Wolf RPG

she never gave up. that much, she knew. it was pretty much the only thing that kept her going, other than the fact that her baby brother might be injured in a ditch and dying somwhere. or that he was already dead. she preferred not to think of the negative possibilities, as they would do nothing to aid her in her mission. nevertheless, once in a while, she entertained the possibility that he could be dead, and that she would never, ever see him again. it was heartbreaking, to say the least, but she always got up and kept going. johan manchester was not known for giving up; she wasn't going to start now. and so, she travelled, unsure of where she was going, exactly, but hoping, that one day, she would find him.

except johan never really thought that she would actually find him. and so when she caught the slightest whiff of his still familiar scent, she'd rolled her eyes and called herself crazy.

but it was definitely his scent. 

that much, she remembered.

regardless of her growing excitement, she kept her distance, standing a respectable distance away from the borders of the pack. johan cocked her head and inhaled sharply, the sharp jolt of excitement she'd felt when she first caught the scent faded away into a dull spark of curiousity and suspicion. the manchester never doubted herself, or her abilities...yet, so close to completing her mission, she found herself wondering if this was just someone with a similar scent. no. she was 95% sure that this was where he was, though, with her luck, most likely this was another dead end.

johan didn't have dead ends.

with a scowl, the assassin tilted her crown back and announced her presence and called for the leadership of this pack. once the song faded away, johan's features reassembled itself into one of complete emptiness, her pale blue eyes scanning her surroundings with slight caution as she stood there, silent and still, and waited.

Ezekiel was doing patrols when he heard the howl. He never thought he'd hear that sound again. It was a voice that he wouldn't forget, but wished he could. He'd left his brother, and his sister. Jojo and him had been so close, and he'd left her behind. At the time, he was lost, hurt and confused. He hadn't thought much can about it. He'd thought it was for the best, to leave behind the life he'd accepted but come to loath. But since then, he'd thought about how his leaving may have affected Johan and Gabriel. His mother was a horrid woman, she could've hurt them, or done something to them. He knew that Johan and Gabriel were amazing fighters and could protect themselves, but he still couldn't shake the guilt.

So when he heard Johan's voice ringing throughout the mountain range, his heart skipped a beat. Dropping his patrol, the large grey wolf ran as fast as he could to the source of the howl. When he saw her he didn't stop, he rushed up to her circling her and looking her over. He had to be sure it was his sister. Posture dominant at first he may have looked like an attacker, he always was rather intimidating, but he didn't plan on hurting her. He was just extremely curious. Sure enough it was her. Her pale blue eyes, just like his, her cinnamon coat and golden mask. She still smelled faintly of the Bluff, which made his fur prickle a bit.

Breathing heavily and staring blankly for a moment, he stepped back, allowing his sister space. Johan. He said her name for the first time in a while, it rolled off his tongue as it always had. A memory of the two of them playing as young pups flashed in his mind, but he pushed it away. No need for memories, here she was in the flesh.

she heard him before she saw him. large, bulky and gray, he was just as she had remembered and if she had had less control over her emotions, her expressions would be transparent on her face. except, she did have control, and so her countenance remained as impassive as ever. the only indication that she was feeling any sort of emotion at the moment was the brief twinkle in her pale blue eyes as she watched him circling her and looking her over.

despite him being her brother, her posture still shifted accordingly to her rank as a loner, knowing that she wouldn't have a chance of getting in if she was a disrespecful bitch...even if she had connections within the pack.

johan watched, observing him as he breathed heavily and stared at her, before stepping back. he uttered her name, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. it was all she could do not to break out into a large smile as reality sunk in. she'd found her baby brother. her baby brother who'd decided to ditch her without even informing the one person who cared about him the most since birth.

fucking hell. she'd just remembered that. gods help him when this reunion was over, because he would know what a sister's wrath felt like.

ezekiel, the corner of her lip quirked faintly upwards in a ghost of a smile and she canted her head almost thoughtfully, blue eyes piercing as she observed him. did you miss me, baby brother?

Johan was too, just as Ezekiel remembered her. She looked the same, if not bigger, and sounded the same. Her passivity he remembered well, how she contained her emotions as well as he. As well as he used to. Being with this pack had loosened up the boy, and sent the soldier into slumber. Yes she may be stoical, but he could tell that she was happy to see him. After an entire childhood of living with her, he'd picked up on her hints and tells. The twinkle in her eyes did no go unnoticed.

