Velkin

[RedDragonX]

Chapter 1

AN-Velkin, Nhaka, Sukett, and Shiniku are my own characters and this is my own story. I've received some motivation to write so this is the start to what should be a couple chapters. Please enjoy...and bear in mind this is my first time writing about wolves. Aniu is the property of Universal or whatever.

= = = = =

Silent strength. That's the first thing that always came to his mind no matter what the situation. The landscape had become stricken by the natural disease that winter brought forth. Pine trees remained still in the morning air and once green needles now carried what had to be several pounds of the white substance.

A black wolf rested on his haunches. Golden eyes looked out upon the world in which he lived. Everything was as silent as death itself. To him, this time of year was perfect. All of nature's creatures were also affected by winter's coming. The bears had long since bunked down for their hibernation, the geese had moved southwards for the months to come, and all manner of smaller creatures treaded lightly in such times.

But the wolves....

One of nature's fiercest creatures no doubt. The perfect hunters. The perfect leaders. They always worked as one single mind to achieve their goals.

Velkin shook his head lightly and broke the gaze. That is of course...how wolves were suppose to behave. They believed in the strength of the pack. Strength that they could draw from each other as well as the world around them.

“Not me......never me.....” muttered the black wolf as he moved across the snow. Each step of his paws left a freshly printed mark in its wake.

He was indeed a wolf, but a wolf that was unlike others. He never really took it upon himself to judge his abilities...but he knew that he was in superb shape for one of his kind. His chest and arms displayed firm sets of muscle, and he was well versed with all aspects of combat and survival.

After all, he was abandoned as a pup. He had to survive in the wilderness without anyone to guide him. It was simple kill....or be killed. Survival was all that mattered, all other concerns would be secondary.

It wasn't that he never came into contact with other wolves, for he certainly did. Over his travels he came across many packs. All of them were drawn together to form one single and powerful society. At times, he did become lonely without others around him. As mentally strong as he was even the firmest of loners desired the attention of others like them.

“Mistakes....all mistakes......”

A single ray of sunlight broke through the clouds above him. Velkin flinched slightly as the warm beam paved across his dark fur. He was as black as the darkest night. His noble chest broke away from that pattern; a thick coat of pure white graced that section, running all the way down his belly and to the base of his tail. The blackness also gave way to its counterpart halfway down his legs; continuing to run all the way to his paws.

Sunlight was indeed rare these days. The Alaskan wilderness around him was so unpredictable and dangerous, even he had to be surprised that anything could survive up here from time to time. It was but merely seconds before the warming glow was cut away by more dull clouds.

“Hmmm....what I wouldn't pay for one day of sunshine.” Velkin murmured as he continued onwards. He clearly remembered every incident with each pack he did encounter, those at least he decided to make known his presence to. Some of them did welcome him as a brother, despite not even being home grown. Others....well........they were not so kind.

He pawed at the thick scar that curved its way over his left eye. Yet another painful reminder of the past and nothing more. Velkin had long since collected a large abundance of scars upon his body. Most were not from pleasant encounters. In fact, none of them were.

This one, however, served as the greatest reminder of all to him. It served as the reminder to trust nobody. Trust not a single other wolf in this world, and above all, never trust your heart to one.

Velkin cracked his neck slightly as the sides of his body traced against a nearby bush. He had entered a canopy of sorts. The twigs of nearby trees curled upwards to form a natural arch, which created a path leading forward into a sanctuary of natures creations.

“Trust nobody.....love........love is.....”

It couldn't be what he wanted. He had desired it before. The very deep emotion ran heavy through his very blood, capturing him in an intoxicating allure that made every day seemingly last forever.

One of those packs had what he believed to be the very love of his life residing within. It was nearly a year ago, close to this very day. He met her deep in the woods. That is met her and the vast majority of her pack.

She was different....just like him. Seeking independence from those around her. Looking to find her own place in the world no matter what anyone said or did to stop her.

It certainly wasn't like he invited this. He wasn't looking for anything...and yet, as soon as he rested his golden eyes upon her it became oh so clear. He didn't know if it was through his mind or through his heart...but something deep within him screamed to be unleashed. Screamed for the very thing he had denied himself for so long.

The clouds continued to tumble way over head. Soft specs of snow then unleashed themselves from the heavens; plummeting the world around him once more into a wintery daze. The natural canopy formed by the trees above did serve as temporary protection for now.

“She became my life....my soul....my very reason for being......”

Not all of the pack welcomed this relationship, in fact, most despised the fact of one of their own loving a pure outsider. Or at least, claiming to love.

