now covered by weeks of leaf-fall. Ah well, he could surely find a nice place to bed down at the very least. There were certainly enough leaves to make a decent bed.

As he searched, for a good spot, something caught his attention. The scent of another wolf, a fresh scent. Ears perking up in curiosity, amber eyes searched until they fell on a sliverly-white form settled under one of the trees. "Another traveler come, and disappointed, to see the forest in color?" He wondered aloud to himself. It was not often that he came across another in his wanderings, particularly one that was alone.

How tempted he was to go up and say hello. He resisted the urge though, seeing that the other was clearly asleep. He didn't want to disturb or startle the fellow. Shaking his head he moved on, he'd say hi in the morning. The idea of sleep was quite pleasing to him as well. Trying to stay quiet - which was hard with dead leaves everywhere - Baylin went on looking for his own spot to bed down.

WORDS! 502
TAGS! Justice
NOTES! I hope you don't mind me setting a time of day?
Because We Can lyrics © Bon Jovi

[lighttogekiss]

Justice enjoyed his slumber; he hadn't seen a cherry tree in so long. Justice dreams were like the wings of a soaring bird; each held out for a long period of time before being cancelled out by another right at the climax. Most were comprised of the few happy memories he had involving the cherry tree near his old pack.

Justice saw all of the things he left behind when he left, and he knew he would do anything to go back to those days. His mother... His brother... The cherry blossom tree that bloomed so perfectly in his first spring... As the last of Justice's nostalgic dreams fled, Justice awoke with a loud ruffle of leaves. Justice looks at the tree above him with tears flooding his vision. Justice lets out a weak whine as he rids himself of the many leaves that had apparently fallen on him during his slumber.

Justice looks to the sky, it was still dark. Justice had been happy that he fell asleep before darkness did the same; Justice had always been afraid of the dark and now was no different. Justice body begins to shake as the fear he knew so well filled his body.Not again...

Justice slowly begins to rise, planning on going into the unshaded part of the clearing, so the the starlight could comfort him. He looks around the clearing and notices the wolf lying within it. Justice lets out a gasp like no other. He jumps back so far that his body scrapes up against the tree. Justice had been searching desparately searching for any wolves for weeks, but now that he was in close proximity to one, he couldn't even speak.

Justice looks at the wolf, tense, ready to bolt at any moment. "Please, don't...." Justice couldn't even bare to say what his mind was wandering to. Why did his life matter anymore anyway...

[.swift]

BAYLIN
Wanna be the one you run to when you need a shoulder
I ain't a soldier but I'm here to take a stand

There was plenty of good spots to bed down in. It was just a matter of picking one. So he did. Padding under the nearest tree, the large wolf circled a time or two before flopping to the thick cover of leaves below him. As much as he hated this persisting drought, there was some good about it. The leaf fall made nesting a lot easier, and the dead brown color of the leaves matched his earthen-hued coat quite well. Taking one last glance at the other wolf in the clearing, Baylin laid his head down and closed his eyes.

He never fell asleep though. Moments after he was settled, the other seemed to stir. A soft whine, the rustle of movement, then a loud gasp. It was the gasp that got to him. Baylin's head shot up and amber eyes quickly focused on the other male. Oh dear, I've gone and startled him. He sighed and shook his head. The fact was obvious by the silver's body language alone. Then there was the spoken cue as well. "Please, don't...." Baylin has heard those words enough to know what typically follows them. Please, don't....hurt me.

The large male made no movements toward or away from the other. He instead remained right where he was, laying calm and still among the leaves. "I mean no harm, I assure you." He spoke calmly, a kind smile curling his muzzle. Pausing, he took a deep breath and gazed up at the sky, or what he could see of it from his vantage point."On a nice night like this I've always found this grove a lovely place for a rest, as you seem to have had as well. I'm sorry for disturbing you."

If the other spoke or not was his choice, but Baylin hoped that he did. He enjoyed his life as a wander, but was a lonely life. A good bit of conversation was a nice thing to have every once in a while.

WORDS! 334
TAGS! Justice
NOTES! Derp.
Because We Can lyrics © Bon Jovi

[lighttogekiss]

When the wolf responded, Justice felt a wave of relief rush over him. Justice was still shaking however, since it wasn't just the other wolf he was scared of. "Ummm-- do you.... Do you... live here?" Justice said awkwardly.

