Hey whats up readers? I know it's been awhile... If you want more review or hit the follow button, with that aside enjoy XD
I sat in a dark bar in the corner watching everyone else go about their miserable life, I spent the first year or two walking in human form, passing by settlements of humans or animals occasionally having to kill one or the other, until I made it to 'The outpost' they called it a small town with only one building worth my while the bar, the barmaid wandered over to my table asking happily, "Is there anything I can get you?"
I shake my head at how happy she is, "How much for a glass of whiskey?"
"Well hun," She said, "That depends on how you want to pay we accept trades for useful supplies or ammo."
I reach in my backpack and pull out two full boxes of shotgun shells, "Make sure my glass doesn't go empty and no one talks to me."
She nodded grabbing the ammo and hurried to go get my drink bringing me a full bottle and a glass, I nodded as I poured myself a full glass and downed it feeling the alcohol burn my throat on the way down, I took a breath and refilled my glass, taking my time I watched the others in the bar, there were two barmaids the young one who served me and an older one and two guys travellers by the looks of them, the older lady announced, "You guys mind if I turn on the radio listen to the news."
I watched as she pulled out a battery radio and switched it on, I was mid drink when I heard my name come over the radio, "We are still looking for the bandit known as Dexios he and his brother attacked 'The School' killing four of the citizens, the guards managed to kill his brother, be on the lookout for a young white male about six feet tall brown hair and a leather jacket and his companion a black wolf reward for the head of either is twice your body weight in bullets." I finished my drink setting it down I could see them all still going about their own business, 'I guess in a shit world no one wants to play hero' I listen as the young barmaid tells the other girl, "It's a shame they don't offer rewards like that for finding missing people or killing gangs of bandits."
I open my bag and look in my food and water were all gone and I only had about 20 rounds of 9mm ammo left, I looked at the young waitress and waved her over, she smiled politely and asked, "Is everything okay I can turn the radio off if you want."
"No, it's not that," I said contemplating my next words, "Did I hear you have a missing person?"
I watched as she started to tear up, "Yea my brother, the bandits come here and take what they call protection tax, I didn't have any ammo or drugs so they took my little brother, said he would make a fine warrior."
She started crying, "I'm sorry to burden you with my problems," She wiped her tears away, "What did you want?"
"If someone found your brother and returned him could you pay them, food, water, and ammo?" I asked
"Hell if someone could do that, I would give them whatever they wanted for supplies, ammo, and give them free drinks for a week." She said.
"Deal do you know where the bandits are?" I asked.
"Wait what," She asked confused.
"I will do it, where are the bandits that took him?" I asked
"You will? I mean thank you, umm no I don't know where they took him." She replied looking visibly deflated.
"Whatever how long ago was he taken?" I questioned.
"A couple of days," She replied.
"Do you have any clothes of his? A shirt?" I asked.
She looked at me puzzled, "Yeah one sec."
I watched as she retrieved a small red t-shirt from behind the bar and made her way back over to me, "Here," She said handing it to me.
I nodded grabbing the shirt and tucking it into my bag, slowly I got up making sure to take my still half full bottle of whisky with me as I left, She grabbed my hand stopping me, "It's getting dark and you're drunk I don't think it's a good idea for you to go sleep here until morning then go."
I began laughing, "Have a bottle waiting for my return," I told her as I stepped out of the bar, I reached into my bag and pulled out the shirt, I inhaled deeply into it getting the little boys scent, I opened my eyes and stumbled off in the direction of the scent.
It was only about 5 km into the forest I came upon their encampment I finished drinking my bottle and staggered into the middle of their camp I asked, "What does a guy gotta do to get a drink around here?" I spun around in circles watching as about five bandits made a circle around me. "This isn't the bar is it?"
A voice from behind me, "Naw mate you's a long way from the bar." I watched as their leader took a step towards me, "But for that nice jacket of yours I'll give you a bottle and directions back to the bar.
"Sounds like we got a deal mate, come get your jacket," I said dropping my empty bottle and slowly taking my jacket off careful to keep my pistol hidden by it, I watched as he slowly wandered over to me grabbing for my jacket, I let the jacket fall to the ground and punched him in the gut before drawing my gun and picking off the other four, holstering my gun and putting back on my jacket I looked at the leader of the bandits lying on the ground clutching his stomach, I grabbed his hair and hauled him to his feet, "Now I'm looking for the boy you took, where is he."
The bandit pointed to the big tent, "good," I said before snapping his neck, slowly I entered the tent gagged and tied up the boy sat in the corner shaking and crying, I reached for the cloth keeping him from talking only to have him freak out and pull away, "Easy not gonna hurt you, your sister hired me to bring you home I'm going to free you now okay?" I watched as the small boy no older than nine nodded, slowly I removed his restraints, "Better?" I asked and he nodded, "Good let's go."
Once we stepped outside the tent the boy looked at me wide eyed, "You killed them," I scratched the back of my head.
"Yeah, I did," I responded coldly, "Now let's get you home."
The walk back was quiet and I could hear the boys heart race he was scared of me, and for good reason too, once the outpost was in view the boy took off running straight for the bar, "Lucy?"
"Ben?" I watch as they both run to each other and embrace in a big hug, I wander back to my booth at the bar and sat down, Lucy the barmaid runs over, "Thank you so much for bringing him back to me whatever you need just say the word."
"Whisky, water, food, and 9mm ammo," I tell her calmly.
"Yeah, sure thing one sec, Ben what do you say to the nice man who saved you?" She said as she hurried to retrieve my stuff.
"Thanks mister for saving me," The little boy said.
"Don't mention it," I said looking out the window, the sun just starting to come up.
Lucy came back with an armload of supplies, "I have more just one..."
I cut her off, "No, this is fine," I survey what she brought 1 bottle of whisky, 10 water bottles, 50 9mm bullets, and 20 cans of refried beans, I started loading it all in my backpack leaving the ammo out I reloaded my gun and spare magazines before putting them away.