Yet, they risked everything to see each other. Sacrificed whatever time they could to be near each other. They didn't care who was around or the situation. Two hearts beated as one, and Velkin had never been so happy in his entire life.

They talked about leaving. Simply running away and forming a family of their own when the time was right. When the time was right, she would give herself to him in full, and they would be happy.

“Happy.....what a fool I was....”

To him, happiness came at much too high a cost. He didn't notice how quickly things deteriorated. Just how quickly one can be the happiest wolf on the face of the planet and then lose it all into a never ending pit of emotional turmoil.

Velkin lifted one of his claws to the scar once more. He remembered that day more clearly then the woods in front of him right now. The day that he was betrayed by the very one he had sworn his life to.

The black wolf closed his eyes slowly. Breathing in deeply, Velkin tried to think of more positive things.

“Fat chance of that.....”

He couldn't bear the thought of seeing her with another. The thought of his beloved giving her heart to someone else despite everything that had been through. All the promises that they made. All he had left was anger. A deep seething hate for everything about her and those associated with her.

Velkin wanted nothing more then to kill. He wanted to make those who caused him so much hurt pay for what they did. That very same day, he had the cause of his grief on the ground before him in tears. Knowing full well that the killing blow was about to be delivered.

Yet........he couldn't bring himself to do it. There is more to life then just pools of never ending hate. Not that he should forgive them for he never would, but he was a better person then what they set out to make him be. He would prove that he was the wolf he always expected of himself. So he left them there....her new mate continuing to taunt him as he strode away into the wilderness.

Velkin learned a most valuable lesson indeed. Don't trust anyone with your feelings. Don't let the outside world manipulate you. Learn to live alone.

He could tell himself these things as much as he wanted to, but that didn't stop the empty feeling deep down within him from coming to life. Because in reality, he wanted all of those things. He wanted a mate to share his life with, he wanted to see pups of his own grow up to become strong and dependent individuals. He wanted to grow old with someone he loved.

“Why is it never easy. Why can't I just be happy...” questioned the lone wolf to himself. Seeking the answers to such questions always proved difficult for him. After all...he wasn't exactly an easy individual to love. At least, that's what he thought of himself.

He couldn't tell if he truly cared what others thought about him, but what would he do if he ever got a second chance. What if he managed to give his heart to another once more. Would he be truly happy then? Yet, it's not worth the pain it brings should it all fail. Should the world come crashing down upon him once more with all its brutal realistic force.

“I make my own life.....I choose what I want to be.”

Snow had now begun to fall quickly, and torrents of heavy wind began to carve across the trees. Velkin closed his golden eyes to avoid the heavy snowfall. Using his nose to his advantage, the black wolf began to make way back to his den. At least his temporary den, until he decided to move onwards once more. Such blizzards were a normal part of Alaskan life. Any smart clan or animal would be bedding in to avoid getting caught. Again, it was only something Velkin had become use to.

Over the past two years his experience made other wolves pale in comparison. He had brushes with several high ranking Alphas in the past and even managed to make them spin around like tops. Perhaps it was this trait that kept him away from other clans.

He never wanted to sound superior to anyone or anything, he was only looking to carve his own path through the wilderness that is life, and share that adventure with another. He would never give up on someone that he loved, he would never break the heart of another for his own personal gain. No, he taught himself to believe in where his heart guided him.

It was very rare that he shared his true personality with anyone at all, for he was never really in one place long enough to make true friends, if he was lucky enough to find someone he actually enjoyed talking to that is.

Every step of his paws put more strain on the muscles. He was strong though, his body was well adapted to these kind of tests.

Just keep moving forward....use that nose of yours...you'll be back before you know it....

Mental strength was an excellent tool. Even when he had given up on himself, something deep down inside him kept him going. Multiple times he was nearly killed, but something always kept him breathing. Perhaps it was really his own strength, but is it entirely possible that it was something....more?

Of course he was well versed with many of the local traditions and customs. The wolves payed heavy respects to the one called Aniu.

Velkin wasn't quite sure just what they saw in this practice, for him the best strength could only come from within. Why would you worship for the strength of another when he is the one controlling his heart and abilities. Isn't faith in yourself enough to keep you alive.

This of course didn't give him the right to put down the wolves traditions, but he never would embrace them. When he interacted with the other clans he was fully respectable to all of their customs and beliefs. He would study them and take in the acts of worshiping, but he couldn't accept them as his own. What real proof was their to the existence of spiritual beings.

