Confrontation (closed, mature)

[Mistletoe]

((Original post by BushMaster 54))

"It's just a sprain, really. Worrying will not help, just time to make it heal."

 Slash's heard the despair in her voice he could only imagine how frustrating it must be to have not be able to use a limb to its full ability his mind was broken off from the thought when her voice came again.

"I'll be able to walk on it in two days or so." This news brought a slight true smirk to his face as he then he saw her smile a bit which really put him at ease and he could tell that that was not an empty smile. Unfortunately the easiness left him just as quick as it came when she backed away her defenses up again at least the tension was broken some what

 "Would you take the first few bites to expose the meat?"

Slash gave a calm fluid nod and answered in a kind soft voice "Certainly."

Lowered his head and began to pick off the feathers so he could access the meat with out ingesting any feathers then with a few well placed bites and slashes he exposed the meat for and took two steps back so she could eat her fill. He motioned with his right paw and said

"Its all yours"

he smiled at her then glanced over at Moo who had curled around Sonet in the back of the cave. He then turned his head to look up at the now risen moon. And laid down and rested his head on his paws and began to think about his brother.

[Mistletoe]

Moontouched watched Slash as he ripped out the feathers, his teeth carefully avoiding the skin. She saw this and realized that he was planning on being a gentleman and letting her have her fill before he took his. Her heart strained at the thought of him still being so nice to her, even after she had visibly stopped her efforts in being social. Moontouched felt that the only thing worse than being hurt was hurting others; even if it was done unintentionally. She still treated him like an outsider even though he had shown her more care than Moo often did.

It was true Moontouched often pushed Moo away, often with harshness and coldness if not harsh snap comments, but she did it because his presence threatened her connection with Sonet. With him there she wasn't the sole influencer any more, she was secondary; even she could see that. She just wanted a child of her own whom she could raise and care for, who would follow her around eagerly and look up to her. She just wanted to feel appreciated and loved. Unfortunately she had taken somebody else's pup to accomplish this after her pup had died from an early birth. Moontouched's paws twitched as she remembered the intense pain that had come with those minutes of despite despair. Her eyes flicked to Sonet then back to her feet. She tried to keep her mind focused on nothing, but her mind raced against her wishes. It was like a run away train, switching tracks between her relationship with Sonet and her new acquaintance, Slash.

She managed to narrow her mind until her stomach growled eagerly as she smelled the blood drip out from a little cut in the poultry. It drew her eyes up to see Slash's bright red pelt still shining in the afternoon light. The sun would sink in a few minutes, the lights dieing down, and allowing the moon that was already high in the sky to be visible and light up the night. She watched his powerful shoulders roll as he moved his paws around to get a better grip on the goose as he turned it around to pluck more feathers off of the back. Like a magnet, her mind was back on the subject of Slash. Although she realized that pulling away from him would end up hurting them both more than taking him out to the terrace and telling him her story, and possibly why she was so prejudice against new faces, she couldn't make herself do it right then at just that moment. If she did though, she might possibly even... tell him why he was special to her. She doubted that it would do much to tell him anything, but possibly she could make a friend for once and not an enemy.

Moontouched looked down, not wanting to meet his eyes and be forced to look away again, so she studied his paw pads on his back feet, his legs positioned just so, allowing her a little glimpse as he leaned forward every now and then. They were rough and thick, the type needed for a Blackblood, but slightly more torn and roughed up. It gave her the idea that he was either a traveler, or looking for someone as a wolf often was. Whether it was a mate or family she did not know, but she kept the information stored away for later.

While she was on the subject of investigating, she sniffed the air gently, trying to see what else she could pick up. She could only tell that he was a Blackblood from his scent, and that he had been traveling for some time, the rest of the markers that may have been left on his fur would have been washed away by the lake water that she could also smell. She expected to be proud of herself for finding it out, often she never cared, but now she felt guilty. She knew that a Blackblood, on a good day, would need to eat more than her, even if just slightly, but this wolf had been traveling and was sure to be starving. She almost told him that she wasn't hungry any more as he slashed open the meat and stepped back.

"Its all yours." he said gently, lifting his right paw to illustrate his point.

Moontouched's eyes were wet, but she blinked it away as she said her thanks quietly. She hoped that Slash did not think of her to be crying because she had not been, just internally agitated. She decided that she would just eat enough to tide her over until the next day, plus a slight bit more, and then pass it back to him to finish up. She pulled the meat closer to herself with her front teeth, dragging it along the stone. She held down the meat with one paw and realized just how difficult this one meal may be. She put on a face and bent her head in to tear some flesh out from under the chest plate, the bones crunching instantly with the force she applied as she yanked on the thickly built muscles. It had been a strong bird. She fed quickly on the fleshy things that had lain on the top, but reaching into the exposed chest was more difficult as she only had one paw to hold down the bird while she reached in blindly and pulled out something to eat. Moontouched chewed around a bone absently as she readied herself to pluck out her last few bites and looked back to Slash, having taken a seat behind her a while ago.

There he lay, quietly behind her as he stared up at the stars, something apparently on his mind. Moontouched watched him out of longing, wishing for another to share with her in her splendors. She didn't think of herself as wonderful, but she wished for someone who would think of her as such. It was hard though as she often didn't trust newcomers, or males for that matter, and didn't even realize that she was being offensive till they had left. Something about the male had just seemed go gentle; it must have broken through to her when he had first arrived.

Moontouched finished off the bone that she had chewed to bits, the bones in birds thin and hollowed out. She then gathered her courage as she grabbed up the ample meat in her jaws. She took in a big breath as she rose, her weight leaning forward as she got on all of her three available legs and walked over to Slash. She met his eyes, whether they glazed over her or comprehended her being there at all she didn't know, but she moved after a moment to lay down the meat in front of her as she lay down next to him.

She smiled at him quickly before she lay down, her back towards him. She planned it this way so that he may give her some of his heat if he slept with his back towards her too. It would be cold soon enough, and she normally had Sonet wrapped up in her legs as a heater.

Moontouched turned back to the meat and tried her luck as she pulled out the biggest bone that sat on top, the bones connecting to it having previously been broken, and decided to chew around that for a while, her portion of the meal concluded. She placed the bone down gently on her good paw and nosed the meat closer to Slash, hoping that he wouldn't fuss and just eat what she gave him. If he was smart, he would eat at least a good portion of it and then ask her at the end if she cared for any of the scraps.