"Are you sure there is nothing else I can get you?" She asked.
I shook my head and began drinking the whiskey right out of the bottle.
"It's morning and you are going to get drunk?" She blurted out.
"Yeah after what I've been through, that's the plan," I told her taking another swig.
"Hey everyone went through some shit doesn't mean you should piss your life away," She told me shaking her head.
I smiled, "My brother was killed before my eyes, before that my family died in an explosion, and I'm a wanted man."
"Wanted man by who?" She asked.
I cleared my throat, "Let me introduce myself, I'm Dexios."
She looked at me shocked, "The guy who killed the people in the city?"
"Yup five of em," I said taking another swig.
Lucy shook her head, "You must have had a reason why?"
"They chased me and my brother out of their city and shot him so I killed them and their leader James," I said.
Lucy paused a moment, "Fuck em, you're a hero, you are welcome here anytime, how long do you plan to stay I have a spare cot."
I nodded to her, "Thanks but, I'm leaving today."
"Why?" She asked innocently.
"I have my reasons," I said looking off into the forest.
"Oh, well thank you again and if you find yourself in the area stop in," She said smiling.
I nodded as I got up grabbing my backpack before I left.
.
.
I sighed exhausted having walked for a month straight, "I need to find a bar or something." I walked another kilometer before coming across a settlement of animals I groaned as I changed forms, I could hardly keep my eyes open so I wandered in the first building I seen with an old neon sign, I felt relief as I sat down at the bar, "How much for whiskey?" I asked the female wolf tending the bar
I sighed hearing the door open and two wolves wander in, "Hey Triss two glasses, who the hell are you?" I watched as they sit on the stools beside me looking me up and down.
"Just here for a drink," I said.
"Triss, is this punk omega bugging you?" One of the male wolves asks the barkeep.
Warily Triss shakes her head and poured three glasses of whiskey, I nodded and grabbed my glass downing it, "Another," I said.
"Ammo or supplies first," The bartender said.
I sighed, "How many bullets a drink?"
"5 to 1," She said.
"Fine," I said reaching into my backpack I pulled out a handful of ammo and dropped it on the counter it was a mess of rifle and shotgun ammo, "Another."
Triss scowled at me as she took the ammo and poured me another glass, I downed it just as quick as the first, "Another."
She shook her head, "You might wanna take it slow."
I laugh at her, "And why's that? Don't tell me you care if a merc dies from alcohol poisoning."
"I just don't wanna clean up the mess," Triss says still glaring at me.
One of the male wolves turn to me, "What are you doing here?"
"Lookin for work and drinks," I tell him polishing off another glass.
"Work you say? So if I told you to kill John here you would?" Triss asked.
"Which ones John?" I ask drawing a knife and sticking it in the wood top of the bar.
"Whoa whoa whoa," One wolf says glaring at Triss, "What the hell."
I smile, "I take it your John?"
Triss began laughing, "Easy there, no one's paying you to kill him," I sighed putting my knife away.
"I'm not so easy to kill, I could have taken him," John the wolf mumbled to himself.
"Sorry Johnny boy, guess you won't find out if you could handle me, I don't kill for free," I said turning my attention back to my drink.
Suddenly the door swings inward and in come two kits a young wolf and a young cougar laughing and playing until they saw me, "A stranger," The little wolf cried out, "Mom, Who is he here?"
Triss shook her head, "It's okay boys, he's just here for a drink."
The two kits sat to my right, laughing, I suddenly feel a tap on my arm I look and see the cougar tapping my arm, "Where do you come from."
I shake my head, "Where I come from stories ain't free."
The cougar looks confused and looks to the barkeep Triss for an explanation, "The cheapskate means not from around here he wants to get paid for talking."
"But his stories are the greatest," 'great another wolf' slowly a gray wolf wandered up to me.
Triss pipes up, "You know him?"
I look at the gray wolf, "Yeah we've met."
The gray wolf sighs, "I'm sorry about your brother."
"Yeah, so I hear. You slinging messages or something?" I ask.
"Zootopia needs warriors, since we lost our two best," The gray wolf said.
I laugh, "I can't believe you guys stuck with that name."
Triss shook her head, "How do you two know each other?"
"I gotta go but it's his story, ask him," The gray wolf turned to me, "If I don't see you before you leave, take care."
"You too," I say watching him leave.
Triss sighed, "What's it gonna cost to hear this story?"
I smiled, "A bottle of whiskey and a place to sleep."
"Fine," Triss grumbled grabbing a bottle and putting it on the table, "As for a place to sleep just aim for a booth."
"Alright what do you wanna know?" I ask.
The young wolf piped up, "You've been to Zootopia? Did you know Azoth and Dexios?"
I begin laughing, "And how do you know their names?"
One of the older wolves spoke up, "They were the warriors of Zootopia helped make peace with the humans and kept it longer than any could hope or expect until humans killed Azoth," The wolf spit on the ground, "Every wolf knows their names and most other animals two."
"Strange," I said.
"What's strange?" Triss asked.
"The humans have a different opinion of Dexios, Story goes he is a human who killed five humans, he's a wanted man and the black wolf is his companion," I say trying to hide a smile.
"You're a liar," John shouted at me, "Everyone knows he and his brother are wolves."
"Have you met them?" I asked, "No?" none of them talked, "I thought not."
The little cougar piped up, "And you have?"
I smiled taking a sip of whiskey, "I'm Dexios."
"Bull shit you lying pile of shit," John yelled.
"Why do you think that wolf knew me from Zootopia, Me and my brother helped build that place," I told them.
"No way," The other wolf growled.
"You really are Dexios aren't you?" Triss asked.
"The one and only at your service," I said.
Triss shook her head in disbelief, "Why did you leave Zootopia?"
"I lost my brother in the name of peace for them, I owe them nothing," I say taking another gulp.
