Very few people are (I know I'm not...)

Word Count: 452

Yumiko was in the village for the first time in a while, since the town meeting announcing the pack's position in the war, and wasn't surprised to see it very much as she had left it. After all, she'd been there... a whole month, already. She shook her head, amazed. She'd never imagined fitting into a place well enough to stay there this long. It just didn't seem right, somehow.

She wasn't sure why she was there, exactly, other than to do some more exploring. She'd seen plenty of the forests and lands of AniWaya, but somehow, for some reason, had avoided the actual village unless necessary. She had decided to remedy that this morning and, here she was. Walking down the middle of the main road, her head swivelling often to examine the houses on either side and the various plants that overflowed from roadside gardens. She smiled. That was why she didn't have a home in the main village; they'd managed to do what the ancient humans had done, and were slowly taking over the planet once again. She was a harmoneous creature and stayed, peacfully, where she thought she belonged.

A faint crackling noise caught her attention, and brought her off the main road to a large maple tree with a little fire burning away underneath. The light was obvious despite the boulder obscuring the flames themselves, but nothing else cast such a light, especially in the colder weather. Treading carefully, she walked to the other side of the boulder while giving it a WIDE berth so as not to frighten whoever had built the fire. She saw two young wolves, both female with one being surprisingly close in colouration to herself (blonde wolves were quite rare), and was surprised to sense that both were not a part of her tribe. She raised a hand in greeting anyway, sensing no harm or even dominance from either. She figured she'd find out why two outsiders were in their village soon enough. She walked closer and called out over the crackling fire. "Hey! Sorry, I heard your fire and had to see what it was. I'm Yumiko." She said calmly and sweetly. She frowned as she noticed one of the girls shivering, despite the fire. As one who hated cold with every fibre of her being, Yumiko understood; she was only alright because she'd only been outisde her den maybe an hour. Did these two not have a home?

Not wanting to assume anything, she calmly stood at a careful distance from them, allowing them to introduce themselves or maybe to just send her away for interfering. Whatever their wishes, she'd obey; she wasn't one to fight even with her words.

Don't worry about length; I tend to think I have nothing to say, and write a LOT to make up for it. It's a vicious cycle >>;

Word Count: 477

Yumiko nodded, smiling, at their names and noticed that only one of them replied to her. Was the other one shy, or maybe couldn't speak? Or was Anne just more dominant or even just older? She stored their relationship into the deep recesses of her mind and focused on the two newcomers once more. Her suspicions were confirmed when Leah avoided her gaze completely, only giving her a slight nod to indicate she was listening. Yumiko wasn't offended, she was just concerned about Leah's ability to help the pack and even to help herself. As one who was VERY submissive herself when confronted, she understood Leah's fears and hoped she'd come out of her shell a little more like she did herself, with time.

Anne said that the 'old one' (she smirked subconciously at the thought) had allowed the pair to stay in the pack. "Ah, you've met Dawali. He's very understanding. I met him... a month ago, myself." Her ears twitched as she realised how much time had passed. It was amazing for her to think about. She barely even had nightmares about her parents anymore, and thinking that very thought no longer filled her with utmost dread. It would seem that being around others, especially new people she needed to work at to keep a friendship with, was doing her more good than she had realised.

Anne asked about lodging and Yumiko stared blankly at her. She had no idea of someplace that didn't require at least a little work, which would take several hours and it was already late. Leah continued to subtly ignore her and feed the fire, although it wasn't a malicious ignoring; simply a shy one. Yumiko was alright with that, but wanted to make her feel more comftorable.

While she mulled Anne's question over, she settled on her haunches on the opposite side of the fire from the girls and warmed her numbing palms. Thankfully the weather was steadily improving. Unfotunately, it was a very sloooow steady. She looked at Anne thoughtfully, and said the truth. "I have no idea. I've only been here maybe a month, and I haven't come across anything like that in my exploring." Not wanting to disappoint, she offered her more helpful advice too. "When you have time you can build a shelter near the village, or dig a den in the forests if you prefer something more of that nature. I'm a cave dweller, myself." Then it struck her. She trusted these two, and they were only pups hovering around the year mark; they were practically half her age and needed help.