Justice got up and began to lick a section of his fur that had leaf particles embedded within it. When Justice realized that he forgot to introduce himself. "Oh-- My name is..." As Justice tried to say his name, it came out very difficultly; like getting up on a cold winter morning. Not saying his name had caused it to become foggy even to himself. "Justice"

Justice looked on his back where the tree had scraped body; he was bleeding very lightly. Justice jumped up. "Oh! Oh!... Oh!!" Justice clamped his eyes shut and quickly ran over to a section of the clearing where several herbs were growing. Walking with his eyes closed made his step awkward, especially since his sense of smell was fading,
but Justice could't bear the sight of blood.

Justice bit a few of the herbs off and crushed them in his mouth; after a minute or so of diligent mastication, Justice rubbed the paste on his fur and waited a few moments before opening his eyes, making sure the herb past was correct. Justice was glad he still remembered something from his past..

[.swift]

BAYLIN
Wanna be the one you run to when you need a shoulder
I ain't a soldier but I'm here to take a stand

The wolf still shivered, but it no longer seemed to be because of his presence. He actually seemed to be rather excited to be talking to someone else. This was the vibe that Baylin perceived, anyway. Patiently the earthen male remained silent, and waited to see what the other would do. "Ummm-- do you.... Do you... live here?" The words fell out of the other's mouth awkwardly, as though he had forgotten how to speak. "Nah, just passing through." He answered patiently.

The poor fellow was trying to make the best of it, but seemed to have forgotten how to converse. Resisting the urge to chuckle - he didn't want to make the guy think he was insulting him - he continued to be patient. "Oh-- My name is..." The guy seemed to be trying to remember his manners, but something wasn't quite right. Almost as though the words were caught in his throat. Concern creeping over his expression, Baylin's ears flickered forward and his head tilted slightly. For once, the old loner was at a loss for words. He didn't want to make a big deal about it, but he didn't want the other wolf to force himself. As his mouth hang agape as he through of something to say to the silver wolf, the problem seemed to resolve itself when the other finally cracked a word. "Justice."

"Hello Justice. I'm Baylin." He said, though straining a bit. Justice's little moment with his name concerned him. But that concern was soon replaced by a new issue. The shaky little wolf suddenly popped up, for reasons unknown by the larger male. The confusion was clear on his face. It was a strange sight for the old loner, watching Justice run with his eyes clamped shut, and snap up a mouthful of nearby herbs and sit there chomping on them.

It didn't occur to him until after the silvery male spat the herbs on himself that he was treating himself for a wound. Baylin couldn't imagine it being such a very substantial wound, so the dramatics seemed a little unnecessary. Nevertheless, they had successfully dumbfounded and amused the large male. After a few moments of bewilderment, the earthen wolf finally brought himself back to his senses. "Not one for blood, eh?" He asked oddly. That seemed to be the only logically explanation for the display, though he could not actually see if the scratch was bleeding from where he lay. "I could have helped you with that if you'd of said something." While it was all said and done now, Baylin felt like throwing that out there. This Justice was an odd fellow, but harmless.

WORDS! 444
TAGS! Justice
NOTES! Baylin's just a little confused. XD
Because We Can lyrics © Bon Jovi

[lighttogekiss]

"Oh...I see....Bay--lin.. was it?... nice to... um.....meet you..And.... well no, I don't like...blood.. Justice processed Baylin's last comment.Wait... why would he?.. It felt strange hearing what the other wolf had to say,Help me? Justice had begun to think that wolves didn't really care about others, but here this wolf is, saying he could have helped. Justice's tail was inadvertently wagging despite Justice's most likely serious face.

"Umm, do you know if anyone... well.. lives here? It's just that...well, this place is so....pretty. Justice sounded like a pup looking at the oh so normal expanse of forest and finding it amazing, but Justice's words were sincere.

Justice looks at the grey wolf before him, wondering if he was dangerous. Justice kept his distance from the wolf, although he didn't have many reasons to. Justice thought maybe, just maybe, he had found a place to stay. Or at least a place to rest for now.