"So what you wander the world alone, in a drunken stooper trying to kill yourself?" John asked.
"That's the goal," I said pissed at them 'what the hell do you all know about me' I could hear the little ones crying, "What's wrong kid?"
The little wolf looked up at me wiping tears away, "You were my hero," He said before running out with his cougar friend hot on his heels.
Triss shook her head, "You're a real piece of work ain't ya? Makin a kid that idolized you hate you in a matter of minutes, you're all he could talk about for weeks when that wolf showed up saying Zootopia needed us and spreading your heroic stories."
"Hey, Triss were gonna head out, let this tired old dog drink himself to death, you coming?" John asked.
"Yeah, I gotta go find my boy," She said following them out.
.
.
I awoke with my leather jacket wrapped around my head, sighing I unwrapped it and put it on squinting from the sunlight peeking through the windows.
"How you feeling Dex?" A voice asked.
I sat up in the booth still in wolf form my head was spinning and hurt, "I've been worse."
"You don't remember me do you?" The gray wolf asked.
I sighed rubbing my eyes, "You're the gray wolf leader from Zootopia you never chose a name while I was there."
"Yeah well I go by Grey," He said.
"How creative," I looked around for my whiskey.
"Looking for something?" Grey held my half full bottle of whiskey in his paw.
"Yeah give me," I say reaching out to grab it.
"No," He said throwing it at the wall smashing it to bits, "You are better than this, alpha up, you're acting like a pup."
I snarl at him, "You owe me a drink."
"Yeah well drinks on me next time you're in Zootopia," Grey said.
"I ain't going back ever," I said.
"We need your help, It's a long hard road back to home, we will have women and pups an easy target for bandits," He said.
"No can do I'm going the other way," I told him.
"For what?" He asked, "How much supplies do you have? Winter is coming have you planned for it?"
"No one lives forever, right?" I said smiling.
"How the mighty has fallen, for Azoth's memory and who you used to be I won't tell Abe or anyone I ran into you," Grey said shaking his head.
I groan my head still hurting, "Are you done tormenting me?"
"I just came to ask you to come home brother," He says.
I snarl bearing my fangs, "You are not my brother he died for you all."
"I see... Well, they are only taking the important things so you will have loads of alcohol to drown your sorrow, or kill yourself," I watched as he slowly got up and wandered to the door, "Good by my friend, may the moonlight shine on you again one day." And with that, he was gone. I stood there blinking, "The moonlight..." I whispered to myself shaking my head as I thought about Azoth's belief in the moon.
I managed to stumble my way to the bar reaching around it I hauled a bottle back over the counter, 'Don't lose yourself to grief,' Azoth's voice rang through my head, Looking down at the bottle in my hand I watch as my tears slowly dampen the bottle, "FUCK," I yell throwing the bottle at the window shattering both to pieces, the sunlight blinding me and making my head throb, holding my head in one paw I fished in my leather jacket for my sunglasses flipping them on, I thought of my human family and of Azoth as I looked out the window I could see them there waving at me, Shaking my head I mumbled, "Until we are reunited in the moonlight," I watched them fade and turn into the settlers walking away.
I sighed standing up on my hind legs fastening my backpack and looking at myself in the mirror, my fur was matted and stained with blood, my shirt and pants stained and shredded the only thing still whole was my jacket, I groaned dropping to all fours and headed out of the bar into the blinding light. It took a moment to adjust to the light and sensation of my head splitting open, groaning I began following the animals heading towards Zootopia.
It wasn't hard to catch up with them I was able to catch them walking I stayed back observing they walked on all fours pulling luggage and a wooden cart of supplies, they were mainly wolves John, Triss, her kid, Grey, and the other wolf and it looked like a cougar family the lil cat I met last night at the bar and what must be his mother and father, his father looked injured and slowing the group down, "Pitty," I mumbled to myself, "At this rate it will take months to get back," I looked up at the sun that was beginning to fall then back at them they had stopped and were setting up camp, so I circled around finding a good vantage point a hill overlooking the camp, I sat down and watched the treeline for any trouble.
I stood watch all night nothing happened I smiled relieved as they slowly packed up camp, it was another long excruciating day of walking at a slow pace, I spent most of my time watching the two young ones play together marveling that with a war raging on they seem so unaffected, I watched as they wandered off into the forest chasing each other, when I heard them scream, running I made it there first they two cubs were huddled together cowering from a thug holding a gun, "Hey," I yelled at the thug, "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" The thug turned his attention to me.
He laughed, "A dog wearing people clothes I've seen it all."
"You two get back to the others," I growled, "I'll handle him."
I watched as the young ones scrambled away the rogue bandit smiling, "You will handle me? I have a gun."
I laughed standing up on my two hind legs, "So do I."
The bandit laughed as I struggled to keep my balance, "Can you even grab your gun with those paws?
I fumbled reaching for my pistol causing me to drop back down to all fours the bandit throwing his head back laughing, "Dumb mut trying to play cowboy, can't even use that gun."
I slowly take a couple steps forward closing the distance between us, "You forget, I don't need a gun," I jump ripping his throat out and knocking him down, I spit his flesh out as I listened to his final breath gurgle out of his lungs I shook my head turning around I saw all the male wolves standing there.
Grey bowed his head causing the other two to follow suit, "So you decided to come after all?"
I nodded back, "Good thing I did."
Triss caught up to them her son in tow, "I owe you a big thanks for savi.."
I cut her off, "It's fine you all should go back to the wagon and keep moving."
Grey tilted his head, "You aren't coming?"
"I'll catch up," I said.
I waited until they left, I was still standing over my kill I shook my head fighting the urge to eat him as I licked the still warm blood from my lips, I stayed locked there looking at the blood run from his throat staining the grass, I dipped my head down letting my tongue hang centimeters away, I could practically taste the sweet taste of his blood as I felt drool fall from my maw making stomach growl, "No," I whispered to myself before chasing after the others.