She fidgeted, running a claw through the snow near her side. "If you want, you could stay at my new den until you guys get your paws under you. It's a little cramped, though." She glanced away, nervous for so many reasons.

FWI, it's Yumiko *points* Funny Japanese name is funny

Word Count: 385

Anne agreed with Yumiko's description of Dawali, and to her surprise Leah spoke up softly too. She seemed very wise for her tender age, and Yumiko instantly liked her for it. It seemed as though she had little to say because she wasn't one to waste words on meaningless conversation. She was glad that Leah felt comftorable enough to speak around her and didn't waste the opportunity.

Eyes gazing deep into the flames, she told Leah gently, "I think he's an excellent leader. He's very wise, and always willing to help." She hoped he was as competent and helpful as he appeared, for in all honesty she didn't know him very well. Those in the pack seemed to have great respect for their leader and she doubted they were all mistaken. In time, maybe she would get to know him well enough to call him a friend.

When Anne aggreed to Yumiko's rather rash decision to house them for a while, she stopped fidgetting and turned back to look up at her from underneath her long lashes. The woman smiled, embaressed, and she couldn't help but smile back. As for not liking to be in debt, Yumiko grimaced, sharing the resentment towards the idea of owing anyone anything. She was usually the one to offer her help, and it was odd to consider owing someone else for theirs. Not that she had expected anything from the two yearlings, but that they were so eager to please her was a good sign that they could support themselves soon enough.

"That's good to hear. You don't owe me anything, but you can certainly help gather water and food and such. I'm sure you'll find a place in no time," she said with a sparkle in her eye. Anne seemed overjoyed at having found a home, or a friend, or even just someone else to talk to besides the very... very quiet Leah. Speaking of which, since Leah had already made some progress in warming up to her, Yumiko decided to take a chance, albeit a small one. "Leah," she said, adressing her directly so she would know Yumiko wasn't referring to Anne, "are you two siblings? You seem very close." She meant no harm in the question and hoped it wouldn't frigthen Leah back into her shell.

OOPS I thought I'd replied here already o.O

Word Count: 635

Yumiko chuckled at Anne's excitement as she practically struggled to remain upright. She also caught Leah's discreet, affectionate glance towards her friend, and saw in her eyes the love she had for her. It was like a bond only sisters shared, and Yumiko's smile faded softly as memories of her own sister came to mind. She missed her sister dearly, and hoped these two friends, siblings, whatever they were, could remain together and peacful for a long time to come.

Unfortunately, it would appear they had already met their fair share of hardship as they instantly closed up after her relatively innocent question. Yumiko cocked her head slightly at Anne's expression, as it flipped through all sorts of horrific emotions that all followed that of horror. Yumiko opened her mouth to apologize, for even though she had meant nothing of it she was the sort of wolf to apologize simply for bringing up bad memories. Before she could utter a word, Leah relaxed and Anne followed her lead, and despite her anxiety at upsetting the two Yumiko slumped as well.

The fire crackled in the uncomfortable silence and cast moving lights upon the rock behind the younger girls. Yumiko shivered as a cold breeze licked at her skin despite her fur, and she shifted a little closer to the fire to compensate. She moved her weight to the other foot in her crouched position, any possible sound covered by a twig exploding within the fire as it glowed. At last, after being to embaressed to do more than stare into the flames, Yumiko looked at Leah as she said they were as good as siblings. She nodded cautiously. "I can see that. You two are good for each other." It was as good as she could come up with for a discreet apology.

Suddenly the mood seemed to lift, albeit with a mighty shove from Anne, as she leaned towards Yumiko and whispered as if in on some big secret. Happy to be away from the drama, Yumiko helped her along, and whispered back dramatically, "Yes, we should offer her a sacrifice to apease this immortal being."

As if on cue to dispose of the idea, the 'immortal one' chucked a pebble that Yumiko had to lean back to avoid right at Anne. She fell onto her butt from her perch upon her haunches, and she laughed as her legs stretched out to one side of the fire. Anne gave a witty response, unworthy of the Great Immortal One's reply, before they both seemed to remember Yumiko was there. She didn't mind. It was nice to be in such pleasant company, and now the atmopshere was clear and joyous, and it was like nothing had ever occurred to make it in any way unpleasant.