She prayed that she hadn't killed her chances by shutting down with him before. She thought about it for a moment and realized that maybe it was for the better; now he may be slower to try and get answers out of her, respecting her restricted subjects and boundaries. She looked up to meet his eyes again before laying her head down in between her paws, careful to find a spot that would allow her to look at the cave wall and not be distracted with anything that was within her vision.

Sonet wagged his tail happily, having forgotten the fears and questions that he had held in regarding the fight that had just happened a few minutes ago. He had filled up on the strips of meat. He liked a variation in his meals, and he quickly tired of filling up on the mice he caught wondering the cave and woodlands below. He left the remains of his meal to Moo and wondered up to the front of the cave.

Moo took over the remains once he heard Sonet get up and leave, knowing his son would not come back wanting more. He reached in with his pointed maw and ate the quickly and quietly what was there; he wasn't the squirmy type when it came to food and ate what was in front of him.

Sonet reached over and grabbed the skull that he had carried up and now presented it in front of Moontouched. His tail was high as he tried to be helpful and impress Slash at the same time. "Here Momma," he said proudly at having thought ahead, something he often didn't have the fore thought to do. "I brought you up this water so that you wouldn't get thirsty tonight. I can refill it up in the morning too if you want."

Moontouched looked up, slightly more cheerful that Sonet was talking to her again, but her smile felted some when she saw how messy he had eaten. "Thank you Sonet, but baby," she began, reaching forward to clean his face with her tongue. "Your face is a mess. Let me clean it."

"Momma!" he said quickly, jumping back just in time to avoid her tongue. "Not when we have a guest, please." Sonet put on a pouting face, his pride at stake in front of the new wolf, the water in a skull his only card.

Moontouched looked him over, knowing exactly what he was thinking. "Sonet, if you don't let me clean your face then it will still be there in the morning."

"Let it." Sonet barked willingly. He would go for it if it was the only other option.

Moontouched sighed. She knew there was only one way that she would get him clean. She turned back to face Moo, her face stern but now showing any emotions that would show her as hurt by his earlier words. It was just how they all got along, it was better then getting mad at every little thing and letting it sit inside. "Moo," she called out to him in the shadows. "Would you take Sonet out to where the currents calm down so that he may clean himself up like a big boy?"

The pup didn't like the sarcasm that Moontouched had added onto the end of her question, but otherwise he was fine with leaving the cave at night for a little wash. He also saw it as another way that he had helped Moontouched out too as now she would be left alone with Slash.

Moo raised his head wearily. He didn't feel like moving around right now, but he knew that it would be best for both him and everybody else if he left now with Sonet to accomplish the new task. "Yeah, Sonet, lets get a move on." He rose with caution as the cave wall sloped down in the back. He yawned and trotted out to the front of the cave. "Do you want to come?" Moo asked Slash when he got to the front of the cave and had Sonet between his front legs. "I know you are still eating, but it would be rude of me not to invite you."

Sonet gulped and looked directly up at Moo, then to Slash. He wished that he could have Moo pull back the offer so that Moontouched could be alone with Slash. "Hopefully Slash will choose to stay with Moontouched", Sonet thought quietly, "otherwise she may be get hurt". Sonet's big eyes moving around in his sockets as he scanned Slash's face for any hint as to what he would say before he said it.

[Mistletoe]

((Original post by BushMaster 54))

Slash took his eyes off and away from the stars above as Moontouched slowly got to her feet. He was glad that she had eaten but he did wish she would eat more for he was not as hungry as she was, but he would not argue he didn't really like to bicker unless it was with his younger brother and they were just joking around. He looked down as Moontouched nosed the meat towards him he looked over to find that she had a bone resting on her good paw and he then looked back at the meat a little happier that she wasn't entirely done with her meal because she needed the strength more than he did. He bent his head down and placed one large paw on the base of goose's neck and reached inside the chest with his maw and tore out some meat it had been a while sense he last had goose. The meat was a little tougher but it just meant that this bird was strong and the meat was probably all the better for him to eat. He lifted his out of the carcass and swallowed the strip of meat he pulled out of the goose.

He looked down to find Moontouched's gaze meet his he smiled sweetly and went back to eating as she turned her gaze to something else. He just finished working out another strip of flesh to see Sonet heading up to the mouth of the cave 'what's he up to' he wondered in his mind then swallowed the chunk of meat in his jaws. He noticed that the pup had put on a more cheerful face and seemed to have forgotten all about what had happened earlier this made slash smile. He looked down at the goose when Sonet caught his attention again and brought Moontouched a skull filled with water. Slash was surprised when he heard Sonet's reason it was impressive for a pup to plan ahead like that He looked to see Moontouched's expression and saw her smile fade slightly than heard her say .

"Thank you Sonet, but baby. Your face is a mess. Let me clean it."

Slash smiled when the Moontouched lend forward trying to reach the pup so she could clean his face.

"Momma! Not when we have a guest, please."

Slash tried so hard not to laugh at Sonet's reaction to being cleaned it was every child's least favorite activity bath time he did smile for it was so funny. but Slash kept his composure he remembered near the last few days he spent with his family seeing his brother protest being cleaned it was always so funny.

Slash glanced back as Moontouched called Moo to ask him if he could take Sonet to get cleaned up. he smiled at her sarcastic comment then dug back in to the bird again to get one last piece of meat he wanted. Slash brought his head out of the carcass once again when moo asked if he wanted to come Slash felt kind of embarrassed having being asked the question with a little meat in his mouth he gave a brief smile and swallowed it. As he waited for his throat to clear he thought of Moo's offer, If he went then Moontouched would be left her alone and in the cave with no protection plus it mite cause her to shut down on him again ,but if he stayed then Moo would be the only one looking after Sonet and if something were to happen that required most of moo's attention then Sonet would be left vulnerable. slash thought for two more seconds then made his decision He looked at moo

"Oh well thank you very much for your kind offer but if its alright with Moontouched I think ill stay here and help look after the cave?"