.
.
I walked silently at the front of the group focused on all the sounds and smells searching for danger, Grey caught up and walked quietly just behind me, occasionally I would turn back and see everyone perk up, looking up it was getting late and the injured cougar looked tired, "Make camp here," I told Grey.
"Yes Alpha," He said.
I paused looking at him, "What did you say?"
He turned his head away, "I called you Alpha, I'm sorry old habit dies hard."
"It's fine Grey," I said walking towards high ground.
.
.
Upon my hill, I sat there watching. my body and mind tired, I sighed struggling to keep my eyes open...
*Snap* I remained still slowly opening my eyes I was still sitting up it was dark even darker with my sunglasses on, "Were you sleeping?"
I looked it was Triss, "Just resting my eyes a little."
"Why are you up here all alone?" She asked.
"Watching for danger," I responded.
"Well it's a good thing I wasn't a bandit then, or you'd be screwed," She laughed.
"You should go back to camp," I told her.
"I came to bring you back, you need proper food and rest," She said.
"Don't worry about me," I said exhausted.
"Come on you can barely sit up come eat and rest," She said.
"No, I'm fi..." I was cut off.
"I know those guy's think you're the Alpha so don't make me kick your ass and make you omega, because I wasn't asking I was telling you, go eat," She said standing ready to pounce.
I sighed, "Okay, lead the way."
She smiled turning around, "Very wise of you."
I shook my head and followed.
Everyone was gathered around a fire eating and laughing until they saw me everything went quiet as I took a spot by the fire, I looked around at everyone I was the only one wearing clothes, 'nothing like being the weird outsider' I ran a paw up to my face I was still wearing sunglasses I took them off and managed to get them back into my jacket pocket.
Triss finally broke the silence as she dropped a bowl of kibbles in front of me, "Man you look like shit and smell worse you need a bath."
Everyone laughed I just shook my head and took a bite of kibbles the injured male cougar spoke up, "Hey Dexios is it? Why do you wear those rag things are you cold?"
I chuckled, "The pockets come in handy and they protect me somewhat, I never caught your name."
The cougar shook his head, "I'm Connor, this is my wife Beth, and son Blake."
I nodded, "Nice to meet you,"
Grey laughed, "Well besides them you know me, Triss, John, the ones you don't know are Triss' son Alec and the other wolf, Jake."
I finished my mouthful of kibbles, "Thanks for the food."
Triss laughed, "Least we could do after you saved our two young ones."
I finished my kibble and got up to leave, "Where are you going?" Grey asked.
"To rest," I said.
"Don't trust us?" Grey replied.
"I'm just more of a lone wolf," I told them.
Connor the male cougar piped up, "Not if you're traveling with us."
Triss laughed, "You best just lay down and get comfy."
I sighed unslinging my backpack, gun, and holster.
"Why don't you get out of those rags we can find you new ones along the way," Triss told me.
I sighed standing up on my hind legs I shook off my jacket letting it fall to the ground, next the shirt and pants I struggled with the button and zipper but when I got them off I threw them in the fire before grabbing my jacket I turned to see everyone staring at me, "What?"
Grey spoke up, "You are covered in blood, your fur is matted, and you stink like death, how are you still alive?"
"Just one of the perks of being me I guess," I said falling to all fours putting my jacket in my mouth.
I found a spot that was comfy and threw my jacket over my head covering it from any light.
.
.
I felt gentle nips on my ear, I groaned and twitched, The bites got a little rougher, "What are you doing?"
"You don't like it," Triss asked, I felt a shiver run up my spine and my body tense she began laughing, "I'm just messing with you, we are gonna start packing up."
I sat up shaking my jacket off my head my heart still racing, the sunlight burning my eyes, I grabbed my shades and put them on before putting my jacket on, "Okay I'll get my stuff." I had to stuff my holster and belt into my backpack but the gun fits nicely in my jacket, all set to go I looked around everyone else was just about ready.
.
.
"Kinda lonely up here ain't it?" I turned to see Triss walking beside me.
"Mhmmm it's peaceful," I mumble.
"Mind if I walk with you then?" She asked.
I sigh looking up at the sun it was only noon, "If you want."
"Why do you always chose to be alone?" She asked.
"Stright to the point, Eh?" I said, "It's who I am."
"That's not an answer," She flicked her tail annoyed.
"Why are you here with me your husband would." I was cut off
She laughed, "No he left when Alec my son was born," she hit me with her tail, "I'm single if that's what you were wondering."
I swallowed hard, "What? Why, uh why would you think that?"
I felt her lean up against me she was so warm I felt a smile cross my face as she whispered in my ear, "You enjoyed my wake up call didn't you?"
I shook my head and sidestepped causing her to stumble, "I'm sorry but, I'm not like you."
She looked at me confused, "You look like a wolf to me, Do you not like me? Are you gay? I heard when the bomb hit it changed us, so it's okay I think Grey likes you."
I shake my head, "What? No, I'm not gay, It's complicated."
I felt her bite my ear playfully, "Full moon tonight might be our last with the war and all, enjoy life while you can." She nipped the underside of my neck gently before going back to the group. I kept walking in a daze, 'Azoth what the hell do I have myself in now, I wish you were here I could use your help.'
.
.
Finally we stopped to set up camp, So I decided to venture off just a little ways away there was a creek running, stepping into the running water I watched as mud and blood flowed off my dirty paws, slowly my reflection became visible, my fur was a mess matted and crusted with blood, even my face stained red with the blood of the bandit the other day, I sighed, "I'm surprised they aren't scared of me," slowly I took my jacket off and flung it to dry land before wandering deeper into the creek, I found a nice spot where I could sit and the water was only shoulder height, the running water cleansed my fur of blood and cooled my sore muscles, "What are you doing?" I turned to see Alec standing there.
I cleared my throat, "Just enjoying the cold water."
