Déjà Vu [Sameal]

T'was the worst time to of left, but he grinned amid the despair of others. It had been apparent of the den that the atmosphere was rather.. stuffy, there seemed to be not much room for him to bear, so he left before his father could return with food. He did not answer the others as to where he was going, nor did he ever give a care to be concerned of them being concerned of him. The wolf could not find any other reason as to leave the den on such short notice, but it was fortunate of him to know that both parents had been out of sight to see him escape. Of course, he would pay the price later, nor did he ever care, he was used to taking the consequences, being that he was the middle child. No one wanted to pay attention to him after all. Among the autumn leaves and explosive colours forming about the woodland trees, the wolf stuck out like a sore thumb. Though, that was how it was usually for most of the seasons, he discovered since he was released - being that winter was a possibility, if it were slushy and disgusting out. It meant little of him to think his pelt reminded him of that, but he was quite the mess of colours after all.

Leaves fell right and left, gliding passed while the air picked up and blew them from their homes found upon the tree's several arms. The specimens would soon then fall and be toppled by more upon the Earth's interestingly rigid surface. But the wolf kept treading past without a care, ignoring the world as it had always been nothing more than a scene for him, like as if he were trapped in a movie that never ended. He would remain the main character of his own story, but how it was directed was beyond his control, he realized, that was when he knew that life was a tricky thing. Not even the purpose given to the life could be compelled, and that enough, slightly scared him, however, it was not enough for him to stay constantly worried about it. The adolescent didn't have time for such things. Fear was only for a fool to believe in, eventually they'd have to drop it and move on, otherwise, they'd all be paranoid of each other, he truly believed.

The ashen mixed mass roamed the autumn covered lands in a rather slow, lingering manner. His figure swayed, revealing the truer potential to what his training paid off for, as his bulk was chiseled into a developing progress. With time, he would strengthen, but with the breaks he's been receiving, because he has yet to find a mentor worth paying his efforts to, that toned body of his was becoming far less noticeable for him. Upon his journey, he crossed paths with a curious noise bubbling into his ears. It teased the rim of his ears, beckoning the poor boy to come closer, tempting him in each and every possible way known to wolf. And with ease, the current took him and his eyes were displayed over a mountainous edge to see a babbling river run beautifully in perfected motion around a tediously looking island at it's core. Studying it's structure leading up to where he was, the adolescent met the likes of a twisted path down. It was risky, but he did not care at all. Following suit, he calculated how many use-able steps there were while reaching the floor, hopping with ease upon each rock that slowly brought him closer and closer to the river's presence.

At the last, faithful leap, the teenaged pup demanded he receive a drink in gifting himself for such a trip down. It did not take long, but it did, however, take energy from him that he truly did not know he still had in him despite his age. He shook out the debris of his pelt, allowing it to fly every which way from him as he moved in closer to the stream's edge. When close enough, his head lowered, tongue lapping out of his mouth so it could touch the icy waters below his chin. He drank in silence, the only other sound being the swallowing of his throat and the lick of the surface dabbling from his pinkish black muscle within his mouth. When awarded with the drink, he stepped forwards to soak his muscles. He stayed at the shallow end of the current, keeping sure there would be rocks to block his path from moving into the deeper portions, and casually resting so that he cool himself down. After a while of standing there, he emerged out and shook out his fur once more, water flying every where around him. Tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, his dark sapphire eyes were remained watchful of his surroundings, sending measly little glances to the hills above as well as the ground at a low. Danger could be lurking at any moment, and if needed, he would do anything in his power to defend himself.

The seasons shifted and so did the coat for the young wolf. He was approaching his third year of life and the male knew things were going to change even more. Last year, love had not been an issue, not even a thought. He surmised it was from all the drama he had encountered. Too many things weighed down his mind to even think of that sort of thing. Samael was now very much over the fact of his parents being gone, though the nightmares still haunted him. He was over it, but thinking of it did cause him some turmoil. The Warrior stood in a small whirlwind of leaves. The brushed through the wind and rolled over his body. He watched as they fell and rose within the wind. He did not move, nor did he feel the chilled grasp of winter trying to seize hold over the lands. Instead, he stood as a statue, frozen in time. His eyes blinked. Autumn was beautiful. Everything was so simple, fading away to allow the new growth to come. In a way, Samael knew everything must die at some point. So maybe it was he no longer was afraid of death? Instead of fearing it, he would learn to accept it. The black wolf looked to the death around him and soon walked over the fallen leaves. He could hear the crunching as he walked. His bi-colored eyes stared off into the distance. There was not a particular thing he was thinking about. In fact, nothing came to his mind. Instead of doing nothing in a place he hated, he decided to do something in a place he had been before. He wandered from the lands of the Erenyx fools. The pack seemed to be off in their own little worlds. He did not care. If there was one wolf to even consider, it would be Tundra. Rumors of Aleu leaving the pack spread through the whispers. Now Samael was truly alone. He even figured that Teren had killed Katyusha. As he wandered from his den, he moved through the thick of the forest. The low hanging branches forced his head to duck as he walked under them. His ears laid flat to his head as he did this, not wanting to feel the sting of the branches scraping over his tender skin. His eyes looked on ahead, directing him left and right. When he finally made it to his destination, he emerged from the treeline. Immediately, his mind flashed back to a time when the bear was here and the pack was forced to fight it. The last time he was here, he had seen Aleu and Katyusha, but that day was long past. Instead of depressing himself, he forced the saddening thoughts from his mind.