He said knowing that with moo protecting Sonet if any trouble did arise then he knew Moo would be able to protect Sonet long enough for Slash to reach them. So safe in that knowledge he glanced at Moontouched and waited for her answer if she said yes he would wait for Sonet and Moo to leave then nose the rest of the goose back over to Moontouched and ask if she would like to have rest of the bird.

[Mistletoe]

 "Oh well thank you very much for your kind offer but if it's alright with Moontouched I think ill stay here and help look after the cave?" Slash asked cautiously, turning to view each wolf in turn.

Moo nodded, his face also turning to Moontouched, waiting for her answer, but he was pretty sure that she would want him to stay; she had warmed up to him quite fast after all. He didn't know what she would want to do with him once she was alone with him, his mind wondered to several possible categories, but only two stood out to him. He wondered if it was possible that Moontouched just wanted a mate or if she was tired of talking to only two wolves and was desperate for some intelligent company. Either way, he just hoped that she would not drag Sonet into this to be a pawn in her games. He watched her scrutiny and held Sonet closer. He no longer had problems with the Blackblood staying the night, but he wanted Moontouched out of his home. He always had, just he had never really believed that he would win the fight over Sonet's heart. He would hate to pull her away from Sonet if he truly loved her, but he was going crazy listening to her bicker every single day. He knew he couldn't take it much longer; soon he would snap for good and leave forever. His heart sunk at the thought of leaving his son, but he knew it to be true, it was just how he was. He looked down at his son and nuzzled him sporadically; he wanted to at least tell Sonet that he was his father and that Moontouched was not his mother as they had told him. "Soon you'll know the truth." Moo thought as Sonet rubbed up against him lovingly. "When we get water I'll tell you."

Although she wasn't one known for over exaggerating a small detail, Moontouched felt a happy bubbling feeling filling her up from the inside out just because he had given her a choice on whether or not he would stay alone with her. She knew others may have taken this opportunity to have a "romantic" night, or force one, but she doubted Slash would even think of that as an option. He seemed different to her from all the other wolves that she had ever met and she wondered if that meant something. She nodded, trying to not let her happiness out too much, she smiled fondly at Sonet though, the smile not meant for him at all. "I'll keep Slash here company until you return."

Sonet glowed. His idea had worked out well! He called out over his shoulder a farewell before darting off to head off to the river.

"Sonet, slow down! I don't want you to fall, you can't see well in the dark." Moo barked in an aggravated tone as he rounded the corner without saying goodbye. His tail disappeared around the bend as he too ran off.

Moontouched smirked as she strained her neck to watch them disappear, her comfort level dropping slightly as she realized just how dangerous this was for her, but she shook it off. She trusted Slash, just not herself to stay open to him and his possible questions. She smiled at Slash, her mind clearing. "I'm sorry that you had to hear our argument earlier, I should have waited to talk to Moo after you left." She shook her head gently then looked back up at him, a small smile hanging on her lips in apology. She knew that the conversation may become awkward if she stayed on it too long, so she tacked on quickly "And what do you plan on doing when you wake? Leave immediately without saying goodbye?" Moontouched hoped that her playful approach didn't seem too flirty to him, she didn't want to come on too hard although she knew she was falling for him. She wanted to hear more about him and his story before she spilled her guts about own life. Moontouched reached forward and took some more meat from his catch, knowing he wouldn't mind.
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Moo caught up with Sonet after a few short steps around the mouth of the cave entrance. He grabbed Sonet up by his scruff and carried him to where they could both sit and talk. Moo placed Sonet down gently and sat down himself. "What were you thinking?" he demanded. "You need to be careful at night; it's easier to fall as you can't see where you are going."

Sonet looked up at Moo, not affected by his worries and said, nonchalant "Okay."

The black wolf sighed, knowing what was going on in the pup's mind. He wanted to give time to Moontouched to be with Slash. He gave a short snort. The pup caught on fast sometimes. He might have even spread the stuff on his face too. "Alright," Moo said, his attitude simmering down as he stood and pushed Sonet along with his pointed snout. "Lets get a move on."

[Mistletoe]

((Original post by BushMaster 54))

Slash smirked as Sonet bolted around the corner and then heard moo call after him pups he thought to him self so young and care free at that age he smiled. Then turned to Moontouched he wondered what she was thinking for him this had been the most unpredictable day he has ever had. This mourning he woke up thinking this day was going to be uneventful to find himself here helping this family and now alone with a very nicely mannered wolf named Moontouched. What a day he thought. Then Moon broke his thoughts

"I'm sorry that you had to hear our argument earlier, I should have waited to talk to Moo after you left."

Slash smiled and said "Ah it's alright, my parents used to bicker like that all the time so I'm used to it."

having said that he remembered his brother then Moontouched's voice sounded again

"And what do you plan on doing when you wake? Leave immediately without saying goodbye?" Slash laughed at her question "honestly I think you guys would wake up before me "

he joked smiling at her then continued

"but no I wasn't planning on leaving without saying goodbye"

he looked into her eyes and they seemed hypnotizing but he broke before his emotions started to run away with his mind. he thought about where he was going to go after waking tomorrow.

"Then after I leave here I planned to go looking for my brother at Glacial beach rumors said that, that was the last place he was seen. i sure hope they are right He is my last leaving relative you know?

He said with solemn emerald green eyes, then looked out to the stars memories flooding his mind.

Unfortunately when i was younger I had the sad experience of watching my father's final moments as he fought off a rouge who was trying to rape my sister and he killed my father that's when i discovered my fury. After pushing my 5 month old brother into the bushes All I remember was launching myself at the rogue and then all went green. Felt flesh rip and tare then I snapped back to find the rogue lying at my feet dead and my sister safe and un harmed but it cost my father his life. I was distraught and left the next mourning and  5 months later I find my mother's and sister's shredded corpses on a path, but didn't see my brother and that's when my huge search began." Slash concluded and stared down at his paws the kid was never very strong but he was fast he smiled as his brothers face popped into his head he was very close to his brother they almost looked a like even. Then he looked up at Moontouched with a slight smirk and said

"Then one thing lead to another and I came across you guys"

He smiled and thought if he should ask her about her past but then decided if she wanted to tell him about her past then she would do it on her own when she would want to so he wouldn't press the matter.  he looked down at the goose he couldn't eat another bite. Then pushing it with his snout he nudged it towards Moontouched and asked

"Would you like the rest?"

 And pulled his head away from the goose and waited for her answer.