Justice thought about all of the days he had spent searching for any signs of life, anything that screamed "We're still here." All this time, Justice hadn't found anything and now he suddenly comes upon this forest? "Also, do many wolves still.....well....are many wolves still... alive?

Justice must have sounded odd, but Justice didn't know why it was so difficult to find others. Justice thinks about a comment one of his own pack mates made to him: "No one would Ever, want to be around you! Especially your family! You're a disgrace to their name, so why would they care?" Justice was hurt then, but he didn't take it seriously. Now, Justice wasn't so sure.

[.swift]

BAYLIN
Wanna be the one you run to when you need a shoulder
I ain't a soldier but I'm here to take a stand

He was an odd one this Justice. He's been isolated for too long perhaps. Some were able to handle solitude better than others, the brown male had observed, and he would not judge him for this fact. Being the patient brute he was, Baylin stayed quiet and let the silver male take his time when speaking. "Oh...I see....Bay--lin.. was it?... nice to... um.....meet you..And.... well no, I don't like...blood.."

There wasn't much to say in reply to this, so Baylin simply nodded and let Justice continue. "Umm, do you know if anyone... well.. lives here? It's just that...well, this place is so....pretty." The question was so innocent and sincere that he couldn't help but smile at it. He couldn't dispute the fact that this was indeed a pretty place, he quite fancied it himself, but he wasn't sure if he could provide an answer for the question. Cocking his had to the side, Baylin thought about, recalling the times he had been here in the past. Until know he hasn't run across anyone here, so his best guess was to assume that no one actually lived here. "No." He answered, shaking his head. "I don't believe anyone does, sorry to say." Hopefully this didn't disappoint the fellow too much.

Baylin likely should have been expecting Justice's next question, but it rather caught him off guard. "Also, do many wolves still.....well....are many wolves still... alive?" If anything, it confirmed his suspisions of the wolf having lived without any other canine contact for sometime. If he was asking if there were many of them left, Baylin was very likely the first wolf he has come in contact with for some time. Softened by this question, the brown male grinned reassuringly to the other. "Yes, there are still wolves out there. I've come across enough in my travels to say that we are still a thriving species." He said kindly. "We are still strong enough in numbers to establish a few packs, at the very least."

Perhaps he was getting ahead of himself, but the vagabond wanted to completely reassure that there were still wolves out there. He had heard rumors about small packs building up in various territories, but he knew not of the current statuses of the bands. Biting his tongue before he said anything more he surely hoped that the whispers he heard were true. He wouldn't want to get this poor guys hopes up just to have them crushed by false information.

WORDS! 422
TAGS! Justice
NOTES! Boop.
Because We Can lyrics © Bon Jovi

[lighttogekiss]

Justice didn't know how to feel when Baylin spoke. Justice felt both relieved and let down at the same time. He felt relieved because Justice didn't have to worry about any wolves attacking him, or forcing him out of the area, but he felt let down because now Justice knew that he could be left alone again when Baylin left.

Hearing that wolves still roamed and flourished gave Justice nothing but joy, however; as much as Justice disliked the attitude of most of the wolves he had met, he still didn't want an entire species to die off. Justice still had something to hold on to. There was still hope.

Justice continued to shudder as he thought. "Um, Mr. Baylin sir..., are you umm.. planning on staying here? Justice spoke quietly as if not to arouse the world that was just beginning to open its eyes on its own. The sky was beginning to be filled with morning light once again and Justice was happy about that.

Justice continued, clarifying himself, "It's just that.. well... I was kicked out of my pack.... and well..I don't know what to do..I have been searching for wolves for so long.. and I hadn't found anyone other than you...I just...I just.. Justice voice began to crack as he spoke and his words began to wander. phrases, both recognizable and not so, were flooding the morning silence.

Justice continued babbling about "beauty" and "bunnies" and "disease" for several minute, and all the while memories began to flood Justice's mind and it showed on Justice's face as tears once again formed in his eyes.

Justice didn't know why he was even talking to this wolf, but for whatever reason he was. Maybe it was the fact that this was the first wolf he had seen in months, maybe it was because of the seemingly caring statement Baylin had just made earlier, maybe Justice personality was just being overwhelmed by his emotions and he couldn't control himself. Whatever the reason was that Justice was confiding in Baylin didn't matter much to Justice. What mattered was the fact that he was safe; safe with someone to talk to. For now.