I heard splashing and turned to watch him wade into the water and join me, "It is cold."I laughed dipping my head under the water just to shake and spray him with the droplets, "HEY!" He cried out jumping into me pushing me back under the water.
I surfaced with him clung to my back, "Are you boy's having fun?" Triss asked from the edge of the water, "Come on it's time to eat."
"Oh but mom," Alec protested.
"No buts back to camp," She stated.
I followed the little one out of the water shaking dry the best I could before putting my jacket back on I watched as Alec disappeared towards camp Triss then turned to me, "Thank you."
I stared at her tilting my head confused, "For what?"
"For putting up with him, you're his hero, you're all he can talk about," She told me.
I smiled at her, "He's a good kid."
I watched as she wandered over and sniffed me, "Well you don't look any better, but you smell a bit better."
I laughed shaking more water from my fur spraying her, "Shall we?"
She nips my ear playfully, "Right here? It's a little dirty and with dinner, we will have to be quick"
I feel my jaw hang loosely as I stare at her in shock, "WHAT!? I meant go back for dinner."
"Loosen up I was kidding, mostly," She hip checks me laughing, "Let's go eat."
.
.
After the meal I excused myself, naturally they asked why and where I was going, I sighed, "There's something I need to do," I walked as far from them as I could finding a peaceful spot, an empty meadow kissed with the full moon's light, I looked up at the moon, "I'm sorry, I should have done this earlier but it was hard," I struggled with the lump in my throat trying to find air, "In the light of the full moon may the darkness in me fade, as I embrace my true form in your pure light guide me from sin and keep me from harm so that I may one day run with my fallen brother Azoth, under your light may those you have taken hear my voice and know I have not forgotten, for we will be reunited one day soon."
I felt the full moon wash over me and heard a faint howl on the wind, I closed my eyes turning my maw skyward, loosing a long drawn out howl, I heard someone join in beside me opening my eyes I saw Azoth sitting beside me smiling in his wolf form, "Hey pup I heard your howl."
I felt tears flow from my eyes, "Azoth? How?" I creaked.
"By the moonlight have I truly taught you nothing?" He said laughing.
"Azoth I'm sorry you died because of me I." He cut me off.
"We all die I don't hold you accountable," He sighed looking up at the moon, "I don't have much more time."
"No you can't leave me again," I cried out.
"I'm not I will always be with you brother, even when you can't see me, every full moon you howl I will answer," He told me.
"So I will see you next full moon?" I asked my tail wagging.
"No, not unless the moon allows it," He said.
"Oh, before you go what do I do?" I asked tears still falling from my eyes.
He laughed, "Live for both of us, and enjoy life, Oh and Triss is one hot chick."
I smiled at him laughing as my vision blurred over with tears when I wiped them away I saw him fade into mist, "Goodbye Azoth, my brother."
"Bye pup," He said smiling.
I threw my head back once again howling at the moon listening to his faint howl in reply I smiled looking at the moon, "Thank you."
.
.
The walk back to the camp seemed short and I could feel the joy and fire in my belly return I could hear them howl and laugh as they danced around the fire, smiling I walked over and sat down watching, Grey spotted me and laughed, "Are you going to join in?" I smiled getting up and howling they all joined in even the cougars joined in.
We howled and laughed into the morning finally we began winding down as the moon began it's decent, we all stood there panting, trying to catch our breath, my whole body was still buzzing with adrenaline as I tried to find a comfy spot to sleep, I let out a long breath as I rolled over unable to sleep, I open my eyes shocked when I felt someone push their way up against me, "Shhhh just go to sleep," Triss told me, I smiled and nipped her ear gently before wrapping my paw around her pulling her closer into my embrace, she slowly tucked her head under mine as we spooned.
.
.
I felt the sun on my face and readjusted still holding Triss in my embrace I smiled as I felt her soft breaths lead by faint whimpers I kissed the top of her head causing her to fidgeted in my arms, "Is it morning already?" She asked softly.
I bit her ear playfully, "Yeah we should start packing up."
She groaned in protest, "But this is so peaceful and warm."
I hugged her tighter, "We stay like this any longer and they will start to wonder about us."
"Mhmmmm," She mumbled closing her eyes again, "Let them wonder."
I kissed the top of her head before getting up, I looked around only Grey was up smiling at me, I shook my head and put on my sunglasses, before finding a nice spot to piss.
After a quick breakfast and packing up I took lead, Grey casually caught up to me, "Good morning Grey."
"Isn't it tho," Grey said chuckling to himself.
I glanced sideways at him, "What is it?"
"Come on it doesn't take a genius to figure it out, you still wreak of her scent," He said laughing.
"I uh, um," I said panicked.
"Easy, she's good for you I haven't seen you so full of life, but don't break her heart or we will break you," He warned.
I laughed, "Ya she's something else."
Grey shook his head at me, "Then what the hell are you doing up here?"
"Thanks if you need someone to swap you out just howl," I said wagging my tail, before circling back to the group.
I smiled spotting Triss and Alec and wandered over to them, "Hey," I said smiling.
They both smiled at me and greeted me, we walked a little ways in silence until Alec broke the silence, "Hey Dexios can I wear your glasses."
I laughed handing them over, and watched as he put them on and smiled, "They suit you, why don't you hold on to them for me."
Alec's eyes light up excited, "Really thank you I'm gonna go show Blake."
Triss and I laughed as we watched him run off to show his friend, "So what were you and Grey talking about."
I smiled at her, "Alpha stuff."
"Pfft right okay then," She laughed, "Do you get off on being such a mystery?"
"You've heard the stories they are mostly true," I said with a smug grin.
She rolled her eyes, "Don't trip on that massive ego you got there."
I laughed, "I'll try."
"Will you at least tell me where you were from, did you have a pack or family?" She pleaded.