She responded by saying his name, a final confirmation of sorts. Here she was, his big sister. She'd always looked after him, and while he could look after himself, being a huge tank of a wolf, she always had set him straight. He would always think of her as his best friend, and almost as a maternal figure, seeing as their own mother was such a bitch. Did you miss me baby brother? She asked with a hint of a smirk. He'd missed that look, but even though he was happy to see her, he couldn't return it. They had things to discuss before things were all hunky dory. 

Expression still cold, and rather expressionless, Ezekiel's low voice rumbled. Why the fuck are you here? It may sound rather aggressive, mean, and unwelcoming, but him and his siblings had never exactly been the sweet happy reunion type. He knew she wouldn't take his rudeness to heart, it was just how they talked to each other. His own icy blue eyes held her gaze, though he allowed his overly dominant posture to soften a bit. He trusted her, enough not to attack him quite yet.

johan watched, half amused, half annoyed as ezekiel greeted her with a cold expression and a demanding question. man, she'd traveled all this way just to find him, and this was how he greeted his big sister? right. if this was how he wanted to play this, two could play at this game. besides, it was always fun to mess with zeke, given the fact that he really wasn't as good with words as she was....if she remembered correctly. i could ask you the same thing, she said, cocking her head, her gaze drilling into his. so....why the fuck did you leave without telling me, brother? jojo watched him expressionlessly.

so eager to get away that you couldn't say goodbye to your sister? she smiled, though it was rather humourless. johan took a step forward, her posture carefully submissive, but there was a purpose in the way she held herself and the way she was eyeing him right now, with her eyes narrowed and empty. you must think highly of me. the corner of her lip curled upwards at those words. but no, i'm not here to kill you, or to drag you back to the bluff. hell, the only reason i ever stayed was because of you and gabriel, she lifted a shoulder in a shrug.

johan looked at ezekiel thoughtfully, although her eyes remained as cold as ever. i am your sister. why would i come to kill you, or hurt you? give me one logical reason, and maybe i'll even consider doing it, asshole.

jojo cared little of what he thought of her right now, the anger she'd hidden away at his abrupt departure was rising slowly, bubbling furiously beneath her breast and to be perfectly honest, it was all she could do not to teach him a lesson right there and then.

Valette was not sure why she reacted to the howl she heard. Normally she wouldn't really go to the borders to meet others or to talk to them, often she was on travels, but if she was a good scout she would also be able to be an ambassador right? She was not that close to the borders and perhaps she could see Ezekiel. It wasn't like she had just seen him, but she thought it was nice to see how he handled that 'border stuff' of his.

After all Ezekiel was the one that mostly met up with new members. Perhaps she could just stand by him and listen to the questions he asked. For her it seemed like a good idea. She trotted closer to the border and could hear Ezekiel's voice with that of a feminine one. Valette made her trot a bit brisker as she came down the mountain. She could not really understand what they were saying.

She reached the borders, her hazel eyes falling on Ezekiel with the female who did seem familiar. Perhaps... Maybe he had been lying to her? No he wouldn't.... "Ezekiel?," her voice carried out from behind him as she stepped closer. The young female kept her hazel eyes on the other female, unsure what she wanted from... her man.

She didn't really want to be that type of girlfriend that would question him with every single female... she really didn't. So she didn't question him verbally, or accused him so. She wouldn't do that again. She wanted to place herself right next to him and be that confident female she was while hunting or out scouting. But, now her personal feelings were on the line so she both gave them a bit of space.

Ezekiel kept his eyes on Johan as she spoke, it frustrated him that she was so fluid with words. She always had been, and when it'd come to verbal confrontation, he'd always lost. Her question stung it was something he'd thought about for a long time. He'd left without telling her, and now he would pay for it. Heat boiling up inside of him, Ezekiel stumbled to explain himself. It wasn't like that Jo- He was cut off as she stepped closer to him, her words like knives in his heart. He had them all coming, every single stab. He held his dominant posture and took them all.