[.swift]

BAYLIN
Wanna be the one you run to when you need a shoulder
I ain't a soldier but I'm here to take a stand

Amber eyes watched as a mix of emotions fell over the silver wolf's face. Laying where he was, Baylin could almost see what the younger male was thinking as joy, disappointment and hurt flushed his face. The auburn male registered this with inward curiosity, but said nothing. He wasn't going to push his acquaintance. He could tell Baylin what was on his mind when he was ready to do so himself.

Which was now, appearantly. His voice shakey, Justice revealed to Baylin a bit about his history. Intently, the large wolf listened, his ears peaked forward and attentive. The sympathy was clear on his face thoughout, but really showed when the younger male fell into tears.

Quietly - though still rather loudly because of all the leaves - Baylin pulled himself up, padded over to the silver wolf and sat down beside him. He said nothing, and he did not so much as look at the other. Instead, his gaze was averted and amber eyes watched the rising sun. He sat there in silence and let Justice cry, merely letting his presence be known and hoping his closeness would be of comfort.

After several moments, Baylin finally turned to Justice and smiled. "You are more than welcome to bounce with me for a while. At least until you find better accommodations for yourself." He said simply and softly.

WORDS! 228
TAGS! Justice
NOTES! Bleh, I'm a bit drained of muse today. Hopefully there is enough for you to work with? If not then let me know and I'll add to it.
Because We Can lyrics ? Bon Jovi

[lighttogekiss]

When Baylin rose, Justice strained to see through the blanket of tears that now covered his eyes. Justice hoped dearly that Baylin wasn't leaving. Oh, no. I must have been too.. Justice stopped thinking when he realized that the foggy image of Baylin was approaching him.

Justice almost jumped up with fear, but he refrained from doing so because of Baylin's slow motion. Could Mr. Baylin be?... No. He couldn't be.. Justice sat still; he hoped Baylin wasn't going to attack, but if he did, would Justice have even..

When Baylin sat down once again, Justice didn't know what to do. As Baylin spoke, Justice's heart lifted with the sun as the earth was immersed in the pastel colors of dawn. "

Better accommodations? What's..... well what's better than a.... friend? As Justice spoke, he wondered if what he was saying had grip on his reality. Was what Justice said true? Was this really a friend? All Justice knew was family; and now all Justice knew was gone. After sitting quietly for a while, Justice rose; it's about time Justice learned something new.

[.swift]

BAYLIN
Wanna be the one you run to when you need a shoulder
I ain't a soldier but I'm here to take a stand

"Better accommodations? What's..... well what's better than a.... friend?" This comment made Baylin chuckle, then sigh sadly, suddenly serious. It was an innocent question, and Justice was young. He had yet to learn. The life of a loner was a tough one, and not many could handle it. Even if you have someone else to help support you, it was a battle. The boy needed to understand what he was getting into.

"I suppose you do have a point there." The coffee-hued wolf responded, regardless. "But I'm a loner, a wander. I never stay anywhere long. It's a rough life. You have to do everything yourself, hunt, find a safe place to bed down at night, treat your own wounds, the list goes on." He paused, watching the sun as it continued to climb in the sky. "Some are able to adapt to such a life, others...not so much." He needed Justice to understand what he was saying. "What I am getting at is: do you think you can handle it?" He turned to Justice and stared him straight in the face, a hard, serious look in his amber eyes.

He wasn't trying to push the little silver wolf away, but he needed him to understand. Baylin was only trying to help him. From what he had seen thus far, Justice was not very well suited for the life of a loner. He would be better off it he found himself a nice pack to join. The auburn wolf would be happy to help him find one, but he would not support him forever.

WORDS! 265
TAGS! Justice
NOTES! Woof.
Because We Can lyrics © Bon Jovi

[lighttogekiss]

As Baylin spoke, Justice began to realize what the grey wolf was getting at; then Baylin said exactly what he meant, not barring anything. Can I handle it? Justice didn't know if he was reiterating what Baylin had said, or if he was asking himself the same question. Justice hadn't thought much about that; he had simply trekked onward, searching for anything to cling to. Now that he had, Justice truly didn't know what to do next.