He stood still once more, looking to the open area. The smell of blood and fear were gone. All that remained was a barren scent of what no longer was. The water was fresh and wild this season, swirling around the rocks and bends with ease. Taking a deep breath, the wind from the north sent the scent of a young wolf his direction. He lifted his head, taking in the scent to try and decipher just who it was. The smell had a mix of the Healer and her Elite mate. How he had despised the pair in the past. But now he was beyond that and working to live a new lifestyle. He scanned the area with his two-toned eyes until he finally found the silhouette of the male he had smelled. Instinctively the hairs on his spine stood up. What was this young wolf doing here on his own? Was another bear going to be here now? Pushing off his hind legs, he propelled himself toward the young wolf. He was on alert, looking everywhere for the sign of a predator around them. When he found the area to be safe, he looked to the younger wolf. He moved close to him. "Be careful of the water. This flow is strong enough to drag out a wolf who is not paying attention." he continued to look around and then he spoke again. "What's your name kid?"

One could not make sense of it, even if they took the attempt, but it was amazing by what little the young brute had been taught, and taught himself of in a limited time after leaving the once worshiped den of his parents'. Since then, the wolf had developed a progressing keen awareness to his surroundings, practicing, mostly to himself, the vibrations into the ground, and allowing himself to learn the ways of scent. His mother had taught him a shallow amount of recognizing specific poisons in order so that his siblings and him did not follow suit into swallowing the wrong grasses or supposed herbs hidden beneath the meadows and other green landscapes found amongst their territories. Needless to say, he found no surprise in the opposing wolf's presence as it neared slowly closer to his own. Though it's position was a mystery from where he stood nearest to the babbling riverbank, his eyes narrowing as they saw through the glaring rays from above. The wind made it no easier for him to see, but soon, the wolf then walked through the reflected sunlight to reveal one of bi-coloured eyes and a sleek black coat, much like his father's, in fact.

T'what the stranger wanted he knew not of, but Striker had a slim idea, yet nothing could ever come to surprise him. As much as he had been told to respect those older of him, he only turned his gaze away and peered to the clouds roaming passed. Some took the form of normal fluffs, while the others could be detected as certain shapes that meant something to them. He did not find the beauty others would in them, but did, however, seek refuge in watching them move on without a care. There was no sorts of introductions playing from the traveler's mouth, so he assumed it was unnecessary of names just yet. Drifting his sights to the water, which bubbled and babbled along the strong currents around and around as it usually did by itself, he allowed a sigh to roll off his lips until it phased into a rather bored yawn. A howl escaped apart from that before he re-closed his mouth and searched for a place elsewhere to look, "If I die.. shall be it." his voice held a seldom courage to it, though he knew that if his parents were to hear that, he would be considered a liar. But he was honest, when he wished to be, though he was sure that the wolf would never be able to tell the difference. They had yet to know each other, after all. "Perhaps your advice is much appreciated for another, though perhaps not for me." He said shortly after, turning back his ears as he turned his face to meet the other's in slight recognition and little emotion.

But as soon as he had thought himself to be completely in lack of expression, Striker pried a small smirk in acknowledgement to his question. His eyes of dark sapphire bloomed in great colour as they shown deeply into the other's two shaded orbs, dully admiring the difference in this brute apart from his own appearance. "Names are rather.. unimportant. Though if you are to answer first, maybe I'll return it.. maybe not." The apprentice simply shrugged his shoulders, though tested the male's temper as he most usually did when not chaperoned by someone well known to his parents, or them, too.