[Mistletoe]

"Ah, it's alright. My parents used to bicker like that all the time so I'm used to it." Slash said, his eyes meeting up with hers momentarily before flickering off in thought.

Moontouched felt a pain in her heart for the wolf. She knew that nobody had a perfect family, but she had hoped different for this wolf. She changed the subject, hopeful for a laugh. "And what do you plan on doing when you wake? Leave immediately without saying goodbye?"

Slash gave Moontouched the laugh she had wished for and said "Honestly I think you guys would wake up before me."

Moontouched smiled at Slash and blushed, she was suddenly shy. Her head sunk back into the fluff in her neck, her eyes fluttering as she too gave a gasp of quick-witted laughter. "Well, when you take care of a kid, you learn to wake up early to get a head start on the day before they have the chance to wake up." She laughed again then added "Kids, I mean. You have to get up before them." She was self-conscious as she said this, her eyes looking up to meet his.

Kind eyes gazed back at her, making her feel special. In addition a wide smile just as wonderful was aimed at her too. Moontouched stretched her front legs out in front of her as she shifted her hindquarters to take more weight, giving herself a better range of motion for her neck. She turned to gaze upon him fully now, his mouth opening as he began to speak again. "But, no, I wasn't planning on leaving without saying goodbye." Slash chuckled, eyes gleaming with entertainment.

Moontouched's heart swelled with hope. She prayed that she wasn't just falling blindly into an ugly situation that would leave her meaner than the way she was now. Hopefully he too felt emotions for her that he couldn't place. She looked into his eyes fixedly, searching for any indicator of his feelings. He looks happy, Moon concluded after a long moment, drawing back her head as she found herself dangerously close to his face.

"Then after I leave here I planned to go looking for my brother at Glacial Beach; rumors said that there was the last place he had been seen." Slash seemed distracted as he said this, his eyes falling to the ground. Moontouched watched him as she listened intently, her guard dropping almost completely while she listened. "I sure hope they are right. He is my last living relative you know?" he asked the ground. His eyes were saddened, as were the rest of his features, but the green eyes also showed a twinkle of hope as he looked to the sky. Moontouched followed his gaze hesitantly and looked at the stars that formed Orion's Belt.

"Unfortunately when I was younger," he began "I had the sad experience of watching my father's final moments as he fought off a rouge. He was trying to rape my sister. When he killed my father, that's when I discovered my fury." Here his voice got tougher, a sign of intense emotional conflict at remembering the events as best he could. After a second he continued. "After pushing my five month old brother into the bushes all I can remember is launching myself at the rogue. And then all went green." He took a quick break from telling his story, allowing Moontouched a chance to think. She stared out at the stars not wanting to look at him until he had finished and all the surprises were out. Her ears perked up as he began talking again, wishing to know everything that he said by heart. Not only did she want to do this because it was important to him, but also because it seemed to cause him emotional pain when he talked about it. She didn't want him to go through this again if she could avoid it.

"I felt flesh rip and tear, then I snapped back to find the rouge lying at my feet—dead—and my sister safe, unharmed, but it cost my father his life." Slash shook. "I was distraught, I left the next morning. Five months later I came across my mother's and sister's shredded corpses on a path. I didn't see my brother's so that was when I began my search." He finished simply, making it sound like that was all that he had to tell, but he kept his eyes on elsewhere, then down, back to the floor. "The kid was never very strong, but he was fast." He smiled sincerely, and then looked up at her. "Then one thing led to another and I came across you guys."

He slid the goose across the floor, trying to delay her response when he asked "Would you like the rest?"

Moontouched sat there, longing in her eyes. She wished to help him in his search for his brother and settle the emotional troubles he still felt regarding the issue. She ignored the goose, pushed it aside and said "I really sorry for your loss, I am truly and deeply sorry, but I have to say something while I still have the courage and motivation to tell you and I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk."

Moontouched didn't wait for a reply and began her story. "My mother and father were two lustful young wolves at one time, both coming from families where they were taught that the wrong thing wasn't always wrong. They bore pups in the middle of winter, I being the only one survivor. My father cared for his wife and me as best as he could, bringing us food whenever possible, but it didn't satisfy my mother. She became abusive to me whenever my father wasn't around, and soon when he was around too. I grew to fear her and turned to my father for help." She took a deep breath, her eyes keenly focused on her paws. She couldn't bear to go on if she saw his eyes looking down on her. With a quiver in her voice she started her story again. "You think he would be the good guy, come in and save me from my mother, wouldn't you?"

She whimpered lightly, as she watched her shadow on the ground, finally allowing some tears that she had been holding in to fall. "But he didn't." she growled, her voice now low and menacing. "He took advantage of my ignorance while I wished for a miracle. He convinced me into thinking that my mother was mad at me, not him, and that the only way to fix things was to allow him to take my virginity." Her voice broke and she shut her eyes before continuing. "It was horrible, but I thought it would be worth it if it fixed the family up back to the way it was, before I had 'ruined it'. After it was done, I thought that was it; but my mother still abused me. I went to my father to talk to him about it, wondering why things were not back to the way they were before yet. 'I guess we better keep on doing it until she stops then.' he said. I wavered and said no, but then—then we fought. He told me how I had to, for him, that he couldn't stand who his wife was anymore and that it was my fault entirely. He had me believing him quite soon and he had me every night that he could get my mother out of the den. Sometimes when she wouldn't leave, he would take me out just so that he could have his way with me. After a year of it I had had enough, I was fed up with it, not being able to see any results from my pain. Things had even gotten worse. I finally figured out one day that it wasn't ever going to stop, that he had lied to me. After that I tried to run away." Moontouched's eyes opened as she sobbed quietly. "He caught me. He found me when I was so close to leaving. 'Think you can walk out on me, girl?' he had demanded." Moontouched remember his voice so clearly, rough and edgy like a hornet that you know is about to sting you, but you can't pull away, afraid to bring a worse fate upon you. She was retelling the story as best as she could, but her throat clogged with tears and snot, making it hard for her to talk without stopping sometimes. "'Think you can get away from me, bitch?' he called out to me, his teeth glimmering in the darkness and cold red eyes matching the blood on his chest. I was to learn later that the blood had been from a second mate of his. I've been scared of the dark since seeing him there, standing there, keeping me prisoner in his own twisted nightmare." She shook her head. "I tried to run, but fear possessed me and I found that I couldn't move. He came forward and gave me a monologue speech on how he had lied to everyone. My mother however had followed him out that day thankfully, and upon hearing his confession to cheating on her, she leapt out and tackled him. She forced him back with her attack over a cliff ledge, but I didn't see it. I just ran, and ran, and ran. My legs carried me as far as they could before I passed out. Sadly it wasn't very far as neither of my parents had never given me a proper meal in my life, so I was completely malnourished. I learned to hunt for myself and thought that I was doing well when I suddenly gained some weight, but I was too stupid to realize that I was pregnant. I did some stupid things while I was carrying that baby and because of it, she was a still birth." Moontouched allowed a moment of reflection before she went on, tears stopping and voice now growing in strength. "Not one day goes by that I don't wonder what my life may have been like had she been born alive. I would have had a baby girl. I still can't believe it. Oh, and she looked just like me! But of course she was more elegant and beautiful, even in death then I could ever live to be." She looked to the stars then, no longer staring off into nothing.