But then she explains that she wasn't here to kill him, or drag him back. Her tone seemed to have soften. She was still angry, but maybe not angry enough to beat on him. Which was surprising. When they were little they were always getting into scuffles. But they were more mature now anyway, Ezekiel especially. Why wouldn't you want to kill me Jo? I left you. I've regretted leaving you, but my decision to leave the pack I would never take back. I'm your brother. You don't think I missed you every day? 

His attention turned when he heard Valette's voice. He turned his head until his eyes fell on her, and immediately he became nervous. What would she think? He knew how quick to assume she was? He stared at her blankly for a moment, glancing from her to his sister. Then he spoke. Valette this is my sister, Johan. That's when Steady arrived. Ezekiel was starting to grow more and more impatient, and anxious. Neither Valette nor Steady knew what was happening, Steafd was on the offensive, it made Ezekiel feel boxed in. His alpha made an aggressive motion, and Ezekiel's heart dropped. He had to clear this all up immediately, or it would turn bloody.

Steady stop! Valette, Steady stay back its under control. This is my sister! He leaped in front of Johan, barring Steady's oncoming attack. He was completely torn. If the alpha didn't listen, if Valette and Steady attacked Johan, who's side would he be on. He held his ground and could only hope that they would understand. He flashed Valette a quick glance, a pleading glance, his tail twitching behind him.

she resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him when he attempted to tell her that 'it wasn't like that' before he wisely decided to shut up and take her abuse. the abuse which he very much deserved for leaving her behind. there was no way he was going to avoid this, but she had hoped that it would be after she'd been accepted into the pack, given that by then, the chances of her being able to stay were higher than her chances of being kicked out for disrespectfulness and insolence towards a higher ranking member, who, coincidentally, was also her little brother.

truth to be told, johan did want to beat up her brother and show him who was boss; give him a piece of her mind, but she was smart enough to know that now was not the time to do it, less another wolf showed and thought she was actually attacking one of their pack members. no, she would beat him up, but she would do it at a better time, in a better place. oh, trust me, she rolled her eyes, i do want to kill you for that, so please, don't tempt me. but i'm not here on behalf of the bluff. i left a few weeks after you ditched me, to find you. she tilted her head thoughtfully, almost mockingly, please do remember the part where i said i only ever stayed there and fought for them, because you did. so, you would know how i felt when my dearest little brother left without breathing a word about it.

johan allowed the faintest hint of a smile to grace her lips before vanishing. i know you missed me, little brother, she said, almost matter-of-factly, once again resisting the urge to roll her eyes. after all, what would zeke do with her? sure, he managed to build himself a life, but he needed someone else to keep him in line. before jojo had the time to dwell on those thoughts, however, a dark furred girl emerged, stating her brother's name with a hint of hesitance, hazel eyes fixed on johan. at that, the corner of her lip twitched and she withheld a grin, amused that her brother, of all wolves, had managed to snag himself a nice girl. he was handsome, she'll give him that, but man, he'd grown up. quickly, she made sure her posture was submissive, not wanting to anger a pack wolf who wasn't her brother.

snagged yourself a girl, have you? johan questioned, her gaze flitting over to her grayscale brother. jojo's countenance was, like always, stoic, and but, if anything, it was now bordering disapproval, even though deep down, she was secretly dying of amusement. when ezekiel introduced her, she gave valatte a respectful nod, it's a pleasure to meet you, valette, she said cordially, a small smile lingering on her lips for a second before disappearing. when she was accepted, if she was accepted, she was going to give this girl a thorough interrogation.

however, before jojo had the chance to go through the details of said interrogation in her mind, another male came charging towards them, his intentions hostile and from the looks of it, he intended to smash right into her. johan resisted the temptation to raise an eyebrow, instead, her facade remained impassive. she could jump out of the way but if that was what this guy wanted, that was what he would get. jojo was nothing if not adaptable; she would do anything, become anything, just to achieve her goals. however, it appeared that she would not have to be pinned to the ground as ezekiel jumped to her defense, telling 'steady', whom she assumed was the aggressive male to stop. ezekiel agitatedly told his two packmates that it was under control while simultaneously stating that she was his sister.