But something had happened, and something was clearly tormenting the both of them (Leah more than Anne). Yumiko made her inner self vow to help them come to terms with whatever had happened, just like she had eventually come to grips with the murder of her parents. Sure, it was still hard for her, but she made it through and put on a brave face. She had grieved in her own way, in the privacy of the forest and her den. With just three small piles of rocks, deep in the forest, to mark their existance in the world, she had found peace within herself. Hopefully in time, so would these girls so young.

"Anything else? Uh... no, not really. Maybe some renovation projects I was hoping to finish." Yumiko shrugged, her hands supporting her on the ground. Another breeze passed through, threatening to extinguish the flames. "No point in being here any longer. Shall I show you the way?" she offered, adding her own unskillful subject change to the batch.

FILLER! 8D

Word Count: 363

Yumiko smiled and nodded as Anne basically said she'd do whatever Yumiko wanted her to do, to pay her back. It was very odd for her to think about, so she focused instead on the girls bickering. It was strangely entertaining to watch, and as Leah shot a glance her way Yumiko returned her grin with a mock horrific gasp, ignoring Anne's protests. "Killed by food?! What a horrific idea! I like food too much to think it could hurt me!" she said, her expression playfully horrified by the very idea.

Anne pouted and Yumiko grinned at her metaphorically ruffled feathers. The fire had slowly died while they talked, and now barely had flames within the logs. She got to her feet carefully and stretched her legs, noticing the sun was hovering low near the horizon. It was nearly dinner, and she -- well, the three of us, she supposed, should be getting home.

Her eyes turned back to see Leah lingering on an affectionate head rub, and Yumiko's tail swished once at the tender scene. The two continued to bicker, but the sweeter feeling still lingered in the freezing air. Leah turned with embaressment and Yumiko quickly averted her eyes, suddenly uncomfortable with the idea of being caught watching the sisterly love they shared.

She felt eyes on her back that were clearly beaming a time to go now signal, so she turned her head back briefly and saw Anne stand and nod. "Valient leader is right, little one!" she said playfully. Since she wasn't much older then them herself, it wasn't condescending like a 7 year old calling them pups. It was more like a brother calling you 'Kiddo' affectionately. She paused, thinking, and toed a snow-clump at her toes. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd prefer to go four-legged. It's faster and easier to navigate the forests then in this form." It was always an awkward subject for her, because it was like a human saying they preferred to go nude in the summer because it was cooler (although far less contreversial...). It was just one of those things she, and many other wolves and luperci, just never got used to discussing.

Spoooooon o.O it sounds like 'un' as in 'pun' I hear in Japanese Anime alot -is nerd- meaning no It should be 'ork' as in 'spork'. Sporks are better >w<

Word Count: 433

Yumiko was relieved that the pair shared her preference, more intensely so than necessary. She had an isolated childhood, and had always though that just her family were blessed with the ability to walk on two legs. She had been frightened of what other, 'normal' wolves would think of her ability. Once she'd arrived in AniWayan lands however, the very first wolf she came upon had been patrolling in Optime form. It had surprised her greatly, but given her great hope. It was still a rather taboo subject for her though, ingrained in her since birth.

She had no clothing to remove despite the cold, and quickly turned away to concentrate on the shift rather than the distracting pair with their flurry of activity. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, reaching for that special spot that, for her, triggered the change. She found it easily and began to smoothly morph instantly. She was like Leah, with graceful movements in her change. The one thing that was different was she was a very upright walker on two legs, so she had to crouch in order for her legs to compensate. She was finished at the exact same time as Anne, making her the middle of the two in speed. To be honest, she looked exactly the same, although her small stature was more apparant now that they all stood with the same posture. Even the young pair were close in height to her, if not larger since they were practically full grown.

Taking another deep breath to clear her mind, Yumiko opened bright-blue eyes and gazed at her companions in time to hear a startled yelp and a suspicious Anne urging her and Leah on. Yumiko grinned and her tail wagged in response to Anne's enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling merrily. She dashed ahead to stand beside Anne, anxious to use her speed to show off a little. Apart from healing, it was the only thing she was all that good at. Small size, longish legs, and short fur all made the blonde wolf ideal for speed. Time to prove what she could do.