Samael could care less if the young pup was swept away with the turning tides. What did he care? It was not his young, did not share the blood of his father. Instead of returning another warning as an adult would, Samael laughed. "We are not so different, you and I.. I was once a rebellious little shit too." he spoke with the chuckle still present. This pup was something else, something he could see himself in, though the coloring was all wrong and the eyes.. The eyes were dull. If they had been the shimmering emerald of his mother's, perhaps then he would take a better liking to the pup. Samael found himself thinking of his passed ones often. It was a shame to lose so many wolves he had cared about. But time would pass and heal all things. The Warrior looked to the water around them, sniffing for any signs of danger. "I only tell you this, for when you do end up getting swept away, I will be forced to tell your mother and father of your stupidity. Horrible way to go in drowning... And I bet she will howl for you a mournful song and it will irritate me, as well as all the others in the pack, then they will gang up on your family and slaughter them all. Now does that sound like a good reason to pay attention?" He doubted he would be able to scare the young wolf, but he would try. Such things of losing family might not even click in his young thick skull, but Samael knew that pain. He knew it well. He leaned his head down to the edge of the water and lapped it up with his tongue. It was refreshing and cold as it slid over his muscle and down his throat. With this recently discovered land, he was curious to think what it would look like in the winter. Would the strong current die and freeze during the chilling winter months? This would definitely be a place Samael would need to come back to.

"See, in life, all you have is a name. It is the only thing that is completely yours. Nobody can take it away from you. But if you insist not to share it with me, then I have no choice but to refer to you as Little Shit, son of Elite Tye and Lead Healer Cliche. Now doesn't that sound stupid to you?" he spoke as he gave the younger wolf a smile. Samael was in a playful mood today, not entirely sure why that was, but he decided to go with it. He could tell the wolf was pushing his boundaries, trying to test the limits and the extent of what Samael would allow. "As for you, you may call me Warrior Samael, son of Steele and Esmeralda. Both of which no longer walk among us in this forest." Samael moved away from the young wolf, walking into the water and allowing it to reach up to his chest. The water was cold, very cold. It was possibly much colder than the last time he had been here. He was not sure, but he knew he enjoyed it. His black coat absorbed a lot of heat, even if it was only slightly from the shift in seasons. He drank more of the water and stared to the pup. "What brings someone like you out here all alone? Looking to train yourself with something or nothing at all? Or possibly running away from the horrible life as a pup?" he spoke with a soft chuckle once more. This was fun for him. He could really see himself getting along with this pup, if not, then at least badgering him for the rest of his days in Erenyx.

The divergent, sapphire eyed wolf continuously found himself reminded of his touching attitude, though this did not change any aspect of respect he had for the stranger. It had seemed the warrior was suddenly careless of the pup's decisions, though just a second ago, he was informing him about not stepping too close to the current. Suspicions then grew - t'what was the reason behind this, why did the stranger have to be so... strange. Apparently he thought himself to be quite alike, but the adolescent expressed a bit of disgust at the comment, nothing about it upon his perspective gave him even the slightest notion that they were in any way the same. But he did not badger it, it held little meaning, and he would not start to tread down that path now of taking a care. "We're nothing alike." Striker mustered amid the silence, his voice tarnished and lacking of young amuse like most of the apprentices his age. His facial structure narrowed in dark curiosity to the black knight's words, however, again, nothing important came from his mouth other than what he had thought to of been a threat, which did not scare him, only irritate him. "And here I almost thought Warriors were to be smart. If your intentions are to grab my attention, you'll have to try a bit harder than that. To if it's actually any of your concern, my family would not mourn - they wouldn't even notice my disappearance." Muzzle bent and lip curled, he let out a small huff and backed off shortly to his dismay. Despite the annoyed face, within him, there was a broken, lost wolf, who'd never gained the attention he so rightfully deserved. The middle child would never be allowed the same luxury as the oldest or youngest of the litter, he was convinced of at a younger age.

