Post by Jade Wolfbane on Sept 9, 2010 1:36:16 GMT -6
Musikal bounded across the plain, being the fearless, proud, and slightly ignorant pup she was. A wide grin was displayed on her face, tongue lolling out of her mouth. Completely at risk to any predators that spotted a vulnerable little meal. But fft, she could take 'em! She was, after all, the (in)famous fearless Musical the Superhero. And she had a new mission! Not only had the ugly Supervillian Bear gotten ahold of her mother, he'd gotten ahold of her sidekick Riri too! The fiend! She'd catch him, that was for sure. And she'd rescue her momma and sidekick and they'd live happily ever after. Just like in the stories Momma used to tell. And what better way to show off how confident and brave she was then by taking a heroic perch upon a rock. Muscules bunched under her as tiny paws pushed off the ground, and she took flight. Almost there, almost there almo-Owie! Kallie fell short, underestimating the height of the boulder and ending up ramming her chest into the rock, claws scrabbling for a hold in the rock. But she fell backwards, an "Oof!" emitting from her as back came into contact with the dirt. Though determined thing was not down for long. She immediately rolled onto her four paws and stood again. She had to do this, For Rieki and for momma (When in truth, somewhere in the back of her mind she knew that Momma had abandoned her and Rieki the same. Beloved sidekick had run off with new parents, leaving Musical alone again). She backed up again, rear waggling in the air as she ran at the rock again and took a flying leap of faith; only to get the same results. But she'd keep trying; over and over.
Jade Wolfbane was new to this joint. "Yellowstone" they called it, the Two-legs that is. Well maybe the locals too, she had yet to meet any, though. Place was odd, strange, and she was still unsure what to become of it. Hopefully the locals around here were friendly. She'd hate to come across anyone sour. It just wouldn't do any good. Jade yawned, hopping on a few stones lifted from the water, simply to spare her paws from getting wet while she hopped across. The pure black wolf, though, stopped at the sight that greeted her once she got across. Oh look, it was actual life! Well, of flesh. A wee little pooplet, trying so hard to get up on a rock, it seemed. Jade stood there for a short moment, enjoying this little show the kid was unknowingly giving. Chuckling to herself, Jade finally braved herself to approach. The little tike's mum might be around, though, so she had to be careful. "Hey, little one." she said while nearing the struggling pup. "Need some help?"
Musikal, landing on her back again, lied there a second to rest. She panted, tongue splayed out over her jaws as she stared up at the big blue sky. But a voice reached bark-hued ears, and she rolled around onto her four paws again and rose. Ears flicked as she bounded up to the stranger, staring up at her with her eyebrows furrowed. Her face was the pure image of that offended innocence, when you told a child they couldn't have a toy, it was the same expression. Confused offense. She stood her ground in front of this lady, though Momma had always told her not to go near strangers. She couldn't just let this possible Supervillian demean her Superhero-ness! Nor let her get away if she was a supervillian. "No, I don't need heellpp! I'm a fearless superhero." She declared, before expression turned wary and serious. "..Are you a supervillian?" She asked in a near whisper. Not afraid, but more threatening. Though it might've been scarier if she were bigger.
Jade Wolfbane was a bit taken aback by the pup's words. Her ears fell down, while stance almost reversed while she could carry on her own business. But no, Jade was no coward, she could handle chatting with a pup. Yes. "Oh no." she quickly answered the kid, remaining where she was proudly. "I am defiantly a good guy. Not a villian." Words said, she gave a small nod to show she was being truthfully correct. She soon found this amusing almost. The pup was a superhero, apparently? So did she have super powers to go with her superhero name? After all, you cant be a superhero without super powers. Of course, this was something to be doubted. Superheros were not real. But why crush the dreams of a child? Jade fluffed her night colored fur slightly, wondering if the pup would call her a liar because she was a "black wolf" and in stereotyping, black wolves were evil. Jade didn't think she was evil. Could be worse if she had red eyes though.
Musikal eyed the stranger, deciding whether to trust her or not. But alas, Kallie gave into her words and nodded. She turned her back to the stranger, throwing herself at the boulders again. Front half scrabbled for a hold on the rock, but this time she actually managed to get all four paws on it's surface. She fluffed up her own fur proudly and gazed about the land, obviously looking for something by the way her eyes scanned the horizon. Momma, Rieki, or the ugly Supervillian Bear who she'd assumed kidnapped them. Finding nothing, she gave a little pout. Perhaps there was a part of her that knew Momma had left them for good the fateful day she'd told her children she'd 'be right back'. The guilty look on Momma's face when she'd turned her back on her children, and the way she hadn't looked back to make sure the pups were safe and hidden. Perhaps dust-hued girl was just making up for the sadness she really harbored by pretending she was something she wasn't; a happy, healthy puppy. Well, the 'healthy' part was obviously a lie. Her ribs were clearly defined through her pelt, you could easily count them if you wanted to. As young one wasn't the best at hunting, only just beginning to learn to when mother had left. She sat back on her haunches, observing the land and the stranger out of the corner of her eye.