"I came across Sonet two weeks later, found him cradled between his mother's front legs. He was screaming so loud, and she was dead. I knew he would die if I didn't help, so I gave him some milk that I still had from my baby. I nursed him back to health all on my own, soon caring for him as if he was my own; and I guess that in my mind, he kind of was. But all good things must end, and Moo came looking for Sonet one day. He threatened my connection with Sonet, so I fought with him several times. It always remained verbal; he didn't want to hurt me since I was taking care of his child. He started leaving food at my den entrance. I never ate any of it, never trusted him, but one day I came back from a hunt to find him there. He had given Sonet a remedy for a cold that may have killed him if Moo hadn't been there. After that he stuck around and helped me protect Sonet." Moontouched finished with her story, but she still had more to say. "We never told him that I wasn't his mother and Moo was his father, although he suspects that I'm already not his mother as we look nothing alike. I treat Moo badly because I don't want him around. He threatens my relationship with Sonet still, although I'm not so sure if I'm doing it for my sake or Sonet's now, keeping the lie alive. He may even be better off without me." Moontouched finished for real this time. During that speech she had come to realize some things that she hadn't know before then. She looked to Slash, her eyes heavy, laden with sadness and hope for a new start. "I think I'm done." she said with a small smile. She put her head down across her good leg and pointed her nose at his paws. She had her ears laid back in thoughtfulness and waved her tail behind her as she looked up at him. "Now you may talk, if you want to that is."
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Sonet felt proud of himself. He pranced along the edge of the cliff's lip with his tail held high, humming a tune. Moo watched him from behind. He snorted when a breeze cut across the sky and pushed Sonet up against the wall, pushing Moo back too, but not as hard as he was a strong full-grown wolf. Since Sonet was just a pup it had pushed him up onto his back legs and slammed him back up against the wall. Sonet wasn't too happy with this event and struggled to push against it. As soon as he was dropped back to his feet though, Moo picked him up. "Come on little guy." he joked through the skin now between his teeth. "I'll carry you."

Sonet disliked the idea very much, but he knew that there wasn't much that he could do about it, so he just crossed his arms and pouted as he was carried down the path to the water. Moo traveled smoothly and arrived at the water's edge in a timely manner, resting Sonet at the water's edge gently. Sonet ruffled his fur then proudly started cleaning his face. Moo watched, slightly amused, and then started drinking some water from the wide river.

"So, are you going to discipline me?" Sonet asked Moo, his face resting above the water.

Moo slapped the water with a paw and splashed him good naturedly. "No, just advise you not to show Moontouched anymore of those tricks I've taught you. If you really want to grow up being a healing dog, you need to learn more before trying to help. What it sounds like you gave her could be bad for her health."

Sonet jumped as the water was splashed in his direction, but it still got him wet. He laughed it off and went back to cleaning his face, almost done. When Moo was done talking he asked "So who taught you that stuff anyways? Can I learn from them too."

Moo stopped what he was doing and stood up tall. He looked down at Sonet in the darkness, eyes cold and dead.

"What did I say?" Sonet asked quickly, planning on back pedaling if it was his fault.

"Nothing you said was wrong, Sonet." Moo replied as his eyes took on a different look, one like he was confused.

Sonet stared for a moment, then turned back to clean his face. When he was done Moo had sat down behind him, placing a paw on either side to show that he wished for the pup to stay stationary. "Moo?" Sonet said gently. "What's wrong?"

"There is something that I need to tell you." Moo said, his yellow eyes shining in the night.

[Mistletoe]

((Original post by BushMaster 54))

Slash listened to her story her past filling him with so many emotions anger at those who would dare deceive her, happiness for there demise and sadness from her losses he wanted lick her on the cheek to show that he felt for but refrained from doing so he could not see he could not imagine some one wanting to hurt her He wished he could go back in time and protect her from those evils. His jaw tightened he hated scum that did that to those younger and weaker than them made him sick. he looked away from Moontouched he did not want her to see the anger in his eyes. he took a couple of deep breaths and regained his composure then turned back to moon with solemn emerald eyes he felt very sorry for her. He leaned forward and licked her on the cheek

"Moon words can not express how sorry i am for your loses but I hope that you don't suffer any more in future"

He said sincerely almost un a were of what he had just done his anger and hatred of sick twisted rogues quelled inside of him as he looked into her beautiful eyes they were like his sanctuary every time he looked into them he felt peace he felt nothing but bliss He smiled his heart soaring but then his mind kicked oh how much he wanted to just tell to shut up but knew that if he did his feelings would run away with his mind. He just wanted the best for her that's all he wanted and he would go to the ends of the earth to do just that. He laid his head on his paws uncertain of how to continue he was at a lose for words. not really he had words to say but he couldn't  say them not yet but he felt honored that she trusted him so much to for her to tell him of her past he wanted to nuzzle her neck and tell her that everything was going to be alright from now on but he couldn't. Then an idea hit him on how he could switch the subject and bring a more happier atmosphere back into the cave.

"So how much of the goose do think Sonet has gotten his face by now?"

He asked with a big, kind, gentle, humorous, smile hopping that his idea would work and cheer her up.