Still, his unflinching mass did not move as the larger brute wandered to the stream's edge for a drink - perhaps he was parched due to the long travel here. His adolescent weight and longer adrenaline, however, did not affect him as greatly as it would for an adult; he could only predict that it be that the reason behind the male's interest in the water's gifts of quenching thirsts. "Not even a name.. is really yours. Our parents choose it, rather than ourselves. And we must live with it until we learn the ability that it can be changed, even then, one will live with knowing that it is not the name they were originally given." Striker's attention was then sparked with a mild interest as the male smiled to his presence, but it was a rather.. amusing grin, one to be described as uplifting, yet not entirely joyful - but a strong masculinity was shown to his genetically granted traits. The nickname stirred some humour in him, that wedged to the surface creating just a ghost of a small smile, for the calling suit him almost too greatly, "If I am to be Little Shit, then I will refer you to as being Mutant from here on." To him, it did not sound stupid to him, he didn't care if that's what he was considered to his family or not, either way, like previously mentioned, they probably would not even notice or remember him. Soon then, was the smile gone and now rested a plain expression to the other's words. The muscles found in his back twitched at the names given, his shoulders rolling to a more comfortable position until they released a sensational 'pop' noise to the surrounding ligaments. "Ah.. so you're the product." He had heard word that there was still life following after his parent's previous Alpha, though Striker had never believed it to be true, that is, until now. The male did not speak much on the topic further from that comment, instead, his eyes softened to an unnatural dark, midnight sky shade.

"Striker.. my name is Striker.." He said as he turned his head away from the other, peering off towards the skies before embedding his body to the ground's texture. Relaxed, he made the effort to still see the warrior, though only so that he could from the corner of his eyes - he would not give the other the satisfaction of his full attention just yet. There was still much more to prove to the young one to make him even pay the littlest of recognition. A groan slipped from him as he allowed the sun to beat down on his ashen pelt, making the silvers and darker shades of his fur shine and shimmer beneath the warm light. "What's it to you to know?" The apprentice replied in a bored, unreal tone as he shut his eyes slowly after that. His jaw dragged across the ground as he spoke, "I'd prefer you not to call me a pup, even if I am one by appearance, it does not mean I am one on the inside." He thought of himself to be close to dead on the inside, while the rest appeared mortal and growing to the outside world. But something dark lurked within him, and he still had yet to see what that could do for him towards the future. As for Samael, he'd have to get him to know a bit more before he made any prejudgements. There were so many rumors and controversy still surfacing the crowds of Erenyx about the male, he had heard from his parents, though they never used names, only a gender and the common nickname 'the product' in a negative form.

"Of course you would not think so. You barely even know me, and have no idea how I was when I was your age... Snide little shit, aren't we?" he joked with a soft chuckle. He listened to the words of the young wolf, taking them in and musing them about his mind. So he felt unloved. That was not something he was unfamiliar with. Instead Samael knew it a little too well. "Leave it to the young pups to be foolish, I suppose. It's a pity that more of them do not understand the bond they have with their bloodlines. I too made that same mistake, only I truly believe my father did not love me. My mother obviously did not. But look at you, look at your life. I was not even aged a year and my mother betrayed us. She left and took my two siblings with her. I was left alone with my father and he made sure I knew I was the reason for their leaving. He would berate me and tell me lies to break me down. Where are your parents? Probably back at the camp, searching for your pathetic and self-loathing ass. You think your life is so hard, yet you do not know true horror, true pain." Samael was back to keeping his eyes on the world around them. Nothing would surprise either wolf, not if he were watching. Still not looking to the young wolf, he spoke. "Honestly, I was the oldest, best of my siblings in everything and I was not shown the respect I deserved. Everyone forgot about Samael, because I could take care of myself. My father adored my sister Ammolite more than anyone of us. She was precious and destined for greatness. And Achiles was such a mess up, they had to coddle him so much. It was sickening. Even as my father was being killed he never said he loved me. It took a while for me to get over that, but now I could care less. I have plans, big plans for my future and nothing is going to stop me. I will make a change in my life, one for the better of this pack." Samael looked to the young wolf, wondering if he had said too much. But it was too late now, to retract such words. He left them out in the open, ready to catch onto anything that wished to hear it.

As the water rushed against his coat, he lowered his head and took another drink. He was calm in the ways of handling this situation. It was the first time he had even been one on one with a pup, much younger than he. It was awkward and strange. Aleu was a different story, she was blood so it seemed only natural. He didn't really care what the wolf called him or thought of him. It felt good to give useless bits of information to one who possibly didn't even care. The Little Shit was entertaining with his rash aggressive tones and words to try and throw the Warrior off. But it did not work. It only made Samael more interested in the little squirt. "A name may have been granted to you, but it's the images or thoughts associated with the name that are up to you. Your parents have called me a 'product', which I'm guessing you heard from them. Yes, I am the pup of Alphas who once were something great, but after time, things changed. It's about high time I make a new name for myself." Samael moved out of the water and quickly shook off the excess. Water flung everywhere, not caring if it hit the young male. As he stood there, he looked to Striker. "That name is rather catchy, you should be proud to wear it. As for wondering about your reasons for being here, I was only trying to have a conversation. And if it was training you needed, I could be of some assistance, though I suppose your Elite father has done all that with you thus far. But boy, Apprentice means you are a pup. It's a title designed for pups. Perhaps if you acted more like an adult, then I would treat you like one. Until you show me otherwise, a pup you shall remain."