Jade Wolfbane was fond of puppies. There had been a lot of puppies around all the time back at home. The home she had before coming here. Here being so weird and alien to her. Jade sat down, watching as the pup managed to finally get on top of the rock. Curling her tail to her side, Jade tilted her head at the sight of the pup scanning the area. Jade wouldn't know why. And she wasn't about to ask either. So she held her tongue for a moment, thinking that perhaps the pup was doing those 'super hero' things and making sure all was well in the land of Yellowstone. The pup was definitely different than all the other pups she had known in her life. Pups were supposed to be fat and sassy. Sassy was found, but fat? The poor dear was like a twig! Where was her mother, she should be feeding her better. Jade shook her head, giving a small look around. Though it dawned on her just then. What if she didn't have a mother? Attention snapped back to the pup, while a conversation was attempted to start. "What is your name, young one?" she asked carefully, eyes glued to the pup.
Musikal. Head swiveled in the direction of the stranger, ears flicking as her question registered in her brain. "Musical the Brave. Whatta 'bout you?" She answered. Sassy was a definite trait of furball, and slightly arrogant, obvious by the way she introduced herself. She jumped down from her perch then, landing in front of the ebony furred lady and plopping her rear on the ground in front of her. Lassy had remembered manners Momma had always strove to teach her children. Don't sit higher than your elders, it's disrespectful. She recalled. And it was true, sitting higher than all others said that you were the most dominant of the bunch. Though Kallie didn't know that, only thinking it another one of what dustball thought were sometimes useless manners.
Jade Wolfbane smiled softly at the pup while she so boldly introduced herself. How cute, really. Jade flicked her tail slightly, tapping the ground while she sat there. "I'm called Jade." she told 'Musical the Brave'. "Your name is certainly cooler than mine." Jade was only instigating and she knew it. When a pup was being obnoxious, they should be corrected. But the hell with it. Jade didn't care. There were more pressing matters on hand. And she dared to bring them up. Oh yes. "Where is you family, Musical the Brave?" She honestly had no business asking, but hell, she was new at this, you know?
Musikal smiled back hugely, tail wagging behind her. She nodded at first two sentences. "Hi Jade." She simply replied, staring up at her with big green eyes. At Jade's question, sunny disposition vanished to be replaced by a thoughtful sort of stance. Head cocked to the side, gaze leaving older female's for a moment. "Well Momma said she'd be right back a moon er' so ago, but she hasn't come back." She stared seriously up at Jade again. "The evil Villain Bear must'a taken her. So I gotsta find her and rescue her!" She declared, as if this were an entirely serious matter that made complete sense.
Jade Wolfbane blinked a bit at the kid's answer to where her family was. Well shoot, that was horrible. Did no other wolf have any decency and take her under their wing? Figuratively speaking, of course. Wolves didn't have wings. But if they did.. man would it be cool. Jade often wondered what it would be like to fly like the birds did. The rush of air under her paws while in the sky, able to see everything down below and be the perfect hunter. Shaking that thought away, Jade tilted her head at the pup. "You think a bear took your mother?" she questioned in slight surprise. "That sounds like a big thing, you think you're strong enough to handle this feat alone?" Giving the pup another quick look at, she frowned. Poor pup.
Musikal. "Are you doubting me?" She asked, expression testy though not exactly angry. She trotted up to the lady, pawing her side as if scolding a child. "Of course I am! It'd help if I had a sidekick, but. I can take 'im!" She declared, poking Jade's side sharply with a white paw. Testy expression changed then as eyes looked up at Jade's expression. "What'cha sad about, Miss Jade?" She questioned, associating frowns with sadness when that wasn't always the case.
Jade Wolfbane held her tongue once again while pup came over and jabbed at her with one of those little paws. Flicking her tail at her side, she was so tempted to put the pup in her place. After that being her job back home, this probably wasn't the smart thing to do out here. Then again, this pup's mother was obviously missing. If she doubted the words, thinking she could just be lying like she was about being a 'super hero', Jade could clearly see the pup was starving. Besides, she couldn't scare off the one poor thing. "Oh nothing." she answered the pup, giving her a questionable look. "I was just thinking." The black wolf smiled at the young pup once again, though cringing on the inside. What would she do if she were abandoned at Music's age. What sorts of stories would she come up with? Jade couldn't remember her childhood all that well, but it certainly wasn't at all as hard as poor Music probably faced life. All alone. Probably couldn't hunt! Poor puppy, again! "When was the last time you ate?" she asked the skinny pup, again with the questions.
Musikal. "Oh." She said bluntly, sitting down at Jade's side. Thoughtful look came back again as she tried to remember the last time she ate, looking down at her paws as if she'd done something wrong. "..Uh.. I don't rememb.." She began, ears twitching as she tried to think back. "About three days ago." She mumbled, barely audible. She'd caught a small rabbit and scarfed it down, not exactly a full meal for a growing wolf puppy. She knew that wasn't good, but she was ashamed of her own hunting skills. No one had taught her to hunt, so she'd had to figure it out herself and was only barely getting by doing so. Rats and mice and the occasional rabbit were her meals, if she could manage to catch one to last her the day.
Jade Wolfbane frowned again, despite her not wanting to. "Oh that is horrible." she said a little too quickly. But then she thought on it, saying, "I think super heros should eat lots. To have plenty of strength and grow up big and strong so they can take on bears, no?" Jade stuck out a paw to give the pup a gentle poke. "Three days sounds like too long. You should eat." And she'd be a saint if she could whip out a nice juicy steak out of no where, but unfortunately, wolves couldn't do that. And she actually hadn't eaten lately herself. Perhaps a hunting session was in order. Eyes peeked around for a moment, as if food would magically appear out of no where near them. And what do you know, nothing. Standing up, Jade started heading towards the little river. Fish sounded good. And easy. And quick. Sitting by the rivers edge, she looked into the water. Oh it was a good thing she was taught how to hunt practically anything in the wild. Came in handy, you know?