Then another idea hit him and he picked his head up off his paws and looked at Moontouched with a kind warm smile

"Hey Moontouched would you like to go help me search for my brother? You don't have to if you don't want to but I would love it if you came"

He waited for her answer with baited breath and hoped she say yes oh how much he hoped.

[Mistletoe]

Moontouched watched him turn his face away. He shut his eyes and breathed heavily through his nose. She watched intently. She had never been with a wolf that had the fury, at least as far as she knew, and was curious as to if this was his way of calming down. When he turned back he said, "Moon, words can not express how sorry I am for your losses, but I hope that you don't suffer any more in the future."

Moontouched beamed. Normally she hated it when others shortened her name, but coming from him is seemed to suit her. She accepted his words with a flick of her ears and shut her eyes.

With her eyelids pressed tight, clearing away the last of her tears, she thought. Moontouched had never believed in love at first sight, but she would have to be blind to see that Slash wasn't at least a great match for her. She really liked him a lot already, and she had hardly just met him. It went against all of her normal protocols, and she wasn't one to do so under any circumstance. Her mind didn't care though as she thought more about him, breathing in his scent as she did so. Under the scent of the murky water and pond scum, she smelled oak ash and pine. It reminded her of a fire, the fire in her heart, meant for him.

Her eyes peaked open as he placed his head on his paws, their noses only inches from touching. She wondered what he was going through, missing a family that he loved. She couldn't comprehend how daunting the idea of not knowing if someone was dead or alive could be. She let the silence go until Slash spoke again.

"So, how much of the goose do think Sonet has gotten off of his face by now?" His face was lifted off his paws again so that he could speak, but he was still eye height with her.

A cream face crinkled with laughter. The mild amusement allowing her to stop thinking about sad things for the moment. "I think he hasn't even started yet. I bet he is having a water war with Moo, the two get pretty playful when you leave them alone." Moontouched informed him as she waved her tail behind her again, the streaks blurring the beautiful effect.

Slash's ears perked upon hearing this and smiled, an anxious and hopeful look filling his face. He waited a moment to talk, allowing the dust to settle and the crickets to chirp a little symphony. The frogs croaked too, calling to each other. Moontouched listened to the sounds willingly, but her heart eagerly awaited what Slash had to say. "Hey Moontouched," he asked politely, his manner becoming more and more unprecedented to her ears. She hadn't heard him like this before. "Would you like to go help me search for my brother?" Moontouched's eyes widened slightly. He was inviting her along with him! "You don't have to if you don't want to, but I would love it if you came." he tacked on gently.

Now his anxious gaze was understandable; he wanted to know if she liked him enough to leave her home and come with him. Adventure called to her, as did her sudden adoration of Slash, and she was unable to resist. She almost said that she would, but she stopped herself to plan things out and think about the consequences. She couldn't take Sonet with her because he couldn't cover the same amount of ground that any of the other adults could, plus the fact that traveling so far would be tiring, too much so to hunt for the pup as well as themselves. The more ground that she could cover, the better the chances of finding Slash's brother. It was the least that she could do for him, but her heart tore a bit inside. The only solution would be to leave him behind with Moo. She would have to face him and tell him why she was leaving. She was sure that she could return whenever she wished to be with him, but saying good-bye would be tough. They had never been the mother and son type, never having shared that secret bond, but she was still attached to him, like an Aunt who had raised him (or someone along those lines). "Of course I'll go with you." Moontouched said, lifting her face and looking into his eyes. She was excited to be able to spend more time with him, her heart fluttered, pumping more blood into her head. She consumed his image with hungry eyes. Like a pup with her first crush she leaned forward a tad and attempted to lick the left side of his face.

When she pulled back she asked "Can we leave once my paw heals? I'm sure that Moo wouldn't mind you staying another day or two once I announce that I'll be leaving with you."
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"What do you need to tell me?" asked Sonet pointedly as he sat down. He was curious as to what had Moo acting like this.

"I want to tell you something that you didn't know about Moontouched and I." Moo started, his eyes clearing as he figured out what to say. "I'm your father, and Moontouched is not your mother. She just took care of you for a while when I was unable to." Moo waited to see if he should go into more detail of if he should allow Sonet some time to ask questions and process the information. Sonet sat, quietly listening to Moo talk. "Do you understand Sonet?" Moo asked, not wanting to have any misunderstandings.

"Is my mother's name Ima?" Sonet asked, his head cocking to the side slightly.

"Yes," Moo said, generally surprised. "How did you find that out?" He had never told anybody about her before, even when Moontouched had questioned him about it.

"You talk about her in your sleep often." Sonnet said, standing up. "Oh, don't look so surprised, I figured this all out a while ago."

Moo was perplexed. "What—how?" he demanded ears swiveling around to hear him answer.

"When you and Moontouched argue, your voices carry quite far. Plus I've suspected it for quite some time now with all the clues laying about."

Moo watched his son and shook out his head. "I always said that I should give you more credit. You are a very intelligent pup, must be my genes." Moo sighed as he stood, allowing Sonet past him.

"Yeah, yeah." Sonet laughed, his eyes twinkling at getting praised. "Let's just get back before something comes out of the forest and decides to kill us."

Moo bent down to rub his head against his son, his right paw wrapping around Sonet to stop him from getting away. "Let's just keep acting the way we have so far." Moo whispered when he let him go.

"Will do." Sonet said as he burst forward and towards the cave.

Moo followed behind, shoulders lighter at not having to carry the heavy weight any more. He knows now Ima, he thought. He know that you exist, and one day, when my heart can bear it, I'll tell him all about you and us.

[Mistletoe]

((Original post by BushMaster 54))

Slashes heart seemed to soar when he heard her answer He felt like he just had 5 boulders lifted from his body everything relaxed as she got closer to his face total bliss total peace and sanity all felt so right. He felt like he had enough strength to run for miles and never need food or water. As long as he had Moontouched by his side he felt like he had it all. her words just played in his head like music as she leaned closer then she pulled away and slash looked at her surprised until she spoke.

"Can we leave once my paw heals? I'm sure that Moo wouldn't mind you staying another day or two once I announce that I'll be leaving with you."

He gave out a small amused chuckle he didn't know why he just felt happy that's all then in a soft gentle voice "Absolutely."