- Sorry about the shortness/possible spelling errors, my hand got sliced pretty bad. >-<

"-But of course." His words cooed restlessly to that short of a piece of silk intertwined between two rusty gears, eyes not far from being compared to a preternatural shine amid their darkest glory. Although his body language did not proceed to provide any effort put into the sarcastic humour caressing his tongue, his insides burned playfully with a sinful delight. Striker mused himself with a dull stare migrating near to the water, observing and studying it's ways as it flowed and cut through the several currents washing away, how its shape never changed, but expanded as it wouldn't for a solid nor gas-like substance. That of a small sigh whispered off his lips as the wolf ranted on to himself about his story, and even so, a part of him remained attentive, while a great fraction of his mind was elsewhere - deprived by boredom. The adult openly spoke of his past, though all he knew from the pup was he was the child whom did not receive the affection and spotlight he so rightfully felt he deserved, as well as a name, but that'd be it between them. All the apprentice could do was attempt to block out the sob story in replacement of the rushing waters that cradled the wolf's hidden limbs, though no matter the costs, it could not be fought. But instead heard. "Welcome to the land of misfit toys, Mutant." The apprentice said, murmuring mostly to himself as he drug his single paw across the ground for it to only be possessed in dirt. But as the male continued, his ears were caught dead-handedly by only a few words, to which sent his attention aflame for more.

"And these . . . plans, you say . ." Striker announced, though his eyes were found elsewhere as a way of expressing his lack of so called 'care', in pretending like he didn't, for this was how he usually got answers. Sometimes it was therapeutic for the one whom told things, while for him, it was only an advantage to hear the latest secrets. "-will there be blood?" For a first, the adolescent revealed a grim smile, one to which found the pleasure in stretching demonically across his entire face, pinching at his cheeks to what almost seemed like had reached from ear to ear. The display was rather creepily performed, a shock to those whom knew the pup closely, to an extent, as he most usually never smiled unless some form of dark humour fell at his paws. The death of a rabbit, the tripping of an animal, a simple joke that displeased most - all which provided him a self-joy. Though, the gesture vanished as quick as it appeared.

"My Elite 'father' has better things to deal with than me, it seems, but yes, he's provided me a great foundation thus far . . . though a majority has been practiced among my lone self." The teenaged wolf glared at the male with a challenging stare, wondering if he'd soften a bit to what he had to offer. There was still so much time left until he'd even graze the life of a pack rank, he still had yet to taste the sweet victory of what it'd be like and such. He could only guess for it to be slightly boring, though perhaps better than just a practicing patient like he was now. A pawn, he thought. "Hmm . . well, I only require you call me by my name, or that of a 'wolf', . . and in return, I'll be your apprentice, even if the Alpha requests it not be done . . Oh, and the plans, will stay between us, if you choose to give me a place within them . ." The small demon licked his lips, beckoning that he hear more out of greed and boiling curiosity. He needed a project, and if this male were to be his mentor, he'd have to keep him on his toes in order to pay close attention.

So his stories and tales were just ramblings of an older wolf. It was not enough for the male to have to hear from all the older wolves but from Samael as well. He saw what he was doing and decided it would be time to stop with the "advice". The Warrior looked around where they stood. Was there anything they could use as a tool for training? He would have to see the young lad's skills before he would agree to be his mentor. If he was a complete waste of space, then Samael would not take the young wolf over. "Of all the things I have shared with you, your main concern is that of my plans?" he laughed and shook his head. "I cannot trust you as far as I can throw you. Before I am to tell you anything of my plans, you must prove you are worth my time. I hear you can hunt rabbits and other small things such as that, but how do you fare against larger things like a badger? Or a fox?" Samael used his bi-colored gaze to search and find the perfect specimen for their task. Just as it had been spoken of, a large and fat badger was coming from his hole in the ground, heading for the waters. It was a distance from them, and Samael didn't know if the younger male had been paying attention. He turned his head to look to Striker. "I tell you what... If you can kill that badger, I will be your mentor. Each time we train, I will tell you a small portion of my plan. When you are completely trained up, you will know my whole secret. But if I tell you anything, you cannot tell a single soul, or I will come for you. It will be ugly, and it will hurt. Now go bring me a badger hide for my den."