Musikal stared at her paws as if they'd suddenly become the most interesting thing in all of Yellowstone. She shrugged to Jade's words, ashamed of her own poor hunting skills. Watching as she moved away, pup expected her to just leave then with that word of advice. But when she didn't go far, dustball rose to her paws and followed, sitting at Jade's side and gazing up at her curiously. Perhaps older wolf was looking for any prey that'd stopped for a drink? Or maybe mice or rabbits hiding in the reeds.
Jade Wolfbane glanced at the pup when she came over. Fortunately for Jade, there were many fine looking fat fishies swimming around in the water before them. Jade's tail stilled, flopped behind her while she then leaned over the water a little, slowly so fast movements wouldn't scare the fish. She said nothing to the pup just yet, afraid even a voice or bark would alarm one particularly delicious looking fish that was only inches away from the perfect striking point. Poise held gracefully, still and elegant, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Coming sooner than expected. The fish turned in the water, entering her target zone. In a flash, Jade attacked the water. Springing forward, teeth first, Jade chomped down on the fish, but of course the momentum of her attack made her go face first into the water with a splash, thus scaring away all further chances of meal. Which was fine, for she caught the big one. Jade stood in the water, soaked, with a flailing fish in her jaws.
Musikal. Eyes widened at Jade's sudden flash of movement, taking a baby step backwards to avoid the spray of water that came up with the splash. She giggled for the split second Jade was face-first in the water, finding the sight very silly. When ebony female rose her head triumphant, Musical did a little dance, bounding up to her playfully. "How'd you do that?! Can you teach me?! That's awesome, momma!" She was amazed at first; until mother's namesake slipped from her lips. Then she immediately stopped, a hot wave engulfing the puppy from head to toe. Embarrassed, she only returned to her sitting position and took the utmost attention to her paws again. "Sorry, Jade." She apologized, ashamed of what she'd done yet again.
Jade Wolfbane stared at the pup for a moment. Her head tilted to the side at being called 'momma'. Well, okay then. She chuckled at the pup's apologies though, stepping out of the water. The fish's tail slapped her on the nose, but Jade didn't let go. Biting down harder on the silvery fish (I dunno what kind it could be so yea...) she attempted to kill it faster than being suffocated out of the water. When it did stop moving finally, Jade placed it down on the ground, placing a paw on it.. just in case. "It's fine." she assured the pup, knowing the poor dear was missing her mother enough. "Fishing is harder than it looks." she explained the pup wistfully. "But I can teach you if you want me to. But first, eat." Fish was either dead or too worn out to flop away by now, Jade removed her paw and pushed it closer to the pup.
Musikal. "Okay!" Spirits perked up a bit at the thought of being able to catch fish everyday instead of small mice. But she hesitated when Jade told her to eat. "Shouldn't you take the first bite?" She said unsurely. That was another one of those 'manners'. Not only was it proper to let your elders eat first, but it was, like the sitting higher than your elders thing, also a sign in the pecking order. Those at the top of the pecking order ate first, which in this scenario would be Jade, and those at the bottom last. She cocked her head at Jade curiously as she awaited an answer.
Jade Wolfbane shook her head slowly. "Not when I don't want it." she answered with a smile. Sitting, Jade of course made no move to go for the fish, simply because she got it for Music. Fishing was certainly a good thing to know how for a loner wolf, she was told. Because big kills were near to impossible to pull off alone, and smaller game like rabbits got old after a while. A wolf with taste, how unusual. Hopefully the kid would like the defiantly unique taste of fish. At least fish was healthy and practically all edible. Their little bones were easier to chew, too. Jade glanced at the water again for a second before going back to watching the pup.
Musikal hesitated again before lowering her head to the fish, taking a small experimental bite. Tenatively she chewed, letting the taste sink into her tongue. She decided she liked it, and gobbled the remainder of the silver fish within a matter of mere minutes. Hungry puppy was certaintly hungry. When she was done, she rose her head and drew her tongue around her muzzle. A burp came forth from her, to which she gave a small "'Scuse me." to. After a moment of wagging her tail and staring up at Jade like she was some newfound deity for knowing how to fish, she spoke again. "I wanna learn! Can you teach me how now?"
Jade Wolfbane giggled some at the pup's burp. Awe, how cute. At least she liked it. Now the task of teaching? Exciting. Jade stood again, shaking her fur, which she had forgotten to do. Don't know how one could forget that. But water droplets sprayed everywhere as it was, and Jade then turned to look at the water again. Glancing to Music, she waited for the pup to be at least by her side before going on to explain the basics. "Fish are fast, slippery little buggers and are hard to catch. Even if you become a pro, you'll still miss a few every now and then. Lesson one; The fish has to be close to the surface. If it's too far down, the water slows you down and the fish can get away. Like.." she looked to the water with all the little fishies forming back. Pointing at two with a paw, she explained further, "Like that one's down too deep, while that one is right at the surface. You following?"
Musikal bounded after Jade, content now that she was full for the first time in ages and very much liking her new friend. She listened intently to her words, ears pricked and alert. Gaze was locked on the fish as Jade explained, watching their every movements and finding them quite funny. But she decided she liked them. They were cute and tasty! She liked them so much that she tried to mimic one that had glanced at her, making her mouth into an O shape and thinking Glub glub glub. As for the ebony female's question, she nodded with that silly expression on her face that said otherwise about her listening. But she was listening!