johan watched, partly curious, partly amused as ezekiel, like the good little brother he was, jumped in front of her, barring his packmate's way. her brows furrowed ever so slightly, though it vanished in an instant. she didn't want him caught up in her troubles, even though she was touched that he still wanted to protect her....it still wasn't going to save him from the thrashing he was going to receive later on. plus, to be perfectly honest, she could fight her own battles.

it's okay, little brother, johan said softly, her position submissive. the assassin was ready to play the part of the 'good big sister who was simply angry at her little brother for ditching her and was simply reprimanding him for doing so', which, to be fair, was partly true. except for the fact where she was 'good' and 'simply angry' because she was beyond pissed, and jojo was by no means, 'good'. also, she was not 'simply reprimanding him', she was ready to beat him up, but they didn't need to know that. they needed to know that she was the big sister with a heart of gold and good intentions and she would play that role for them.

johan stepped out from behind her brother and respectfully bowed, her posture lowered even more and her tail hung by her ankles as she increased her act of deference, ready to do anything to join her brother in the pack. i apologise for my attitude, she said quietly, i have not seen my brother since he left without telling me, and in the heat of the moment, my anger might have gotten out of control. i mean no harm, and i apologise. i'm just glad to see zeke again. 

she didn't really like playing this role; it made her seem... meek, she supposed. but whatever. she would do anything to be reuinited with the stupid, idiotic little brother that she loved. why? don't ask, johan didn't really know, but she knew she was just as stupid for doing this.

Valette noticed that there was some kin dog tension between them, especially when Steady came along after her the tension seemed to burst. He was ready to charge. Valette was not a violent woman, far from. She stepped back a bit when Steady seemed to want to charge at the other. What surprised her was that Ezekiel's sister was so perceptive. Had her facial features been so obvious? They hadn't really told anyone yet. Just taking it slow. They had shared some kisses but nothing more. The thought that Ezekiel's sister thought they had done more than that made her feel a bit flustered.

Another surprise came over her when Ezekiel went to protect his sister, defying Steady and trying to stop his attack. She looked worriedly between the two males because she was not sure how Steady was going to take this? On the offensive side? She hoped not. She didn't want any tension about loyalty. The girl was far more focussed on the female and the two males and their body language rather than the words the female had spoken. Valette noted that the female was submissive so in that way she might have saved her brother's hide for today. If she was rude to Steady they were in a far more difficult matter.

Valette stayed quiet and on the background, however she did caught Ezekiel's pleading glance. Although it was pleading she was not sure why he was pulling such a pleading face. She frowned a bit in confusion, her eyes shifting from the female to him. At least she knew now that this was his sister so she couldn't possibly be a threat to her.... right?

Johan's words laced with the same poison as always had their own way of working into him like nobody else could. Whenever she attacked him in such a verbal way, he felt like a child being scolded. His ears flattened to his skull, but he was reluctant to charge back against her. Unlike with anyone else, Jojo had always held dominance over him, even if he had the higher rank. He'd forgotten about how much of a burden had been lifted after he left, until now, as she taunted him. He took it all stiffly. Flinching only when she spat out her words in his face, as if he were the dirt beneath her feet.

When he gave his little explanation as to how he missed her, he noticed her small smile. He'd gotten her there, if not only for a second. He wouldn't push her any further, until the moment became less heated. If he pushed the why on her now, she'd probably get mad and beat him to death or something. He'd always had more brute strength, and been a great combat fighter, but she knew how to get the drop on you. He wouldn't push his luck today. Sometimes it's better to just take what you deserve, and in Ezekiel's eyes he deserved every word.

When Valette arrived, and he introduced them, Johan's words made him growl a bit. Snagged yourself a girl? He puffed up a bit in front of Valette, protectively. Even if Johan was his sister, and they always tainted each other in such ways, Valette was off limits. He'd promised himself never to let anyone speak down to her, not even his sister. Luckily Johan gave a respectful greeting and nod, so he allowed himself to calm a bit. Before he got to more introductions and explanations which were desperately needed, Steady arrived like an angry bull. 

Ezekiel could tell that Steady disliked his insubordination, and he would hear about it later. He only hoped it wouldn't affect his position or anything like that. He could sense Johan's movement behind him, and he kept glancing at Valette. The reason he was pleading with her just because he hoped that she'd understand. He was always worried about how she viewed him, and whether or not it may affect how much she liked him. Would his action now affect their relationship, he sure hoped not. He kept in front of Johan protectively, but continued to bow as submissive as possible to Steady. He really didn't want this to become a fight between his family. For they were truly both his family.