- Sorry it's short. I didn't want to repeat myself on a lot of things.. -

- Not the best, but the best I can do with what I've been given...

As Samael was sure to leave no trace left of his future intentions and such-like things to interest the young lad, still, he remained a face of equanimity. His calm temperament typically brought confusion to most, though not as many times as some may assume. Though as he was then directed to the point of proof, Striker's eyes narrowed to the challenge, the flick of his tail springing a sort of adrenaline into the way he lifted himself from the ground to point into the direction of the stalking ball of black and white. As it approached and looked to the two wolves, it simply carried on with it's daily musts, as though the wolves were not even in existent to the land's being. "Deal.." The adolescent enthused through a closed set of teeth, his eyes searching the magnificent, yet completely ignorant creature rather than turning to point affirmatively in the Warrior's presence. Striker rolled his eyes at the petty threat and spat at the ground in distaste, simply telling the other it was merely a bluff as he then proceeded to dart off.

When just close enough, the young wolf detected the animal's alarming hiss as he lingered onwards, crouching low and steadily pacing himself, just as he was instructed of by superiors. The rodent was no bigger than him, perhaps by a short height in difference, but all in all, perhaps a fair fight. Once he had enough of the waiting, like the bullet flying out of a pistol, he was off and already struggling to find ground as he pounced upon the hissing other. Growling and jaw widened, Striker made a harsh landing over the backside of the badger's head, crushing it almost simultaneously with the wolf's fall. The prey tried its best to win, kicking and scratching, hissing and biting at him in return, though the wolf was no match as he had already injured the animal with his best bite. As it scurried off, Striker was quick to follow, legs pumping and adrenaline kicking, tail raised with ears alert at the sides of his head. At last, he made the last move and snatched the creature by it's neck, snapping it as quick as possible before he held it there beneath his weight, hoping that it would then suffocate the prey quicker, as the lungs were applied with a ton of pressure. The animal squealed to its last breath and with great satisfaction, his maw formed a devious little grin as it molded tightly over the now dead creature. With a bit of pride in his step, the teen-aged pup carried the animal back to the place where Samael still remained, dropping it at once before he withstood his ground, "I get the skull. You get the fur. We split the meat." Showing his teeth, he revealed no fear in what he displayed over the other male. It was his prize, no matter the deal, if it was the skull he wanted, then that's what he was going to get.

Samael watched as the determination rolled over the backside of the pup. His body changed and his appearance looked determined to get the beast the Warrior had pointed out. The male looked over the young wolf, watching him carefully. He thought he was much better than a badger, but this one seemed to be a weakling. He had faced stronger and larger badgers in his time as a pup, gotten a couple good sized wounds from it as well. But he always came back whole. His father had taught him numerous lessons about pride, but still he kept it within himself. If one could not be proud of oneself, then who would be proud of him? The black wolf watched the younger one, ending the life of the badger quickly. He brought it over to him, but Samael did not smile. He held a face of dismay and disgust towards the pup. "You may think this is a game Striker, but it is not. Training is not to be taken so lightly. One thing can stop a wolf from winning a fight, and you have it. Pride. Your cocky demeanor can get you into a lot more trouble than it's worth. I suggest you shape up your attitude and focus more on your execution, than the immense conceded nature you have within yourself. If you are not careful, those kinds of thoughts can get you killed." Samael moved closer to the wolf, inspecting the kill. He could see the damages the young wolf had caused, but he was not impressed. This wolf needed training, this much was obvious. "As part of your training, I am going to keep the head. If you can prove to me that you deserve it, then I will give it to you. But I promise it will not be easy for you. I am going to push you to your limits and past them. You will want me to kill you some days, but I will not. I will make your life a living hell. But in the future, you will use these skills I teach you, and you will do great things. I see a good amount of potential in you, and I know you will be able to conquer this training." Samael grabbed the kill and pulled it closer to himself. He began to tear the flesh from the meat. Taking the time to split the fur from the body would take more time than he was allotted now. He need to focus on his pup currently. He lifted his head, bi-colored eyes stared at the wolf before him. "Are you ready for more training?"

Also, your avatar looks like it has Purple/Lavender eyes, so please change that.