Jade Wolfbane looked at the pup while she was making that face and giggled again. Oh Jade did like puppies. The little shitlets were adorable, Jade was happy to have been able to work with them before, so that she could handle this here. Although, she hadn't expected his when she was thrown in here. Expect the unexpected, though! Always remember that. The nod confirmed the paying attention. Jade grinned at Music and looked back at the water. "Lesson two; you have to be quiet in your approach. Don't be too loud or make your shadow move over them. Fish don't usually pay attention, but if they catch movement they'll swim away." Jade then waved a paw over the water, her shadow going across a small fish, who quickly darted away to hide. "Barking doesn't help either." she said, and wouldn't demonstrate it, mainly because then all of them would swim off and they would be fishless! Was Jade doing this wrong? "Lesson three: Aim for the fattest part on the fish. You aim for its tail and it will swim away. Or even if you catch it, it could wiggle away if you don't have a good grip. You could try for the head but, in my experiences, aim for the middle. It works best."
Musikal nodded frantically to every word Jade said, looking like her head was on permanent vibrate. Attention turned to the water every so often to watch her demonstrations and whatnot, nodding crazily of course. She walked close to the edge as she finished speaking, head finally stilling as she crept up. Green eyes scanned for a target, finding one within moments. Eyes locked on the silver fish's middle, just like Teacher Jade had told her to. She crouched low as if she were hunting a mouse, rear waggling in the air as she jumped into the water and plunged her head into the depths. Jaws managed to close around something that wiggled immediately when it was grasped. She pulled back immediately when she felt the weight, almost dropping it on the way as she was holding it by it's tail. She threw it onto the bank, the fish flipping and flopping. "I got it." She announced, smiling.
Jade Wolfbane beamed at the whelp. "Wow! Good job, Music!" she cheered for the child. She actually hadn't expected the girl to be able to catch anything on the first try, but boy was she wrong. That saying came back at her, didn't it? Expect the unexpected. Had she forgotten the fact that the darling pup was a 'super hero' as well? Silly Jade. But damn, this was good news, though. The pup knew how to fish, obviously could catch fish, and wouldn't die of starvation any time soon while waiting for the day she could go rescue her mother from the .. what was it.. 'Super Villain Bear'. Oh the imagination of a child. Jade chuckled to herself, looking at the flopping fish on the ground, sure that it was far enough away from the water to not flop back in, but best to keep an eye on it.
Musikal smiled brightly, little tail wagging a mile a minute behind her. "You should have it, Jade!" She declared, nudging it towards her larger companion with her muzzle, doing a little dance after she did.
Jade Wolfbane blinked some when Music pushed the fish towards her then. "Oh?" she first questioned, almost shocked at the offer, though she figured it would have went this way. "Alright, thank you, very much.." she said, defeated by the puppies excitement over it. She did wish the kid would eat more, but then too much fish at once was a bad idea. So this worked out better. Jade plopped herself to the ground, grabbing the fish in her paws to bring it closer yet to nibble at its side.
Musikal thought it was only reasonable to give Jade her fish, because Jade had given her one. And lass didn't want to be in debt to her, but she did want to return the favor. As Jade lay down, self-proclaimed superhero trotted up to her side and took a laying position too beside new friend. Wagging tail gave a soundtrack to help, thunk-thunk-thunking in the background as she watched Jade eat, perhaps a bit stalkerly. Soon she fell into the warmth Jade radiated, and scooted a bit closer to her so that dusty brown fur mixed with black. If Jade had been a bad canine, Musik would've been dead by now. She was such an easy target. But alas, for now she'd throw caution to the wind as she basked in Jade's warmth and watched her eat. Oh, what weird little things puppies were.
Jade Wolfbane didn't seem to mind being stared at while she was eating. As odd as it really was. Jade looked at the pup while she scooted in close to her side. Smiling softly, Jade didn't say anything, just finished consuming the gift she received from the young creature. Once finished, Jade licked at her lips and gave a quick look around. Okay, so on her first day here in Yellowstone she made a new little friend. Things were surely looking food so far, Jade was having good feelings from this place already. Despite the fact there were no other adult wolves to be found. But first day and all, surely she'll meet some eventually. Looking back to Music again, Jade grinned and asked, "Comfortable?"
Musikal nodded, jaws parting in a yawn soon afterwords. Small childish grin was on her face, though it was quite sleepy too. She laid her head on Jade's shoulder, eyes half open as she lazily watched Jade continue eating.
Jade Wolfbane yawned as well, for yawns were contagious, damnit. Jade wrinkled her nose some, wondering what to do now that she finished her fish. Good fish it was, too. Jade also wondered what to say. Now that Music settled down, Jade peered down at her, the pup's little head on her shoulder. Jade almost reached down and gave the pup a nuzzle, but thought the better of it. Instead, she then poked the pup with more questions, "So if your mother is gone, who is taking care of you?" She wondered if the kid had more than just a mother. Well there was Dad. Or Siblings... Or hell, Aunts, Uncles, a pack, perhaps? My. How awkward that would be if an entire pack came looking for the little super hero and found her with some /stranger/. Green eyes remained glued on the pup, awaiting an answer.