Thoughts like this were practically blasphemy in the wolf community, for to them spirits are nature. Without the spirits the wolves could not live on or better themselves.

Only another reason why he couldn't settle with any of them. Nobody had ever helped him when he needed it. A spirit didn't show up and rescue him in his times of need. No, to him the only strength is that in which you have in yourself. Believing in oneself is all you will ever need in life.

The black wolf jumped over a small ravine. His den was just ahead several meters. Pine trees were shaking overhead as the wind howled even louder; its cries only emphasized by the mountain peaks around him. Snow had completely blinded his vision, but Velkin already found what he was looking for.

A small cavern entrance revealed itself. The cave was hidden behind a heavy thicket of brush as to serve as a natural defense. Velkin quickly pushed through the pines and into the dry and dark refuge.

The male wolf shook the snow and pine needles from his pelt before stretching his body out. Every single ligament in his form sighed in relief as he cracked his neck again.

“Well looks like I'm not going anywhere for awhile...might as well get something to eat.”

He still had some leftovers from a couple hours earlier, what better way to stave off some mental despair. Velkin trotted around in the cavern attempting to locate the kill, but eventually came to realize that it had disappeared.

“Someone's been in here........” muttered Velkin with a low growl. One thing that really ticked him off was other creatures, especially wolves, meddling with his stuff. He didn't take the time to notice the strong scent that graced the den. Actually several different scents were present.

“Definitely wolves, I'm surprised they managed to find this place. Well.....I haven't had any contact with them in this region, perhaps it's time to pay a little visit.

Velkin was forced to wait for several hours before the storm lightened up, he then ventured out along the trail left by the intruders. The storm covered their tracks quite well, it was a sound strategical move, but Velkin was not your average wolf.

Miles and miles were traversed, and Velkin began to wonder just why any wolves would be venturing this far out just to grab his dinner. The black wolf kept looking forward, content to ignore all of his surroundings until he reached his goal.

It wasn't until something caught his attention that he finally broke his concentration.

“What....was that?” gasped Velkin something as he looked behind him. He could have sworn that he heard a muffled cry being carried by the still firm wind. The male wolf turned his head back towards the direction of the scent and then back behind him again. Another soft cry found its way to his ears.

Velkin could only issue a soft growl as he forced himself to make a decision. “Vengeance can wait for now.”

Breaking away from the trail, Velkin made his way swiftly over the punishable landscape; making it appear easy the entire time. As he made his way towards the sound it became clearer and clearer. It wasn't just one but several different sounds. He pushed himself to the limit, hoping to reach whoever was trouble before the end came.

= = = = =

The small pup tripped over another branch; falling nose first into the snow beneath him. Small whimpers were issued forth as he attempted to find his footing again.

“Look here boys....a wonderful snack seems to have found its way onto our doorstep.” stated one voice from behind. The small pup turned his eyes backwards; sheer terror shredding through his heart. Three larger wolves had surrounded the younger creature.

“Whats that? Please you don't think we can actually hear you do you? Speak up you little rat!” shouted another wolf as he struck the ground near the pup. He could only cry out in fear as hot tears escaped from his gentle eyes.

“No.....no please......it......it was only an acci.....acci........”

“WHAT! An accident!!!” shouted the last wolf as he brought his paw down upon the pup fiercely. The small quadruped went tumbling head over heels across the ground; only stopping upon coming in contact with the base of an old tree.

“One thing you freaking pups never seem to understand is staying off private property. Needless to say it will be the last mistake you ever make.” growled the first wolf as the trio moved towards the battered youngling.

“I....I just want to go...........go home.........please....” begged the pup as he looked up in terror. The three wolves only laughed at the adolescent's pain.

“Home eh.....well I hate to say you won't be sucking any more of your mothers milk kid..” Another swipe of the paw smashed into the pup's side. Thee deep gashes began to pulse in pain; fresh blood seeping through the lacerations.

The pup couldn't feel anything anymore. Within seconds he fell to the snow; warm blood staining the naturally white element. Pine needles fell from the trees above as dark clouds continued to pave across the sky.

“Well....that entertainment didn't last as long as I thought it would.” growled one of the wolves. Another sniffed the pup's body and opened his maw.

“We shouldn't let fresh meat go to waste now......right boys.” spoke the wolf with drool rolling off his front fangs. The other two wolves chuckled in agreement as the sharp teeth moved closer.

Before he could react, the wolf was slammed into full force; causing him to skid across the snow with a heavy cough. The other two wolves were shocked for a moment before turning towards the sudden attacker. A large black wolf clouded their vision. Fierce golden eyes and razor sharp claws were evident, and a deeply terrifying growl filled their ears.