I sighed, "I lived in the forest near Zootopia, I had no pack just my family it was me, Azoth, Jane my sister, and my parents. When the bombs hit my parents and sister died, my brother and I came across Grey and some others they took us in... a little while later my brother was killed, I left Zootopia and went town to town looking for work and booze, and that about sums it up."
She leaned up against me and snuggled her head under my neck briefly, "I'm sorry I didn't know."
"It's okay life happens, what about yourself?" I asked.
"Oh well," She paused, "A lot of it's a blur before the bombs hit... all I know was Alec was my pup and his father was gone or dead I don't know..." She trailed off trying to remember before the bombs, "That's all I can remember before we changed, me and my pack, John and Jake found that old town, I took the bar keep they protected the town then the cougars joined us, and it wasn't long until Grey showed up, and then some cocky wolf stumbled into my bar claiming to be the famous Dexios."
I laughed, "I think I've proven that I can walk the walk."
"Yes the Alpha, Dexios himself, killed hundreds of humans without flinching but scared of one lil she-wolf," She giggled.
"Well I just couldn't live with myself if you beat me, what would everyone think," I laugh.
"So you think I could beat you?" She growled lowly and stopped walking.
"No, I don't," I stated calmly stopping as well.
"Care to test that," She challenged.
I sighed sitting down, "I have no desire to fight you."
"Come on get up, prove that you are the legend," She growled playfully.
"Fine," I groaned shaking off my jacket and backpack before I took a stance.
She was determined to strike first, she lunged at me teeth snapping shut hitting nothing but air as I effortlessly jumped to the side, "You will have to do better than that."
She charged at me snarling I began laughing as I side stepped last second leaving one paw outstretched I tripped her, quickly I pinned her down on her back and gently kissed her neck, "Still think you can beat me?"
"No fair," She writhed trying to get free.
I nipped her chin, "I," I nipped just below her chin, "Didn't hear," I nipped her neck gently causing her to shudder, "You submit."
She stopped struggling, "I submit."
I smiled leaning down and kissing her passionately.
Suddenly we were interrupted, "Hey" Grey yelled, "Do you want us to wait?"
I glared at him for ruining the mood, sighing I let Triss go, "Guess we should catch up... so I can kill him."
Triss laughed, "Cockblocked by a beta that's too funny."
I watched as Triss put on my jacket as I threw on my backpack she stepped in front of me and walked seductively in front of me saying her tail and ass, I almost tripped over my own paws trying to follow her.
Grey was laughing when I caught up to him, I growled low, "Asshole."
He began laughing harder, "Sorry just couldn't resist, I mean shit, I knew you liked her but damn you don't mess around."
"We were just wrestling," I told him.
"What with your tounges?" He asked barely holding in a laugh.
"...I'm going to scope out ahead see if there are any animal settlements," I told him.
"Way to change the subject Alpha," Grey teased.
"Fuck off," I growled before heading out.
.
.
It felt good to run after walking for so long, I weaved my way between trees heading towards the smell of food cooking on a fire, I made my way into their camp looking around the meat on the fire smelled irresistible, 'Who would leave meat cooking' my eyes widened 'It's a trap' I reached for my gun, but my paw hit nothing but air, "Shit." Triss has my jacket and gun.
"Shit is right little doggy," A voice boomed from behind me.
I turned around and there stood three bandits holding guns and smiling, "What's in the backpack?" One asked.
I slowly took off the bag, "See for yourself."
I kept the bag in my mouth and slowly stepped forwards closing the gap between me and them I tossed the bag as hard as I could towards them before lunging at the closest ripping out his throat I quickly spit out his throat and ran towards the others, narrowly missing a gunshot, this time I went full force headbutting the guy in the nuts sending him backwards onto his ass and causing him to drop his pistol, quickly I managed to grab it and stand up on my hind legs, I held it there aimed at the last bandit who looked shocked at his comrades on the ground, "Drop your gun," I growled at him.
"No fuckin way," He said aiming his gun at me.
*BANG* *BANG*
I felt his shot graze my left shoulder ripping my flesh open, I yelled as I watched him stumble backward blood pouring out of his chest, I stumbled forwards on two legs, shooting him in the head to make sure he was dead.
I became aware of the bandit I nutted trying to escape, I shook my head dropping the gun and ran after him, jumping I grabbed his shoulders and smashed his head into the ground with an audible crack, I watched as his blood poured out of his nose, I turned him over grabbing his throat in my paw and ripping it out the warm blood staining my paw the smell making my mouth water, I groaned in pain looking at my shoulder that was now bleeding profusely, "Fuck." I growled I quickly grabbed my backpack and began limping back to camp.
.
.
Grey spotted me as I emerged from the forest, it was getting dark and they had set up camp for the night, his face struck with concern as he ran over to me, "Hey are you okay you're bleeding."
I wince as I continue limping towards camp, "Yeah I ran into some thugs."
"Shit," Grey mumbled.
I sat down by the fire and licked my wound, the bleeding had slowed down a little I was already beginning to heal.
"Dexios oh my! Are you okay?" Triss asked running over to my side still wearing my jacket.
"It looks worse than it is I'm fine," I reassured her.
"What the hell were you thinking going alone? We were worried sick you never even told us you were leaving" She growled.
"I uh... I'm sorry" I sighed feeling guilty closing my eyes I let my head droop.
I felt her nuzzle my neck, "Don't do it again."
I nuzzled her back, "Okay I won't."
Grey coughed, "Should we bandage you up?"
I looked at everyone staring at us 'so much for keeping us a secret' I shook my head, "No it's slowing down it's fine."
Grey shook his head, "That's the second time I've seen you shot, ever think that luck of yours will run out?"
I laughed, "I've been shot and shot at more than you would think and I'm still here."
Triss looked at me, "What?"
I swallowed hard, "I went town to town killing bandits they normally pack heat."
Grey rolled his eyes, "So do you so what happened."