Musikal. "No one, it's just me." She said, as if this were obvious and Jade was a bit dim for thinking otherwise. Musical was alone, that's the way it'd always been. She couldn't remember a time when she didn't have to fend for herself. Mom had weaned her children and then threw a rabbit at them every week or so, which wasn't enough for the 6 children to all get a full belly on. So usually Kallie had gone off and made futile attempts to catch a mouse, only ever getting a mouthful what with her rougher, more dominant siblings. "Whata bout you, Miss Jade?"
Jade Wolfbane frowned at being told the pup was in fact all by herself. Reason why she hadn't eaten in 3 days. Reason why she was as thin as a toothpick. "I am by myself as well." she answered softly. Of course an adult being by herself was different than a wee pooplet! Ah yes.. reminded once again that she herself was all alone, and quite homesick already. But she accepted her fate begrudgingly, coming to Yellowstone was, after all, "the best choice" they had decided. Jade shook her head then started to lick her paws. Hrm, fishy.
Jade Wolfbane was new to this joint. "Yellowstone" they called it, the Two-legs that is. Well maybe the locals too, she had yet to meet any, though. Place was odd, strange, and she was still unsure what to become of it. Hopefully the locals around here were friendly. She'd hate to come across anyone sour. It just wouldn't do any good. Jade yawned, hopping on a few stones lifted from the water, simply to spare her paws from getting wet while she hopped across. The pure black wolf, though, stopped at the sight that greeted her once she got across. Oh look, it was actual life! Well, of flesh. A wee little pooplet, trying so hard to get up on a rock, it seemed. Jade stood there for a short moment, enjoying this little show the kid was unknowingly giving. Chuckling to herself, Jade finally braved herself to approach. The little tike's mum might be around, though, so she had to be careful. "Hey, little one." she said while nearing the struggling pup. "Need some help?"
Musikal, landing on her back again, lied there a second to rest. She panted, tongue splayed out over her jaws as she stared up at the big blue sky. But a voice reached bark-hued ears, and she rolled around onto her four paws again and rose. Ears flicked as she bounded up to the stranger, staring up at her with her eyebrows furrowed. Her face was the pure image of that offended innocence, when you told a child they couldn't have a toy, it was the same expression. Confused offense. She stood her ground in front of this lady, though Momma had always told her not to go near strangers. She couldn't just let this possible Supervillian demean her Superhero-ness! Nor let her get away if she was a supervillian. "No, I don't need heellpp! I'm a fearless superhero." She declared, before expression turned wary and serious. "..Are you a supervillian?" She asked in a near whisper. Not afraid, but more threatening. Though it might've been scarier if she were bigger.
Jade Wolfbane was a bit taken aback by the pup's words. Her ears fell down, while stance almost reversed while she could carry on her own business. But no, Jade was no coward, she could handle chatting with a pup. Yes. "Oh no." she quickly answered the kid, remaining where she was proudly. "I am defiantly a good guy. Not a villian." Words said, she gave a small nod to show she was being truthfully correct. She soon found this amusing almost. The pup was a superhero, apparently? So did she have super powers to go with her superhero name? After all, you cant be a superhero without super powers. Of course, this was something to be doubted. Superheros were not real. But why crush the dreams of a child? Jade fluffed her night colored fur slightly, wondering if the pup would call her a liar because she was a "black wolf" and in stereotyping, black wolves were evil. Jade didn't think she was evil. Could be worse if she had red eyes though.
Musikal eyed the stranger, deciding whether to trust her or not. But alas, Kallie gave into her words and nodded. She turned her back to the stranger, throwing herself at the boulders again. Front half scrabbled for a hold on the rock, but this time she actually managed to get all four paws on it's surface. She fluffed up her own fur proudly and gazed about the land, obviously looking for something by the way her eyes scanned the horizon. Momma, Rieki, or the ugly Supervillian Bear who she'd assumed kidnapped them. Finding nothing, she gave a little pout. Perhaps there was a part of her that knew Momma had left them for good the fateful day she'd told her children she'd 'be right back'. The guilty look on Momma's face when she'd turned her back on her children, and the way she hadn't looked back to make sure the pups were safe and hidden. Perhaps dust-hued girl was just making up for the sadness she really harbored by pretending she was something she wasn't; a happy, healthy puppy. Well, the 'healthy' part was obviously a lie. Her ribs were clearly defined through her pelt, you could easily count them if you wanted to. As young one wasn't the best at hunting, only just beginning to learn to when mother had left. She sat back on her haunches, observing the land and the stranger out of the corner of her eye.
Jade Wolfbane was fond of puppies. There had been a lot of puppies around all the time back at home. The home she had before coming here. Here being so weird and alien to her. Jade sat down, watching as the pup managed to finally get on top of the rock. Curling her tail to her side, Jade tilted her head at the sight of the pup scanning the area. Jade wouldn't know why. And she wasn't about to ask either. So she held her tongue for a moment, thinking that perhaps the pup was doing those 'super hero' things and making sure all was well in the land of Yellowstone. The pup was definitely different than all the other pups she had known in her life. Pups were supposed to be fat and sassy. Sassy was found, but fat? The poor dear was like a twig! Where was her mother, she should be feeding her better. Jade shook her head, giving a small look around. Though it dawned on her just then. What if she didn't have a mother? Attention snapped back to the pup, while a conversation was attempted to start. "What is your name, young one?" she asked carefully, eyes glued to the pup.