He said with kind soft eyes he wanted to nuzzle her neck but restrained himself from doing so thinking that it was better to let her decided and make the first move. So he just gazed into her beautiful eyes a soft smile creasing his face He was just so happy. Then his ears twitched as he heard the soft pattering of paw pads grow slightly louder as Moo and Sonet made their way back to the cave. He sighed and smiled once again his attention back on Moontouched

" I think the Water War has come to an end"

He stayed softly to where only Moontouched could hear "So when do you plan on telling them?"

He asked just as softly while the sounds were still faint and he waited for her response the sounds of paw steps starting to increase slightly as he did so.

[Mistletoe]

"Absolutely." Slash said, his voice calm like low tide at the shore. Moontouched felt as if she could wrap herself in him as she stared into his eyes.

Rocks falling caught the attention of both Slash and Moontouched. Slash flicked his ears then sighed "I think the water war has come to an end."

Moon sighed too. She liked this alone time she was getting. Well, she thought with a smirk, I'll be getting more soon.

"So, when do you plan on telling them?" he asked, his tone dropping down to a few soft syllables on the air, almost snatched away from her by the wind.

Moontouched fed off the attention aimed her way for one more moment before leaning forward and whispering "In the morning, I'll tell them when they get up."

Then Sonet rounded the corner and went straight to Moontouched. "I'm ready for my inspection." he declared, showing both profiles in the moonlight.

"Lets see." Moontouched said, instantly filling in the job as a mother. "Yep, looks like you got it."

Sonet glowed. He loved being told that he was doing a good job. Sometimes her thought about doing the wrong thing, just so he could get praised when he fixed it, but he hated getting reprimanded, so he never did go through with it. "Good night." Sonet piped, his manners finally kicking in now that he was in a good mood. Promptly he snatched up the rest of the goose and pulled it with him to the back of the cave.

"Birds fly in here when they smell the meat," Moo informed Slash as he rounded the bend. "We have to be careful to put it in the back so that when they come looking for it we can either run them off or catch them for prey."

"They don't fly at night, so we can sleep here in the front of the cave." Moontouched said, turning to face Slash.

Moo nodded his head. "Well, goodnight you two. Slash, hopefully I'll have time to wish you good bye in the morning." He started walking to the back when Moontouched spoke.

"Actually," Moontouched said. "He'll be spending another day. I'll tell you about it in the morning."

Moo accepted it as fact, met eyes with Slash to confirm, and then ambled his way to the back of the cave. When the cave roof lowered down to where only Sonet could get, Moo sat, curling up around Sonet. "It is time to bed now." he yawned. "So lets got to sleep without complaining."

Sonet twitched his nose. "Fine." he said, spinning in a circle before plopping down on top of Moos long legs. He was quite comfortable. Moo however was not with Sonet's butt in his face. He blew air at it, then gave up and put his face in the dirt. Soon enough both of them were asleep.

Moontouched smiled at Slash. "Well, good night. I'll see you in the morning." With this she rubbed her head lightly against his cheek and then lay down to rest her tired head. It had been a long day.

[Mistletoe]

((Original post by BushMaster 54))

He heard the others just about to round when she leaned in to whisper "In the morning, I'll tell them when they get up."

Slash looked lovingly into her eyes and nodded, then turned to look at Sonet as he happily proclaimed his presence and gleefully pranced into the cave towards moon to be inspected. He just laid next to her and watched her inspect Sonet He just felt so happy with her. her beautiful brown coat and her tan under side to him she was just absolutely stunning

Goodnight Sonet said as he drug the goose to the back of the cave Slash gave a nod back in reply and looked back to Moo

"Birds fly in here when they smell the meat. We have to be careful to put it in the back so that when they come looking for it we can either run them off or catch them for prey."
 
Slash raised his eye brows in enlightenment as Moo explained what Sonet was doing with the goose.

"They don't fly at night, so we can sleep here in the front of the cave."

Slashed smiled he was glad to hear that Moon wouldn't have to get up he could care less about himself if a bird ever got to close to him. He could just snap its head off.  Then turned his attention back to Moo

"Well, goodnight you two. Slash, hopefully I'll have time to wish you good bye in the morning."

Slash let out a small chuckle and looked at Moon allowing her to tell him

"Actually, he'll be spending another day. I'll tell you about it in the morning."

Slash just kept looking at her with loving eyes he was happy and could care less about the rest of world alll that mattered to him at the moment was moon and nothing else.

"Well, good night. I'll see you in the morning." 

Moon's voice was like a mother's lullaby to her newly born child to him. he laid his head on her back after she had lightly rubbed her head against his cheek and said

"Goodnight Moon, and ill be right here waiting for you when you wake up"

He said in a calm gentle whisper Then looked out to the stars What a day. he thought what a day in deed he had woken up thinking this was just going to be another ordinary day. To find out that he had fallen head over heels for a girl he loved and would never leave. He took in a deep breathe her scent filling his nose it was like nothing he had smelled before like an exotic array of flowers completely foreign to him and He loved it. He slowly closed his eyes and took one last look at this place where he had finally found someone to care for and some one who cared for him back. Then with one last look at Moon's stunning face he fell asleep and could hardly wait to see what surprises awaited them in mourning.

[Mistletoe]

Moontouched felt the weight of Slash's head on her back, holding her closer. She felt the love meant for her in the movement and her heart did back flips.

"Good night Moon," he purred to her, his head lifting off of her. "I'll be right here waiting for you when you wake up."

She looked up at him through one eye to see that he was once again looking thoughtfully to the stars. Moon gave a mild chuckle and straightened her neck out along her paws. The last thing she heard before falling into a deep sleep was a long continuous breath, ended by a sigh of pleasure.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moo awoke with a start, his dream almost instantly stolen from him. He didn't mind too much though as he had the vague feeling that it hadn't been one that he would have wanted to remember, as were most of his dreams. He rose his chin off of the rock floor and looked eagerly out of the cave and into the dark morning sky.

Well, I'm up, he thought to himself. I might as well start the morning.

Moo pulled his legs out from under Sonet one by one, the little mound of black and purple fluff impervious to the fact that his heat source was leaving. When that was done he put his feet under him and stood slowly, not wanting to hit his back against the cave wall.