"I wandered into the camp it was quiet but there was food cooking on the fire I knew then it was a trap, I reached for my gun but it was in my jacket here... so I took care of them the old fashion way and got clipped in the process," I told them.
"Dex," Triss sighed, "You shouldn't have gone alone."
Grey nodded, "She has a point our packs stronger as one."
I stood up clearing my throat, "Grey a word?" I said walking out of earshot of everyone with a slight limp.
When we were far enough away Grey spoke up, "Alpha?"
I sighed hearing my title, "Grey you know I'm not a wolf you've seen me transform... That's why I go alone you guys can't keep up with me, plus if things get tense I can always shift to human and shoot better."
I watched as Grey looked down letting his ears drop, "I'm sorry Alph-, I mean Dexios."
I shook my head, "What I mean is I can't ask any of you to go with me if one of you die it would be on me, I."
Grey cut me off, "If we die it's on us, not you, you may not have been born a wolf but to them," He jerked his head towards camp, "You are, I will keep your secret to the grave but you do things like us no more of this lone wolf crap, you are our Alpha now act like it."
I stared shocked at Grey, "Yeah... Okay, I will... So does that make you my Beta?"
I see Grey perk up as his tail begins to wag, "I would be honored to be your second in command."
I smiled, "Well it's settled then from now on those who wish to go with me can."
Grey let out an excited bark, "Let's go tell the others!"
I laughed and followed Grey back.
.
.
Once back to the group I cleared my throat, "Grey and I talked when I go on scouting trips any who wish can join, don't feel obligated to tho."
Alec ran up to me, "Can I come."
I looked to Triss, "It's not up to me, ask your mom."
"Mom," Alec cried out, "Can I go scouting with Dexios?"
Triss sighed, "I don't see why not."
I looked shocked 'Are you fucking crazy?' I wanted to yell at her until Grey stepped in, "I guess that means I should go too and keep you two out of trouble." He nodded at me, I sighed, 'I understand'
I nodded back before turning to Triss, "I'll need my jacket back then."
I watched as she began pouting as she reluctantly took my jacket off and gave it back to me, I marveled at just how naked I felt without it before slipping it on the weight of it making me feel whole again, I slid my paw in the pocket and felt my gun sitting there ready I pulled it out unloading it, "Grey how good are you on two legs?"
"What?" He asked confused.
I laughed and stood up on my two hind legs stumbling a little, "Two legs."
"Why?" Grey asked.
"To use this," I told him raising my paw and showing my gun.
Grey got up on his hind legs falling rather quickly on his ass, I began laughing before walking slowly over to him and offering him a paw, "here." He grabbed my paw and I pulled him up on two legs, still holding him I told him, "Take it easy find your balance," he wobbled back and forth swinging his arms to keep balanced I let go of him and took a step back he was shaky but could stand, "That's good."
Grey shook his head careful not to lose balance, "I feel ridiculous."
I laughed, "Yeah but you need to learn to shoot, here." I said passing him the unloaded pistol.
He fumbled with his paws to keep a grasp on the gun, I quickly readjusted and corrected his grasp, "Okay you got it?"
"Yeah, I think," He said warily.
"Okay so put the mag in the bottom," I said passing him a full mag, He took it examining it before putting it in the gun, "Good now to load it pull the top all the way back then let go." He did as told and chambered a round, "Now take stance aim and when you are ready to pull the trigger, It will be loud just warning."
I watched as he looked still uncertain but he took a stance and aimed, "What am I trying to hit?"
"One sec," I retrieved an empty water bottle from my backpack and put in on a stump 20 yards from Grey quick. Back with everyone else I watched as Grey once again took aim shaking from fear or standing on two legs for so long. *Bang*I looked at the water bottle ...miss.
Grey shook his head, "It is loud!."
I laughed, "Shut up and shoot the bottle."
Shot after shot missed it's target until the gun was empty, he looked at me, "How did I do?"
I laughed, "Well you sure killed the grass, but I think you missed the water bottle."
"Hey It's too far away," He said dropping back down to all fours.
I shook my head, "Give it here," I said grabbing the empty pistol, I quickly dropped the empty mag and put in a full one, quickly racking the slide back loading the gun before taking aim,*Bang* I watched as the water bottle flew backwards, "Still think it's too far away?"
Grey rolled his eyes, "Show off."
I put the gun back in my pocket before dropping back to all fours, "We should catch some sleep we have a big day tomorrow."
I took a spot near the fire Triss came over and nestled down with me, I smiled wrapping my arms around her kissing the top of her head gently as I whispered, "In the light of the full moon may the darkness in me fade."
Triss fidgeted a little, "What does it mean."
I smiled grabbing her paw in mine, "It's my belief, same as my brothers."
"Belief?" She asked.
I laughed lightly, "We ask the moon to guide us, to keep us from sin, so that one day we can join our fallen in paradise."
"Paradise? What's it like?" She asked.
I felt my brows furrow, "Azoth once told me every day you can hunt, lounge in the sun, swim, or play, and every night is a full moon."
"It sounds amazing!" I could feel her tail wag.
"Next full moon we will recite the whole thing," I told her closing my eyes.
.
.
I woke up a few hours before first light, it was quiet everyone was sleeping and the fire was smoldering just on the verge of going out, I nipped Triss' ear gently causing her to squirm, I smiled nipping just below her ear on her neck, she groaned, "What time is it?"
I pulled her tighter into my embrace, "Just before sunrise, but it's time for us to set out."
She mumbled, "You boys be careful, and bring my son back safe okay?"
I kissed her, "Will do."
.
.
I quickly grabbed my backpack and filled my mags with ammo and made sure my gun was full and loaded before I walked over to Alec, he was laying there fast asleep still wearing my sunglasses, I chuckled to myself before giving him a nudge, "Hey time to go bud." I watched him slowly get up trying to rub the sleep from his eyes, "You don't have to come you know."
"I want to tho," He yawned.