“Don't...."Beep"....touch him....” muttered the black wolf through clenched teeth. The two wolves still standing looked back towards their still winded companion. It was obvious that he was the ringleader of this group.

“How....how dare you.....” muttered the wolf between coughs. “What...what are you standing there for you idiots.........kill him!”

The other two wolves remained stunned for several seconds before turning back towards their enemy. The young pup remained motionless on the ground as the black wolf narrowed his eyes.

“I'll give you one chance. Leave now....if you know what's good for you.”

A low rumble echoed its way across the landscape. The two wolves moved in separate directions; intending to launch an obvious joint attack.

“Don't you think you're a little in over your head stranger. You really think you can take three of us at the same time?”

The black wolf smirked slightly. “Well you absolutely fierce hunters took it upon yourselves to bring down the mightiest kid in the forest so I must be way in over my head. Hopefully you will allow me to call for back up eh?”

Breaking away from the plan, the wolf to his left made to strike early. His chosen pray only planted his feet and crouched towards the ground. His attacker lept from the snow and brandished his claws. Before he knew it, a deep pain shot throughout his body.

The two wolves at the rear gapped in surprise as they saw the black wolf clamp his fangs deep into their companions throat. The wolf could only yelp helplessly as his opponent drove his maw into the ground.

“You.....you wouldn't........” muttered the wolf. Terror obviously grasping his mentality. The gold eyed wolf growled and placed his paw against the wolf's head. His accomplices stayed still as the black wolf twisted his jaws while pushing his paw.

A clear snap emanated from the now lifeless body of the wolf. Blood stained the black wolf's maw as he tossed the body aside; several overdue twitches taking hold as it hit the bloody snow.

Making to play the mental game, the unknown midnight wolf licked the blood from his fangs and unleashed a growl that could only be described as pure evil. One of the wolves began to back away slowly, his tail tucked between his legs. If one could see the skin beneath his pelt then an image pale as a ghost would be present.

“Stop you coward....it's just.....he's just one damn wolf! The two of us can so take him down!” commanded the leader as the black wolf continued to advance.

“Yeah.....uh....why don't you tell that to Shiniku......” responded the trembling underling. The leader scoffed slightly and moved forward to counter the killer.

“Tell me stranger....may I inquire as to what your name is before I leave your corpse for the crows?”

“You are not worthy of knowing my name. As far as I'm concerned, you can call me death.” responded the dark wolf as he crouched towards the ground once more. His counterpart growled viciously as he charged forward.

The remaining wolf watched in relative horror as the two collided. Nhaka was way stronger then he was, and even he wasn't as large as this mysterious black wolf was.

Perhaps...perhaps I should.....no I know......I'll go get the others....I'll get them.....

Silver and black wrestled in the already blood stained snow; each looking to gain mental and physical advantage over the other. The silver wolf made for the jugular, hoping to at least greatly injure the one he couldn't kill. The black wolf ducked down beneath and wrapped his jaws around one of the front legs.

With a clear twist of the jaw the silver wolf found himself falling back in an unfathomable amount of pain. The limb was hanging completely loose, and the bone was protruding from the once smooth skin.

“Curse you....curses on you......you bastard....” before he could continue claws smashed into the side of his face; nearly gouging out one of the wolf's eyes. Falling back in more pain, Nhaka looked for his companion, only to find fresh paw prints sprinting away from the scene.

“Well imagine that......it would seem your friend has gone and left you here with me. No worries though....I'll take care of him later, and you right now.”

The silver wolf turned around again, only to be staring directly into deep pools of gold. “You've tortured your last soul...it's time for you to die.”

“NO PLEASE.....please wait!! I'm......I'm a valuable member of my pack.....I'm sure that they would give you heavy tribute in food if you let me live.....” Yet another stroke to the jaw was the only response. Resulting in a thick stream of blood to pour from the wolf's muzzle; as well as several broken teeth.

“Your petty excuses will have no sway with me. You saw fit to make one smaller then you suffer for nothing. Merely for being lost in the woods. You sick bastards saw enjoyment in attempting to kill one so innocent. You don't deserve to walk on this earth any longer!” screamed the wolf as he made for the killing strike.

Nhaka closed his eyes in reaction to the deathblow, but was surprised when nothing came. He looked upon the world once more to see the dark wolf turning away from him.

“No...you are not worth it. You shall deal with your injuries and remember your shame. If I ever....EVER see you again....I very well might consider killing you.”