And as the lectures began to roll off the bitter, bi-colored wolf's coiled tongue, his attention stretched thin and his eyes grew cloudy. He offered only silence to the male's words, acknowledging his presence as if he were truly listening with a nod or two, perhaps a 'uh huh' to throw in there as well just for some response to the conversation. His insides burned with a growing hatred for this wolf, but he would surpass it with another blank expression. Samael did not deserve his happiness or enthusiasm to continue, for he truly did feel it somewhere within him, but most of that feeling was only captivated by impatience and anger. It was something he used to push himself, and training was a tactic to relieve a good amount of that from his body so that it did not remain boiling inside. His father once told him that if he were to bottle his emotions like he had, then it would cause an explosion later on in life and perhaps destroy the lives of many for him. Not that it would matter to him, he really had no one to depend on other than himself, perhaps a new friend of his. Aleu.. Her name rolled around in his head a bit longer as the lecture continued, and without realizing it, Striker found the urge to speak his thoughts aloud, "Teach me so I can protect her.." But as he said it, it had been too soon. Looking up to meet his new mentor's question, he paused and wondered if he had heard the command to which he mustered. Without another word, the apprentice dismissed the prey and nodded to him, turning his body so that his side faced Samael and the other faced the rusty boulders surrounding the strong current. If his mentor were to question this 'her', he'd never here the end of it.

- If you are unable to post before June 1st, we may proceed with a skip/quick summary of what all had happened if you'd like?

He could tell his words fell on deaf ears. The bi-colored eyes stared to the young wolf, trying to think of a way he could connect with the young sprout. But nothing came to mind. He tried to think of his relationship with his father. Steele had always known exactly what to say and when it came time for Samael to speak, he could always tell that his voice was being heard. Perhaps this male did not feel like he was being heard, that Samael was only looking for ways to belittle and harass him. But when Samael stopped speaking, the boy voiced a very small utterance he may have wished for the wise wolf not to hear. The young male spoke only one sentence, but only one word caught his attention. "Her." Who was this female he was referring to? Was it his own mother? A female from his own pack? The questions began to scroll through his mind, looking to think of any wolves around Striker's age that he had actually known and met. The one litter of Magnus and Chiara had a couple females in it, to his memory. But there was also the thought of Katyusha and Aleu. Aleu for the most part, had been gone from the lands for a while now. He had not heard from her, nor did he really try to go out of his way and seek her. The Warrior finally found the words to ask, simple and straight forward to the young male. "Who is this female you wish to protect? If it is your mother, I'm sure your arrogant father will easily be able to protect her. And don't give me some kind of 'whatever' answer. I want a name to associate to this wolf, as a mentor, I wish to have no secrets between us. You tell me the fae you wish to protect, and I shall tell you mine."

A silence like no other then washed over them, forming a gap as thick as cement between him and his subconscious as he was caught red-handed. He'd curse if the quiet hadn't been so loud, it was helpless now. His ears pinned against his head and his tail dropped measures below to where his ankles sat. It was the first sign of submission to which he'd ever be able to show to a warrior, let alone anyone unless forced. The instinctive rule was to never let your guard down, but with the reason why, Striker couldn't uphold the strength he had in ordering the lectures to come to a complete halt. He was now put on trial, and the jury was Samael, and nature was the judge of him, "Her name is Aleu.. and she's my best and only friend.." His eyes drifted away from his mentor's so that he could get a grip on his tone of voice, demanding himself to spit it out already before it became too toxic to breathe, "I already know your relations with her, which is why I trust you to train me. I care not for what you do to me, or how hard you work me, but only that it benefit me in protecting my only friend." He sighed, breathing softly before forcing himself to look into the other's gaze. "My mother is the least of my worries, she can care for herself just as much as my father and siblings can on their own. I care not for them - but only for Aleu." The pup made the effort to regain composure, but failed doing so as he shifted his weight too and fro impatiently between paws. He looked to Samael with hope he would not pry to much on his feelings for the fae, for they were only meaningless and friendly to one another. He had thought already that his mentor knew the apprentice was no threat to Aleu, but he had been wrong plenty amount of times before about underestimating someone.