He knew that he wouldn't be too keenly missed, both Sonet and Moontouched knew that today he had planned on scent marking the boarders of his area, and now he felt that everybody would be safe enough while he was gone that he could do it, even with Moontouched's wounded paw.

He gave Sonet a lick up the top of his head, from his nose to his little cowlick in his neck fur that made his hair seem like a mini-mohawk. The pup yawned and pulled away, his ears lying back as he searched for a comfortable position. Moo watched, bemused for a moment, before walking the length of the cave up to the front. There Moo looked at Moontouched and Slash, their tails intertwined and heads against each other. They were even breathing to the same pattern Moo realized as he smiled. Sonet had been right, they definitely seemed like a couple in love. Moo licked his teeth, thinking about what sight Slash would awake to, knowing full and well that Moontouched would sleep late, likely until noon. Sonet would be in the back of the cave cleaning out a goose carcass, looking for a wishbone. At least, that was his experiences with things, but if he had to bet him life on it, he might, tigers are not likely to change their stripes overnight. Moo also saw the skull, still holding some water. He made note to fetch another for her if he had time. After looking around the cave one more time before leaving he turned his head away and to the horizon; he needed to get his job done.

Outside the sky had yet to light up with the sun's warm rays, and the moon was just minutes away from falling. Balance was in order Moo knew as he left the cave quietly, hoping to not wake up Slash and to get his job done before the sun was too high and burned his back. Quickly, and as soundlessly as possible, Moo followed the crumbling path down to the water where he would have a quick drink before making his rounds for the day.

[Mistletoe]

((Original post by BushMaster 54))

Slash never did have a deep sleep sense he left his family being a loner meant that you had to be on your toes constantly so over time he learned how to be a very light sleeper. and he had all the more reason to be now he was looking after someone as well as she was looking after him he didn't open his emerald eye he kept them closed but his ears flicked towards the slight sound of paw pads hitting the cave floor. His ears followed the sound as it moved out of the cave. He guessed it was Moo leaving to go off and do something, but slash was too happy and tired to find out what so he relaxed his ears and went back too sleep.
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After a few hours He started to hear the chirping of birds instead of the chirping of crickets then he slowly opened his to only shut them again as bright blindly mourning sun beamed into the cave He carefully raised his head making sure not to disturb Moon and opened his emerald eyes again to see a beautiful sunrise. He looked over to moon she was still fast a sleep and he was glad she needed the rest if she wanted her paw to heal quickly. He carefully stretched his front arms out to their full extent and then relaxed them again He looked around the cave to find out that the guess he made earlier had been correct for Moo was no where to be seen his gaze settled on Sonet still curled up in the back of the cave a small smirk creased his face. He wanted to get up and go warm himself up in the sun. Then he looked Down at Moon again but he had said he would be right here waiting for her to wake up in morning so he stayed right where he was and just enjoyed some quite time listening to the sounds of nature. As the forest started to come back to life again. he breathed  in the fresh air sun light as he waited for Moon to wake up on her own and you couldn't ask to wake up to a better mourning than this.

[Mistletoe]

Bright light came through Moontouched's eyelids, making her wake slowly. She gave a little moan as she came to her scenes. She opened her mouth wide as she yawned, her tongue curling, neck lifting as she tilted back her head to get out of the sun's light. She opened her eyes gradually, she wasn't a morning person. She licked the roof of her mouth sleepily as she saw Slash. "Good—" she started, but a second yawn interrupted her. "Morning." she finished her tone quiet and content. She looked over her shoulder to see Sonet in the back of the cave, head was placed on his paws. He had one eye open, blinking from the light. "Come here, baby. Time to get up." she informed him as she reached across to grab the skull and drink from it.

Sonet licked his nose. He had just finished snacking on the goose leftovers when Moontouched had called to him. Without a word he got up and padded over to her right side, his head down. He was still partly asleep, he had stayed up too late last night. Normally he went to bed when the sun was still up, the reasons being that Moontouched was scared of the dark and Moo didn't like the thinks that came out of the forest during the night either, so normally he just went to bed when they did. He wasn't grumpy, just really tire, so when he curled up next to Moontouched and didn't greet Slash, Moontouched didn't go into hysterics.

"Say good morning to Slash, Sonet." she said warmly as she licked him between the shoulder blades. If she were a cat she would be doing this to get his blood flowing, but she was just doing it to keep him awake. "Use your manners."

Sonet gave a puppy yawn. "Hi." he sighed, curling up tighter against Moontouched, his cold nose pushing up against her side. She didn't mind it either, she liked his heat and breathing pattern blowing into her shoulder, letting her know if he was slipping back into sleep or not.

"Little goof ball." Moontouched chuckled lightly. She then turned to Slash and said in her normal voice "That's all you'll get out of him for a while."

[Mistletoe]

((Original post by BushMaster 54))

Slash looked back at moon as she woke up He greeted her with a kind smile and soft caring eyes

"Good—" she started, but a second yawn interrupted her. "Morning."

Slash smiled and gave a nod to her greeting then looked back at Sonet as she called for him He smirked as the kid was probably still groggy and didn't take any offence to him not greeting him. He could understand the pup was tired so he just smiled and chuckled slightly as Sonet acted like a typical pup would in the morning. After some corrections from Moontouched he heard Sonet's slightly annoyed greeting know that the kid just wanted to get back to sleep he smirked and gave a nod then left him to be with his dreams. and turned his attention back to Moontouched.

"Little goof ball."

Slash tried not laugh as so the peace of this love morning could be kept.

"That's all you'll get out of him for a while."

He glanced back at Sonet who now was curled comfortably up against Moontouched then looked back at Moontouched to answer her.

"Ha Ha its ok its a good mourning for him to sleep in a little late,

He said in a soft bemused laughter then leaned over to whisper to so Sonet could hear 

"plus it gives us a little more time to get a head start and wake"

then pulled back and looked at her with a playful and joking sly like smile. then looked out to the entrance of the cave and yawned his large razor sharp canines gleaming in the morning light. then closed his gape  and slowly lifted himself up off the ground and leaned for ward stretching his back legs then returned to a more relaxed stance and sat back down next to Moontouched and looked down at her and smiled sweetly.

"So did you sleep well last night?"

He asked just trying wake up and start conversation. he then shook himself a little bit to free his coat of any debris and waited for her answer still so happy that she was coming with him to look for his brother.