He wasn't surprised that Johan took her chances and came from behind him, assuring him that it would be ok. He shot her a cocked eyed glance, as if he wasn't so sure, but stepped back allowing her to take the lead. He watched as she apologized, so close to the ground, closer than he'd ever seen her before. He was shocked at how she was being so cool, and at how weak she looked. He'd never thought he'd see her in such a way. She was usually such a regal woman, but now she bowed like a beggar in the streets. 

When she was finished there was a moment of silence where Ezekiel waited patiently for Steady's response. He was sure that Steady wouldn't chase her off now, he knew the alpha pretty well, but there was still that chance. However his hopes proved true, and Steady left them in peace, asking to see Ezekiel later. He nodded respectfully and waited till his alpha left before moving again. So he was in for a lecture, as long as it hadn't come to any further trouble, he was fine. The large grey male turned back to the females, his best friend and his sister. Mostly to Johan, though he shifted to stand by Valette, he spoke. Johan what are your plans? Are you here just to see me or join the pack? He hoped to straighten some things out.

If Johan wanted to join the pack, he wouldn't really want to turn her down, but having her around would take some getting used to. He wondered what she'd think of Valette and vice versa, what Valette would think of her.

she was glad that ezekiel simply accepted her words instead of arguing back; it would make things easier for the two of them, given that if he had talked back, she would've unleashed a few months worth of anguish, frustration and worry on him, and that would definitely not be a pretty sight. at all.

johan watched, rather amused when ezekiel uttered a growl, puffing himself up protectively in front of his valette. he really needed to relax, jojo meant no harm, if anything, she as just testing the waters, trying to see what kind of girl she was, and if she deserved her little brother. while it may usually be the other way around, where the girl's brother or father lectured zeke on how he shouldn't hurt their baby girl, jojo knew that her brother wouldn't want to purposely harm someone he cared about. however, zeke was capable of hurting those he loved, though most of the time, it was accidental.

nevertheless, she didn't want to see her baby brother hurt, and therefore, she needed to check his girlfriend out, make sure she wasn't some kind of player. zeke didn't deserve that sort of crap.

johan bit back a sharp retort when the wolf she presumed was the alpha bared his teeth at her brother, stating that sister or not, no one disrespected anyone in his family. seriously? as far as she was concerned, she was only disrespecting her brother, who, when she last checked, was her blood brother, not his. jojo had just as much right to lecture her brother as the alpha, if not more. despite her anger, however, she still played her role, expertly hiding her emotions behind an impassive countenance.

thankfully, the alpha accepted her words without a question and departed from their company after speaking with ezekiel. she waited until steady was gone and was out of earshot before turning on her brother. you didn't have to do that, she told him, stoic as ever. you know i could've handled it, played whoever i needed to be. i would've let myself get pinned to the ground if that's what it takes. jojo narrowed her eyes. you didn't have to get involved on my behalf. i don't like to owe people, or to have debts, even if it's to you. you know that. if he had let her take it, perhaps she wouldn't be owing anyone right now, and perhaps he wouldn't be on the alpha's naughty list.

jojo's posture had long gone back to neutral, bordering submissive; she hated playing the role of meek beggar, so, when ezekiel asked for her plans, she bowed her head respectfully, tail swishing thoughtfully by her ankles. i don't plan to go back to the bluff, she deadpanned, lifting a shoulder in a shrug. i don't plan to ever go back. and thus, i have nowhere to go. normally, i like to have some freedom, but i need a place to stay. she paused, thinking over her options. i'll like to join your pack, if you'll have me. i'm a great mercenary and scout, but i can hunt as well. i can also learn, adapt, be whatever you need me to be. all that was spoken in a soft voice, devoid of any emotion, save, maybe, respect. 

though that was only because if she didn't put on a show, johan would get rejected. and that wasn't a chance she was ready to take.

you can rest assured that i will not be leaving anytime soon, given that the last time i left a pack, it was because someone else left me first.