Time seemed to stop as the wolf heard Samael's questions. His appearance and expressions completely changed. It was a... strange... sight to see. The male was no longer as cocky and self-occupied as he was before. Now it was all about the life of another. His sister's life. It was strange that he would be interested in her, especially after the wolves in Erenyx hated their father, and even more Aleu's own mother. She was the "whore" who had given herself to a tyrannical Alpha. Samael looked over him, watching and thinking to himself. How was he going to react to such words? He cared for Aleu above anyone else. He had to admit it was weird, but he never really felt that way about anyone.. except for one wolf. "Little... Striker.... I am not going to tell you not to protect who you want, but I will warn you. My half sister, my baby sister, is very important to me. Though I only learned she was my sister a few short months ago, but I do care for her. She and I are the last wolves to show what kind of wolf our father was. Because you are watching over her, wishing to protect her, then I will make your life harder than any others'. It is because she is important to me and I want to make sure that if someone is going to watch over her, then they damn well better be able to handle anything that comes their way, or hers, when she can't handle it. I will keep this a secret between you and I." Samael was proud of this wolf, and deep down he knew he had to say something about it. "Striker, I do want you to know I am proud of you. In this world it's hard to find wolves who think of anyone besides themselves. It takes a lot of courage to care for someone as much as you care for your own life. Tell you what... You take the corpse, as a prize and gift to know that sometimes, things in this life are deserving to those who go above and beyond for the others around them. Do what you like with it. Well, you better get on back home before your parents worry about you. We will train more, I promise you this. What say you, Little Shit?" he asked with a smirk as he tried to bring the mood back up.

It was almost as if he couldn't bare the sight of himself falling beneath another's name, he internally felt apologetic for the display, though fought back the urge to speak further as he watched the opposing wolf's facial appearance change in tune to his own as well. His ashen ears narrowed slightly forwards as his mentor began to speak, almost jutting out the little nickname, before replacing it with his truer calling. They had only just met in yet they already were beginning to form an unbreakable bond - and in many ways, though he'd never admit them allowed to most likely anyone other than possibly Aleu in the future, he saw Samael as the older brother he never had. Icarus was still his age, though older by a few moments, but even then he never truly acted like an elder sibling to him. If anything, he was quite the opposite in taking charge of the situation, he did a lot of what Striker would do - the don't think, just do persona, one would put. "If it's any relief to you for when you sleep - she is in good paws, with a fine den over her head at night and plenty of food and training to where she now stays." He kept the words of any being that it was Helidos territory she was hiding in from him, figuring that he had known that from the fact that his younger sibling was still alive out there and well fed. "I see her rarely, though in two more moons her and I will share a small reunion of interest.. I only hope by then I'm able to protect her in the neutrals. You have my word that I mean no harm to her, and I will protect her no matter the costs." Striker felt at ease when his mentor swore he'd never tell a soul of his encounters with the young fae, knowing it could lead to more trouble than what it appeared, both from his parents, and possibly from Teren due to the circumstances being held over Aleu's life. But his thoughts came to a halt with a narrowed expression upon his face as he looked Samael dead straight in the eyes, his sapphire hues ablaze by his words.

"No one's ever said that to me before." The male admitted, his voice that of gratitude and his neutral emotion. His lips forbid a quiet 'thank you', and instead replaced it with a gentle nod of acknowledgement. Hopefully the warrior would understand that. His eyes darted to the honey badger's lifeless figure, slowly inching towards it and snatching it with his teeth to swing up onto his back. It would've been annoying having to drag it back to camp, it was better to just endure the claws brushing his shoulders instead. His head turned to the sky-line, noticing the movement of the sun and measuring the time of day it would be before he'd return. Perhaps the sun would be setting by then, which meant the warrior was correct. He should return shortly. Striker almost looked to the adult and remarked that his parents would never worry of him, but issued a silent goodbye, "If you ever get around to it, perhaps you could meet my mom." He rolled his eyes slightly, given it might throw the other off a bit, "-she's always pestering me about finding a mentor and meeting them sometime to catch up on my siblings and I's progress. Put in a good word for me and maybe she'll stop bugging me about it." He ushered a small, childish laugh before winking and trotting off towards base.

"I'll tell Aleu you said hi... Mutant."

Hearing Aleu was in good paws placed a smile upon his lips. His baby sister was alive and well. All was right with the world, for now. He thought about going to Katyusha with the news, but knew it would be trouble if Teren heard a pup had escaped the lands and was living with the King and Queen he hated more than any wolf. Samael nodded his head at the small amount of details he heard about his young fae sibling. What else could he say? He had already told Striker he was proud of him. As the day drew to night, Samael would have to make his way back to his segregated place as well. He still stayed as far from pack lands as he could, well from the others. "I will speak to your mother. I am sure she will not like me as your mentor, but hopefully she will come to find that I am the right wolf for the job. Maybe if I speak to her it will help with the slack you get. Just tell Aleu that I do miss her and I care about her. Sometime I will come and find her. But for now, I have important things, dangerous things, to take care of. Until then, young brute, I shall call on you for training again." Samael gave him a nod and smile. Moving each paw as he stepped away, he moved back into the world he hated the most.

Samael exits.