"Well...ummm...I..I..I don't know yet. That's... Well, I guess.... that's just something I'll...Something I'll have to figure out on my own.

Justice reflected for a moment.Why did I leave? I could have tried returning sooner, maybe then... Maybe then.. I could have seen hope..I left Legacy there.. all alone.. While Justice was thinking to himself, most of what he said escaped right from him mouth into the now slowly warming air. Justice was about to cry again. No! Mr. Baylin's right; I need to learn how to survive on my own...I can't keep looking back.

With those thoughts, Justice looked up, maybe now, maybe now things could change. How though.. Justice didn't know what to do next. What does a wolf without a place to call home do anyway. Umm... Mr. Baylin.. do you... Well, what do I do now?

Justice began to clean himself once again, his white fur was already beginning to become dirty, as he did so, Justice thought about the countless wolves that were probably out there. Justice realizes that he does have hope, just not the hope he was.. well, hoping for.

[.swift]

BAYLIN
Wanna be the one you run to when you need a shoulder
I ain't a soldier but I'm here to take a stand

As the silver wolf contemplated his words Baylin watched carefully, wondering if he had been too harsh. Perhaps a bit he concluded, but his young companion would have to face the reality of the world sometime. Life was harsh, and tiptoeing around this fact would get you nowhere. Facing the truth at face value made things a lot easier in the end.

The smaller male finally made to answer, and Baylin perked up attentively. "Well...ummm...I..I..I don't know yet. That's... Well, I guess.... that's just something I'll...Something I'll have to figure out on my own." It was not quite what the mocha-hued wolf expected, but he was quite impressed by it. "A fair answer, but a stupid one if you were alone." The large loner replied wisely. He made to say more, but found Justice to be engrossed in his thoughts again, and refrained. The poor fellow seemed on the verge of tears again, and saying anything too brutal would probably set the poor guy off. So he left it at if you were alone. If that wasn't a hint that Baylin was there to help him, he didn't know what was.

Wrapping his tail around his paws, Baylin sat there, ready to comfort his friend should the tears start to flow again. Much to the large male's surprise however, the silver's expression suddenly hardened to a look of resolve. This change made the corners of the mocha-hued brutes lips curl into a smirk. So he does have some strength. He told himself, impressed.

"Umm... Mr. Baylin.. do you... Well, what do I do now?" Justice asked, his innocence continuing to shine through. "For starters, you can stop calling me mister. Just Baylin, if you would please." He answered with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood a bit. A smile still clear upon his muzzle, the old wolf paused for a moment, thinking. There was so much they could cover, it was hard to know where to begin. If he knew Justice a bit better, what talents he had or didn't have, that would make things easier. "In all seriousness, though, knowing your attributes is a good place to start. What skills do you have, if you don't mind me asking?"

WORDS! 376
TAGS! Justice
NOTES! ----
Because We Can lyrics © Bon Jovi

[lighttogekiss]

When Justice heard Baylin's blunt comment, he felt surprised, almost hurt. Justice thought about the comment more, however, and realized the Baylin said "If", Does he mean? Justice spirit lifted slightly.

Justice tried to process in his mind to remember not to call Baylin "Mr." anymore. Justice didn't quite know how to respond to Baylin's last question, however, so he sat still for a minute thinking about what skills he could respond with.

"Well...I..I don't really have any fighting...skills... I don't like violence..so I never really learned...how to...Ummm..Well, I know...I can run quickly...But I suppose that's just because...That's all I ever do anyway...Oh, and I know..Well, I can use plants and things from the forest...Well... I would say I'm more of a healer...

Justice didn't know if that was enough, but he didn't really have that many skills to speak of. I wonder if Mr. Baylin..

Justice stopped thinkng when he noticed something falling out of one of the trees. Justice bolted over to where the object would land, and, as the item drifted slowly through the air and onto Justice's face, Justice watched intently. The object was a cherry blossom, probably the last of the blooms considering the time of year.

Justice's eyes softened as he thought about the cherry blossom trees that were so frequenttly seen in the forest of his old pack. Justice sat still as he lightly padded and swatted at the pink flower in the air with his tiny paws. Maybe one day..Maybe one day..