"Good I'll get Grey you say by to your mom," I told him.
Grey was fast asleep on his back snoring with his tongue out, "Oh you are so lucky I pawned my phone away or that would be my background."
Grey rolled over and began getting up, "Huh, What?"
I laughed, "Time to go."
.
.
We walked to the camp of bandits I killed the day before, as we approached the camp Grey looked at me worried, "Alpha?"
I sniffed the air, "It's okay they are dead grab what you need or things we can trade."
I began filling my backpack with ammo, canned food, and a set of clothes that would fit me, Grey began rummaging through items same with Alec, Grey sighed, "This feels wrong."
"It's survival what do you think they would do in our position? I may not like it but we need guns and supplies so load up," I reassured him.
Once we grabbed all the valuables we set out towards a settlement it didn't smell too far off.
.
.
We stayed on the edge of the settlement hidden in the forest, I shook my head it was "the outpost" the human settlement I helped not long ago I turned to Grey, "Are you feeling lucky?"
Grey stammered, "Wha- Are you fucking crazy?! It's a human settlement."
"I take that as a no?" I asked.
"Um," Grey mumbled, "Is it safe?"
I laughed, "No... But they will trade with us, refuse us... or kill us." They both looked at me shocked, "Okay you two stay here I will go trade with them."
"No," Grey said forcefully, "We will do this together, Alec stay close."
"Follow my lead... And don't speak," I told them slowly making my way to the bar, I watched as everyone gasped seeing us some ran, I sighed keeping my pace we made it to the bar with no shots fired, I walked up to the bartender it was Lucy the girl I helped, other than her there were two male mercs by the looks of them, I cleared my throat and she turned around and looked as tho she wanted to scream.
She took a step back, "Please I don't want trouble."
"Easy," I said taking a seat at the bar Grey and Alec following my lead, "Just here to trade and maybe a drink and food, then we will leave in peace."
She was shaking, "I heard rumors that you could talk but..."
"I know it's a lot, will you do business with us?" I asked looking at the mercenaries walking towards us my hand went into my pocket and wrapped around my pistol as I watched them.
The two merc now stood right beside me, "Lucy you want us to handle these dogs?"
I laughed standing up on my hind legs looking them in the eyes, "You two wanna fight that's fine by me, two on one we leave them out of it," I said pointing at Grey and Alec.
Lucy piped up, "No fighting, guys... wolves? Just calm down."
I sat back down ignoring the two men, "Sorry ma'am I'm a proud creature by nature."
The two men scowled as they returned to their seats, Lucy sighed, "I'm sorry what can I get you guys-wolves?"
I laughed, "You can call us guys, I'll have a whiskey and a burger."
Grey cleared his throat, "I'll have the same?"
Alec piped up, "Me too."
Lucy the barkeep looked at me wide eyed, "It's okay the kid drinks? And how do you want your burgers?"
I smiled, "Cooked and plain, he can try it but bring him some water would ya?"
We watched her disappear to go cook and so Grey turned to me, "Whats a burger?"
I chuckled, "Meat between bread," I heard the door swing open and The bar keeps little brother Ben walked in he stopped when he spotted us.
"Sis?" He cried out.
Lucy came out, "Yeah Ben?"
"What are wolves doing here?" He asked.
"It's fine they are just after food and supplies then they are gone," She reassured him, "Mind watching the bar I need to cook food."
Ben nodded as he rounded the bar and stood staring at us, after a minute or so of awkward silence the boy asked, "I heard animals could talk it that true?"
I cleared my throat, "Yes we can."
The kid's eyes widened, "No way... Where are you from or going? Wait you don't kill and eat people... Do you?"
I laughed, "We don't eat humans and only kill in self-defence as for where we are going... we are going home."
"I know that jacket," The kid said eyeing me up.
'Fuck' I thought to myself, "Mhmm is that so..."
"Yeah the guy who saved me wore it," The kid glared at me, "What did you do to him?"
I sighed, "I didn't kill anyone for it if that's what your asking."
We were interrupted by the waitress coming back with our burgers and drinks, I smiled taking a sip of whiskey enjoying the burning sensation it gave my throat, I turned to see Alec take a sip and cough, "Ah that's disgusting and it burns." I smiled at him before taking a bite out of my plain burger it was a delicious change from dog kibbles.
Lucy tussled Bens' hair, "I hope you didn't bother our guests too much."
I swallowed my mouthful, "Not at all."
Lucy looked me in the eyes, "I'm sorry but I gotta ask, why did you come to a human settlement? I mean with the war and all people are more likely to shoot you than help you."
I took another drink quick, "Didn't know till it was too late and figured what the hell, worst you could do was shoot at us."
"Yeah but you put your pup in danger," She retorted.
I coughed, "What? No, he's not mine."
Grey laughed, "Aint my pup."
"Where's your mom pup?" The waitress asked Alec.
Alec looked at her innocently, "Back at camp."
Lucy put her hands on her hips unimpressed, "And she let you go to a human settlement with these two?"
I cleared my throat, "Hey he's alive and very much unharmed."
She glared at me, "I wasn't talking to you."
Alec raised his voice, "Hey! I decided to follow my Alpha on my own."
The human girl looked taken back, "Your Alpha?"
"Yes," I said calmly, "I told my pack those who wish may accompany on my scouting trip may tag along."
"So you're the Alpha then?" She asked.
I laughed, "Yes that is my rank."
"I guess I should apologize for being rude to you," She mumbled.
I put my paw up, "It's fine you didn't know and nor are you from my pack."
I finished my burger and whiskey, "Shall we trade?"
"Sure what do you want?"
After trading we took our loot and headed back towards camp, I managed to get Alec a children's size leather jacket that he wore proudly other than that I traded ammo and guns we didn't need for some pistols for Grey and the others and 9mm ammo for myself.
XD Alright I hope you all enjoyed, If you did tell me what you think.