Musikal. Head swiveled in the direction of the stranger, ears flicking as her question registered in her brain. "Musical the Brave. Whatta 'bout you?" She answered. Sassy was a definite trait of furball, and slightly arrogant, obvious by the way she introduced herself. She jumped down from her perch then, landing in front of the ebony furred lady and plopping her rear on the ground in front of her. Lassy had remembered manners Momma had always strove to teach her children. Don't sit higher than your elders, it's disrespectful. She recalled. And it was true, sitting higher than all others said that you were the most dominant of the bunch. Though Kallie didn't know that, only thinking it another one of what dustball thought were sometimes useless manners.
Jade Wolfbane smiled softly at the pup while she so boldly introduced herself. How cute, really. Jade flicked her tail slightly, tapping the ground while she sat there. "I'm called Jade." she told 'Musical the Brave'. "Your name is certainly cooler than mine." Jade was only instigating and she knew it. When a pup was being obnoxious, they should be corrected. But the hell with it. Jade didn't care. There were more pressing matters on hand. And she dared to bring them up. Oh yes. "Where is you family, Musical the Brave?" She honestly had no business asking, but hell, she was new at this, you know?
Musikal smiled back hugely, tail wagging behind her. She nodded at first two sentences. "Hi Jade." She simply replied, staring up at her with big green eyes. At Jade's question, sunny disposition vanished to be replaced by a thoughtful sort of stance. Head cocked to the side, gaze leaving older female's for a moment. "Well Momma said she'd be right back a moon er' so ago, but she hasn't come back." She stared seriously up at Jade again. "The evil Villain Bear must'a taken her. So I gotsta find her and rescue her!" She declared, as if this were an entirely serious matter that made complete sense.
Jade Wolfbane blinked a bit at the kid's answer to where her family was. Well shoot, that was horrible. Did no other wolf have any decency and take her under their wing? Figuratively speaking, of course. Wolves didn't have wings. But if they did.. man would it be cool. Jade often wondered what it would be like to fly like the birds did. The rush of air under her paws while in the sky, able to see everything down below and be the perfect hunter. Shaking that thought away, Jade tilted her head at the pup. "You think a bear took your mother?" she questioned in slight surprise. "That sounds like a big thing, you think you're strong enough to handle this feat alone?" Giving the pup another quick look at, she frowned. Poor pup.
Musikal. "Are you doubting me?" She asked, expression testy though not exactly angry. She trotted up to the lady, pawing her side as if scolding a child. "Of course I am! It'd help if I had a sidekick, but. I can take 'im!" She declared, poking Jade's side sharply with a white paw. Testy expression changed then as eyes looked up at Jade's expression. "What'cha sad about, Miss Jade?" She questioned, associating frowns with sadness when that wasn't always the case.
Jade Wolfbane held her tongue once again while pup came over and jabbed at her with one of those little paws. Flicking her tail at her side, she was so tempted to put the pup in her place. After that being her job back home, this probably wasn't the smart thing to do out here. Then again, this pup's mother was obviously missing. If she doubted the words, thinking she could just be lying like she was about being a 'super hero', Jade could clearly see the pup was starving. Besides, she couldn't scare off the one poor thing. "Oh nothing." she answered the pup, giving her a questionable look. "I was just thinking." The black wolf smiled at the young pup once again, though cringing on the inside. What would she do if she were abandoned at Music's age. What sorts of stories would she come up with? Jade couldn't remember her childhood all that well, but it certainly wasn't at all as hard as poor Music probably faced life. All alone. Probably couldn't hunt! Poor puppy, again! "When was the last time you ate?" she asked the skinny pup, again with the questions.
Musikal. "Oh." She said bluntly, sitting down at Jade's side. Thoughtful look came back again as she tried to remember the last time she ate, looking down at her paws as if she'd done something wrong. "..Uh.. I don't rememb.." She began, ears twitching as she tried to think back. "About three days ago." She mumbled, barely audible. She'd caught a small rabbit and scarfed it down, not exactly a full meal for a growing wolf puppy. She knew that wasn't good, but she was ashamed of her own hunting skills. No one had taught her to hunt, so she'd had to figure it out herself and was only barely getting by doing so. Rats and mice and the occasional rabbit were her meals, if she could manage to catch one to last her the day.
Jade Wolfbane frowned again, despite her not wanting to. "Oh that is horrible." she said a little too quickly. But then she thought on it, saying, "I think super heros should eat lots. To have plenty of strength and grow up big and strong so they can take on bears, no?" Jade stuck out a paw to give the pup a gentle poke. "Three days sounds like too long. You should eat." And she'd be a saint if she could whip out a nice juicy steak out of no where, but unfortunately, wolves couldn't do that. And she actually hadn't eaten lately herself. Perhaps a hunting session was in order. Eyes peeked around for a moment, as if food would magically appear out of no where near them. And what do you know, nothing. Standing up, Jade started heading towards the little river. Fish sounded good. And easy. And quick. Sitting by the rivers edge, she looked into the water. Oh it was a good thing she was taught how to hunt practically anything in the wild. Came in handy, you know?
Musikal stared at her paws as if they'd suddenly become the most interesting thing in all of Yellowstone. She shrugged to Jade's words, ashamed of her own poor hunting skills. Watching as she moved away, pup expected her to just leave then with that word of advice. But when she didn't go far, dustball rose to her paws and followed, sitting at Jade's side and gazing up at her curiously. Perhaps older wolf was looking for any prey that'd stopped for a drink? Or maybe mice or rabbits hiding in the reeds.