Jumping on her toes and looking at Anne while Leah stayed behind for a moment, she chuckled. "I'd race ya, but you don't know the way. Real shame eh?" She turned away as if disappointed, her snout in the air obnoxiously. She was acting ridiculously immature but she didn't care in the least. Yumiko kind of wanted a challange, despite the frosty air and nearing darkness. It wasn't like she'd abandon either of them if they got lost, either.

Dunna be silly, child! *crappy Jamacian accent.... fail... * Also you may wish to start keeping track of your word counts, because if you didn't notice there can be prizes XD

Word Count: 466

It seemed to Yumiko that her new denmates would never stop bickering; although she enjoyed watching the two, she couldn't help but worry how it would affect her sleeping habits. Anne agreed without even pausing to think, and, snout still snootily in the air, Yumiko glanced down at her from her lofty position. "As if you could win, shorty!" Sure, she was barely any taller, but being so stupidly tiny for her age, she naturally couldn't help but take any opportunity to mock another's height when it presented itself. Understandable, no?

Lowering her snout and dipping into a slight play-bow, Yumiko flicked a look at Leah. "I'm glad the almighty immortal can follow us. Let's go!" Without a second glance back, Yumiko shoved forward, nipped Anne on the ear, and was gone. She knew that Anne, at least, would undoubtedly be hot on her heels. She seemed very competetive and despite any sad secrets the two seemed to share, they still put on a mask for society of what they used to be. She knew the feeling herself and hoped, with time, they would be able to truely trust her with what had scarred the pair so deeply.

Yumiko had pushed off from her bow with her front paws, an unusual way of starting that she found gave her an advantage. Her short legs had to leap and shift with incredible speed to give her the rush she longed for, but she had the energy to do it. Tall wolves just cheated (in her opinion) and loped along, never pushing themselves. After a good run she was always ready for a quick meal and a long, relaxing nap. The thrill of it was pushing herself to the limit, experiencing what her body could really do.

Yumiko dashed into the forest, the trees a blur that her eyes barely had time to decipher as they whisked by, every footfall placed with uncanny percision. Here she was truely free. The path she knew well despite it being completely unmarked. To the left of the lightening-scarred pine, past the willow, follow the stream, over the rocks. She barely even touched the slime of the river-rocks that made a narrow bridge, but she didn't care. She was halfway there. Her tongue lolled from her mouth and the wind made her ears flap against her skull. It was all irrelevent to the freedom of sprinting.

She slowed for just an instant, barely even a pair of pawsteps, to sniff and listen if Anne was nearby and Leah far behind (assuming Leah just followed at her own pace rather than race the competitive pair). She sensed the fellow blonde female nearby, but was unsure of her position without visual conformation; ahead, behind, beside... above. It was all the same at those speeds.

Hope this is okay, not too confusing or God-moddy or anything <3

iPod, ooooh :| We should really figure out who's going to win XD

Word Count: 338

Granny? Darn pup had snuck up on her when she was concentrating. Yumiko just huffed in Anne's direction, miffed, and picked up her speed. Although she still had breath to talk with she didn't want to waste her air so soon. The race wasn't even half done, after all. She figured that no matter how young and full of life her oponent was she would still be tired, after having only just been accepted into AniWaya and therefore having travelled for quite a while to get there. Plus this was Yumiko's territory; as if some newcomer would know the way better than her.

As if to prove her point, she swerved gracefully around a tree in her path and leaped a rock before it even came into sight. She used to trip over that darn thing all the time, and wondered if Anne (or Leah for that matter) would notice it in time. She grinned evilly. Oh dearie me, did you sprain your ankle? Forfeit the race? Darn shame, that! or something along those lines. In theory. Nonetheless the femme continued on her way, trees whirling by her in that way that only occurs at high speeds. They would all blend together, yet be as obvious as a fly on her nose for a split second as her eye registered its existence. Very odd indeed.