Nhaka was only surprised at first, but as he saw that wolf walking away with his honor, he felt only hate. His teeth clenched and despite an incapacitated leg, he jumped up and latched his maw onto the black wolf's side.

A painful growl broke the air as more red fluid pulsated onto the ground. The silver male kept his teeth planted firmly in his opponent's body; unwilling to release despite the realization of his death. Moments later he felt his spine scream in torrents of pain, as his body was pinned between the strong wolf and a tree trunk.

Allowing the perfect opportunity, the larger wolf pulled away and pinned the remains of the nuisance against the trunk. “I gave you a chance you fool......all you had to do was "Beep" live with your shame.....but I suppose....that's just as bad as dying. I'll solve that problem for you.”

The only response he received was a gurgle accompanied by emerging blood. He felt the warm liquid stick to the fur on his face. It was time to end this.

Moving close to the silver wolf's ear, the last words were issued. “You shall always remember in the next life that you met death's sweet embrace at the hands of Velkin.”

With that, he latched his fangs into Nhaka's throat. One swift pull and the fresh skin easily gave way. Velkin spit the flesh onto the ground as the limp body fell before him. His eyes were still open; starring forward for all eternity. Just as he deserved.

Velkin turned away from the corpse. His black coat was covered with the blood of his enemies, but the only noticeable spots were upon the white fur of his underbelly. The clear taste of his work still lingered in his mouth. He had nearly completely forgotten about the one who required his aid.

The large black wolf slowly trotted forward to the small pup's body. It was still in the same position as before, and Velkin gently turned him over to look at the face. It was indeed a young male, but what was he doing out here. Yet another question that was to be determined.

He looked down upon the small creature. Memories again flooded his mind, but this wasn't the time for taking yet another trip down memory lane. Perhaps it was the heavy breathing on Velkin's part, but something finally stirred the pup from his unconscious state. Small eyes opened to reveal a set of deep green eyes.

The small wolf didn't know what to think. Here he was, starring up into the eyes of a seemingly cold blooded killer, at least that's all he could assume.

“Don't worry kid....I'm not going to hurt you.” mumbled Velkin in as comforting a voice as he could muster. The pup gave no response and after starring for several more moments, his green eyes rolled up into his head again; another state of unconsciousness taking hold.

“I'm not going to abandon you...” stated Velkin as he gently grasped the skin on the back of the pup's neck. Lifting his load up, the battle scarred wolf took off into the brush with the precious cargo. “I promise....”

In the front of his mind he was struggling. Whey should he care about the problems of others? What business is it of his that someone else was foolish enough to stumble upon trouble. Deep down, however, the answer was as clear as day. No innocent soul deserves to go through this kind of pain. Not at this age.

None of them deserve what I had to go through.....he doesn't deserve it......

The clearing he left behind contained only the evidence of a battle now past. Delicate green pine needles were mixed into the bloodstained snow, and the corpses of two male wolves now decorated the ground.

High above, the crows started to gather; coming from near and far to the scent of now decaying flesh. Another rumble tumbled across the land. One thing was for sure, they didn't think this was the end of their good fortunes.

= = = = =

Several miles away, a dark brown wolf stumbled across the ice. The lone survivor of the incident, Sukett struggled to push his body forward. That wolf, the wolf as black as midnight. He was a purebred killer. Anything that can kill that easily is a threat.

“I....I have to get back to the others.....he.....he has to know....” muttered Sukett as he followed the trail back to his pack.

The twilight glow of the sun pierced through the clouds briefly, displaying the beautiful mountain peaks high above the churning waters of a nearby river. The Alaskan wilderness was never a kind mistress, and Velkin was well aware that this blood wouldn't be the last.

Oh Velkin.....what ever have you gotten yourself into this time.......

[Frostflight]

(I only read the first bit, but so far the story is great! However, I noticed a few errors. You kept on overdoing the '...' (I think they're called elipses, or something?). There should be three dots, and no more.

Sometimes you would say a question but not put a question mark at the end. 'Why can't I just be happy.' for instance, should be, 'Why can't I just be happy?'

You fragmented a few times. 'They talked about leaving. Simply running away and forming a family of their own when the time was right.' would probably be better as, 'They talked about leaving: Simply running away and forming a family of their own when the time was right.'

If you fix these it should be perfect.

Continue!)

[RedDragonX]

The .... are simply part of my writing style. Those are included as they are simply because that's the way I like to include them in my writing. Other then that yes I have fragments and the ? mark issue I've always kinda ignored. Other then that good review and thank you