Jade Wolfbane glanced at the pup when she came over. Fortunately for Jade, there were many fine looking fat fishies swimming around in the water before them. Jade's tail stilled, flopped behind her while she then leaned over the water a little, slowly so fast movements wouldn't scare the fish. She said nothing to the pup just yet, afraid even a voice or bark would alarm one particularly delicious looking fish that was only inches away from the perfect striking point. Poise held gracefully, still and elegant, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Coming sooner than expected. The fish turned in the water, entering her target zone. In a flash, Jade attacked the water. Springing forward, teeth first, Jade chomped down on the fish, but of course the momentum of her attack made her go face first into the water with a splash, thus scaring away all further chances of meal. Which was fine, for she caught the big one. Jade stood in the water, soaked, with a flailing fish in her jaws.
Musikal. Eyes widened at Jade's sudden flash of movement, taking a baby step backwards to avoid the spray of water that came up with the splash. She giggled for the split second Jade was face-first in the water, finding the sight very silly. When ebony female rose her head triumphant, Musical did a little dance, bounding up to her playfully. "How'd you do that?! Can you teach me?! That's awesome, momma!" She was amazed at first; until mother's namesake slipped from her lips. Then she immediately stopped, a hot wave engulfing the puppy from head to toe. Embarrassed, she only returned to her sitting position and took the utmost attention to her paws again. "Sorry, Jade." She apologized, ashamed of what she'd done yet again.
Jade Wolfbane stared at the pup for a moment. Her head tilted to the side at being called 'momma'. Well, okay then. She chuckled at the pup's apologies though, stepping out of the water. The fish's tail slapped her on the nose, but Jade didn't let go. Biting down harder on the silvery fish (I dunno what kind it could be so yea...) she attempted to kill it faster than being suffocated out of the water. When it did stop moving finally, Jade placed it down on the ground, placing a paw on it.. just in case. "It's fine." she assured the pup, knowing the poor dear was missing her mother enough. "Fishing is harder than it looks." she explained the pup wistfully. "But I can teach you if you want me to. But first, eat." Fish was either dead or too worn out to flop away by now, Jade removed her paw and pushed it closer to the pup.
Musikal. "Okay!" Spirits perked up a bit at the thought of being able to catch fish everyday instead of small mice. But she hesitated when Jade told her to eat. "Shouldn't you take the first bite?" She said unsurely. That was another one of those 'manners'. Not only was it proper to let your elders eat first, but it was, like the sitting higher than your elders thing, also a sign in the pecking order. Those at the top of the pecking order ate first, which in this scenario would be Jade, and those at the bottom last. She cocked her head at Jade curiously as she awaited an answer.
Jade Wolfbane shook her head slowly. "Not when I don't want it." she answered with a smile. Sitting, Jade of course made no move to go for the fish, simply because she got it for Music. Fishing was certainly a good thing to know how for a loner wolf, she was told. Because big kills were near to impossible to pull off alone, and smaller game like rabbits got old after a while. A wolf with taste, how unusual. Hopefully the kid would like the defiantly unique taste of fish. At least fish was healthy and practically all edible. Their little bones were easier to chew, too. Jade glanced at the water again for a second before going back to watching the pup.
Musikal hesitated again before lowering her head to the fish, taking a small experimental bite. Tenatively she chewed, letting the taste sink into her tongue. She decided she liked it, and gobbled the remainder of the silver fish within a matter of mere minutes. Hungry puppy was certaintly hungry. When she was done, she rose her head and drew her tongue around her muzzle. A burp came forth from her, to which she gave a small "'Scuse me." to. After a moment of wagging her tail and staring up at Jade like she was some newfound deity for knowing how to fish, she spoke again. "I wanna learn! Can you teach me how now?"
Jade Wolfbane giggled some at the pup's burp. Awe, how cute. At least she liked it. Now the task of teaching? Exciting. Jade stood again, shaking her fur, which she had forgotten to do. Don't know how one could forget that. But water droplets sprayed everywhere as it was, and Jade then turned to look at the water again. Glancing to Music, she waited for the pup to be at least by her side before going on to explain the basics. "Fish are fast, slippery little buggers and are hard to catch. Even if you become a pro, you'll still miss a few every now and then. Lesson one; The fish has to be close to the surface. If it's too far down, the water slows you down and the fish can get away. Like.." she looked to the water with all the little fishies forming back. Pointing at two with a paw, she explained further, "Like that one's down too deep, while that one is right at the surface. You following?"
Musikal bounded after Jade, content now that she was full for the first time in ages and very much liking her new friend. She listened intently to her words, ears pricked and alert. Gaze was locked on the fish as Jade explained, watching their every movements and finding them quite funny. But she decided she liked them. They were cute and tasty! She liked them so much that she tried to mimic one that had glanced at her, making her mouth into an O shape and thinking Glub glub glub. As for the ebony female's question, she nodded with that silly expression on her face that said otherwise about her listening. But she was listening!
Jade Wolfbane looked at the pup while she was making that face and giggled again. Oh Jade did like puppies. The little shitlets were adorable, Jade was happy to have been able to work with them before, so that she could handle this here. Although, she hadn't expected his when she was thrown in here. Expect the unexpected, though! Always remember that. The nod confirmed the paying attention. Jade grinned at Music and looked back at the water. "Lesson two; you have to be quiet in your approach. Don't be too loud or make your shadow move over them. Fish don't usually pay attention, but if they catch movement they'll swim away." Jade then waved a paw over the water, her shadow going across a small fish, who quickly darted away to hide. "Barking doesn't help either." she said, and wouldn't demonstrate it, mainly because then all of them would swim off and they would be fishless! Was Jade doing this wrong? "Lesson three: Aim for the fattest part on the fish. You aim for its tail and it will swim away. Or even if you catch it, it could wiggle away if you don't have a good grip. You could try for the head but, in my experiences, aim for the middle. It works best."