Valette stood there a bit of a distance away. Once Steady left she felt like she was intruding and looked over the two of them. She was more relaxed with the idea that this was Ezekiel's sister. However she did not want this female to take over her spot as the main hunter and hunt coordinator. Perhaps there was not enough trust in Ezekiel's sister to take over her spot but Valette's ambition was not going to let that happen.

Her hazel eyes were focusses on the other female before turning to Ezekiel. "I'm going to go too, I wouldn't want to intrude on your private moment," she admitted and then smiled at Ezekiel in a kind matter. The smile fell a bit towards Johan, but it was there nevertheless. She nodded goodbye to her too and walked away. She did look over her shoulder at Ezekiel, rather wanting him to be with her , but she knew she couldn't claim all his time.

After Steady left, Johan's words snapped back into a cold fury. And this time Ezekiel wasn't going to have it. He'd just protected her, risked his well being and his friendship with Steady on her and he got nothing. Not a thank you, just more scolding. He wasn't her child, he wasn't her little brother anymore. He was a man, and he had to stand up for himself. Not to mention he was beta, and he had every right to chase her off. You're right Johan! I didn't have to do that, I did it because I care about you. You think you can handle everything on your own but you can't. Just because your older by a few seconds doesn't make you superior. I'm the beta here Johan. And whether or not you wanted me to help, I did. And I expect at least a little gratitude for it sister. He snapped, puffing up slightly. He wanted her to see how serious he was. She couldn't boss him around anymore.

Soon they settled down a bit. Valette said she was going to leave, and Zeke turned to her and nodded. I'll see you around. He gave her a respectful nod before she left, hoping the whole ordeal wouldn't make her keep her distance. The soldier wolf turned back to his sister as she spoke of what she was going to do. He hadn't expected her to go back to the bluff. They were out of there, and nothing could make them return now. She gave a small blurb about her strengths, and what she could bring to the pack, as if he didn't know what a great asset she was.

He found that a bit funny, her little selling her skills thing, so he snickered a laughed a bit. It was about time they lightened the mood. Joe you don't have to try and sound so great. I know you have skills. Not exactly people skills, but ones we can use. Of course you can stay, but with a couple of conditions. There were a couple things she would need to know before joining them, so he took a deep breath before beginning. We have one pup, about five months. Her name is Adeline. I would stay away from her at least until Steady puts you in the clear since you didn't exactly get off on the right foot. Also, we've been looking for a healer, and I know you aren't to bad at it, so if you could put a bit towards the trade it would be appreciated.

He stood, seeing as they'd probably start moving soon. This pack functions as a family. We all help each other, and treat each other with respect. The hierarchy stands and is important, respect your rank. If you can do that, then you're welcome to join us.

her countenance emptied itself out until nothing remained and she listened with a tilted head and cool eyes as ezekiel attempted to reprimand her. but she did listen, and while outwardly she appeared to feel nothing, inwardly, she was quietly absorbing his words and wistfully reminiscing what he was like when he was younger. and while there was no doubt she was proud of him; he'd gone so far since she'd last saw him and though she wouldn't show it, she'd been scared to death about him and was so proud to see him making something for himself and creating a life he wanted and deserved. but, a part of her, the selfish part, wished for the younger him, her little baby brother.

and then, almost immediately, jojo wondered when and how she'd gone so soft. the answer came to her a moment later. obviously, it was the stupid greyscale male in front of him. "okay," she said, finally relenting to him. he was right, in a sense, and to be honest, while she did want to punch him and show him who's boss, she had listened to what he said and knew that to a certain extent, he was right. 

"i was going to sell it to your companion, but she decided to leave. not my fault," johan deadpanned, expressionless. "zeke, you know what my skills are and where they lie. you can decide," she said, subtly acknowledging his superior rank in this pack. "okay," she shrugged, "sounds fair to me." she'd seen her fair share of pups, but usually ended up training them and never developed feelings of affection for them. quietly, johan wondered if this time would be any different. 

"okay," she repeated when he asked if she could attempt to pursue the healer trade. it wasn't her absolute favourite, but if it was needed, then, what choice did she have? "i understand," johan spoke and canted her head, "so, dear brother," she began, a shadow of a mischievous smile tugging at the corner of her lips. a stranger probably wouldn't even see it, but zeke had known her for ages. this, for her, was like someone else grinning. "when are you going to hug me?"