Yumiko had lost track of where Anne was again as she chose to concentrate on her paws and landing in the ideal places for pushing off. She hadn't staggered yet since she ran this path almost every day, and yet she still managed to get wacked in the snout by a branch as she lifted her head higher to look ahead. She blinked, disoriented, and nearly rammed into a tree, all without slowing down if moving a bit drunkenly. She avoided the tree at the last minute and hurriedly picked up her pace to faster then before, now thoroughly convinced Anne could have passed her if that rock hadn't tripped her up earlier.

This is SO CONFUSING ;_;

To anyone else reading this, this was all planned OOCly Don't question Leah. Just don't.

Word Count: 439

Yumiko was losing speed and about to tire when the riverside cave that served as her den came into view. A joyous shout escaped from her maw as she saw she was the first to arrive. She slowed to an unsteady skid and hung her head between her legs, panting heavily. Sure, she could run with incredible speed, but her endurance needed work. When she was running Yumiko blocked all thought of how tired she was, but whenever she stopped she was ready to pass out. Thankfully the race was short, although competetive, and she could still stand and catch her breath.

A few heartbeats after she reached the 'finish line' Anne skidded beside her and collapsed with exhaustion. Yumiko hoped she was okay and could catch her own breath, and not hyperventilate or anything. The femme lifted her head tiredly, barely able to focus her eyes, and noticed blankly a certain other female waiting for the racers' arrival. ".... Um.... wh... what?" she said between pants, dumbfounded. How the hell had Leah, who was always behind the two racing (or so they had thought, apparently), gotten so darn far ahead of them?

Leah yawned nonchantly and Yumiko bared her teeth in annoyance, barely able to lift her gums off her fangs. "Great.... it was... great." Stupid Leah. Could she teleport, or something? Seriously!

The race was getting to her more than she had first thought, and Yumiko lifted her lead paws with her snout close to the ground as she headed into her den. Let the others follow as they wish, she wanted a nice snack from her stock and she was too lazy to properly invite them in. Yumiko's blue eyes swept over the tall cave with it's small entrance, the feathers and her slowly growing pile of furs that served as a bed. But that was of no interet to her at the moment. What caught her attention was the shelves carved into the far wall, just above the hearth, that held a several rabbits' worth of dried meat strips. Unfortunately, they were too high up for her in this form; something she'd never even considered.

Yumiko attempted once to raise onto her hind paws and grab a strip with her teeth, but her muscles wouldn't obey her commands after the use they'd just gone through and she slipped on the hard rock. She ended up staring up at the cave ceiling, mildly dazed. Hm. This required more thought. Too tired to hunt, too tired to shift, too tired to jump. Fooood.... the thought of Leah helping her in this predicament never even crossed her mind.

Like I PMed, sorry about the wait but things came up in RL >>;

Word Count: 312

Humph, wasn't really racing. The thought kept repeating through her mind despite everything else around her. So not fair. Cheater.

As Yumiko gazed at the ceiling, confused as to how exactly she ended up with such a view, she heard pawsteps indicating her new roomies were in the den too. She heard a flopping sound, probably Anne, as she landed on the floor somewhere to sleep. A soft laugh escaped her lips. She'd need more furs. A few strips of meat plopped into her vision and she wordlessly scrambled at the air as she flipped onto her stomach. Gobbling down the meat with no abandon, forgetting about anyone who may be watching her, her stomach was soon content as her energy refueled. Usually that would be enough for her to be full of energy again, but it was late and the mere thought of the race just made Yumiko even more tired.

She tuned into the world around her to see Anne curled up after somehow missing the area that screamed 'Look at me! I'm a bed!', and Leah watching her eat. The blonde grinned sheepishly and scratched her ear with a hind paw absently.

She assumed it was safe to say that Anne would be out for a while as she took her own method of refuelling, and cocked her head at Leah in question. "Thanks," she whispered so as not to wake the furry lump in the back. A yawn escaped her as her maw opened wide, revealling pearly teeth. Yumiko put her jaw upon her front paws and looked up at the younger blonde, exhausted despite her refuelling. The sun must have set by now... she thought sluggishly. Not bothering to go over to the pile of furs herself, her eyelids drifted closed as sleep overtook her. Maybe the morning would be interesting... they certainly needed some more food.