Musikal nodded frantically to every word Jade said, looking like her head was on permanent vibrate. Attention turned to the water every so often to watch her demonstrations and whatnot, nodding crazily of course. She walked close to the edge as she finished speaking, head finally stilling as she crept up. Green eyes scanned for a target, finding one within moments. Eyes locked on the silver fish's middle, just like Teacher Jade had told her to. She crouched low as if she were hunting a mouse, rear waggling in the air as she jumped into the water and plunged her head into the depths. Jaws managed to close around something that wiggled immediately when it was grasped. She pulled back immediately when she felt the weight, almost dropping it on the way as she was holding it by it's tail. She threw it onto the bank, the fish flipping and flopping. "I got it." She announced, smiling.
Jade Wolfbane beamed at the whelp. "Wow! Good job, Music!" she cheered for the child. She actually hadn't expected the girl to be able to catch anything on the first try, but boy was she wrong. That saying came back at her, didn't it? Expect the unexpected. Had she forgotten the fact that the darling pup was a 'super hero' as well? Silly Jade. But damn, this was good news, though. The pup knew how to fish, obviously could catch fish, and wouldn't die of starvation any time soon while waiting for the day she could go rescue her mother from the .. what was it.. 'Super Villain Bear'. Oh the imagination of a child. Jade chuckled to herself, looking at the flopping fish on the ground, sure that it was far enough away from the water to not flop back in, but best to keep an eye on it.
Musikal smiled brightly, little tail wagging a mile a minute behind her. "You should have it, Jade!" She declared, nudging it towards her larger companion with her muzzle, doing a little dance after she did.
Jade Wolfbane blinked some when Music pushed the fish towards her then. "Oh?" she first questioned, almost shocked at the offer, though she figured it would have went this way. "Alright, thank you, very much.." she said, defeated by the puppies excitement over it. She did wish the kid would eat more, but then too much fish at once was a bad idea. So this worked out better. Jade plopped herself to the ground, grabbing the fish in her paws to bring it closer yet to nibble at its side.
Musikal thought it was only reasonable to give Jade her fish, because Jade had given her one. And lass didn't want to be in debt to her, but she did want to return the favor. As Jade lay down, self-proclaimed superhero trotted up to her side and took a laying position too beside new friend. Wagging tail gave a soundtrack to help, thunk-thunk-thunking in the background as she watched Jade eat, perhaps a bit stalkerly. Soon she fell into the warmth Jade radiated, and scooted a bit closer to her so that dusty brown fur mixed with black. If Jade had been a bad canine, Musik would've been dead by now. She was such an easy target. But alas, for now she'd throw caution to the wind as she basked in Jade's warmth and watched her eat. Oh, what weird little things puppies were.
Jade Wolfbane didn't seem to mind being stared at while she was eating. As odd as it really was. Jade looked at the pup while she scooted in close to her side. Smiling softly, Jade didn't say anything, just finished consuming the gift she received from the young creature. Once finished, Jade licked at her lips and gave a quick look around. Okay, so on her first day here in Yellowstone she made a new little friend. Things were surely looking food so far, Jade was having good feelings from this place already. Despite the fact there were no other adult wolves to be found. But first day and all, surely she'll meet some eventually. Looking back to Music again, Jade grinned and asked, "Comfortable?"
Musikal nodded, jaws parting in a yawn soon afterwords. Small childish grin was on her face, though it was quite sleepy too. She laid her head on Jade's shoulder, eyes half open as she lazily watched Jade continue eating.
Jade Wolfbane yawned as well, for yawns were contagious, damnit. Jade wrinkled her nose some, wondering what to do now that she finished her fish. Good fish it was, too. Jade also wondered what to say. Now that Music settled down, Jade peered down at her, the pup's little head on her shoulder. Jade almost reached down and gave the pup a nuzzle, but thought the better of it. Instead, she then poked the pup with more questions, "So if your mother is gone, who is taking care of you?" She wondered if the kid had more than just a mother. Well there was Dad. Or Siblings... Or hell, Aunts, Uncles, a pack, perhaps? My. How awkward that would be if an entire pack came looking for the little super hero and found her with some /stranger/. Green eyes remained glued on the pup, awaiting an answer.
Musikal. "No one, it's just me." She said, as if this were obvious and Jade was a bit dim for thinking otherwise. Musical was alone, that's the way it'd always been. She couldn't remember a time when she didn't have to fend for herself. Mom had weaned her children and then threw a rabbit at them every week or so, which wasn't enough for the 6 children to all get a full belly on. So usually Kallie had gone off and made futile attempts to catch a mouse, only ever getting a mouthful what with her rougher, more dominant siblings. "Whata bout you, Miss Jade?"
Jade Wolfbane frowned at being told the pup was in fact all by herself. Reason why she hadn't eaten in 3 days. Reason why she was as thin as a toothpick. "I am by myself as well." she answered softly. Of course an adult being by herself was different than a wee pooplet! Ah yes.. reminded once again that she herself was all alone, and quite homesick already. But she accepted her fate begrudgingly, coming to Yellowstone was, after all, "the best choice" they had decided. Jade shook her head then started to lick her paws. Hrm, fishy.
tbc