Name: Darius

Age: Three years

Gender: Male

Pack: Loner

Position:

Appearance:

A rather small wolf for his species and gender, Darius packs a large amount of power in an undersized frame. At first glance one might assume that he does not pose much of a threat, but that is one mistake that is made only once. Darius peers at the world through deep brown eyes that are always shifting, scanning the area to take stock of what is going on in the world around him. What he lacks in sheer mass, he makes up for in intelligence, seen in the keen glint of his russet pools. Though not impressive, his body is covered in a layer of muscle, not bulging and rippling as some, but lean and well toned from years of hard use, giving his movements a fluid motion like that of a raging river. The coat covering these muscles is a mix of deep grey, brown, and blacks all merging on his chin and belly to form a dirty cream. Underestimate this beast and it may be the last thing you ever do.

Personality:

Distrust would be the best way to sum up this male’s personality in a single word. Abandoned as a pup, Darius learned the hard way that the only creature he could depend on was himself and his own abilities. Most of his life spend alone, Darius only comes into contact with others of his species when is absolutely necessary. He sneers at the idea of actually needing a pack to survive, preferring to live his life in his own manner. Not one who takes directions well, he will align himself with those he deems powerful or cleaver enough to temporarily count him among their ranks. He may join when hungry or in need of a temporary shelter, but this wolf is never one to socialize. He keeps to himself and is usually silent, preferring to study others, analyzing strengths and weaknesses should they ever come in handy. He is not usually one who instigates a fight, but will be more than happy to finish it. Swift and cunning, his moves are like lightning and his attacks merciless. He does not allow those who have challenged him off lightly, preferring to either kill or severely wound any enemy he comes across. Indifferent to “pack loyalty” Darius acts in what he considers his own best interests, with or without the support of others.




History:

Life began for Darius as the last son of the Alpha pair in a rather large and powerful pack of wolves. They had lived in the same terra for countless years, defending their territory with a passion and vengeance unmatched by any would-be aggressors. Part of their success came from the leadership and guidance of their Alpha, Damon. A cold and ruthless killer he defended his family and pack with the fury of three wolves, his power and ferocity that seemed leak out and infect his followers in battle. He was feared, but well liked and respected among the wolves of his pack, who followed him with almost blind devotion. Holding the idea of weakness in high contempt, Darius quickly banished of killed any who threatened to hold the pack back.

Darius and his littermates were the first offspring born to Damon and his mate, Asamaru. Chosen to be the mate of the esteemed Alpha, Asamaru was frightened but at the same time proud of her newly elevated position. Everywolf in the pack was pleased when she gave birth to four seemingly healthy pups…but then came the fifth: Darius. From the beginning he was much smaller and weaker than any of his siblings, usually the last to latch onto a nipple during feeding time and the first to be pushed away. Asamaru could sense her mate’s disapproval of his youngest son, but she assured him it was a stage he would grow out of. He would soon be as strong and healthy as his father…whom he bore a frightening resemblance. Damon begrudgingly agreed, but kept a close eye on his litter from afar.

The birth of these pups caused a great joy among the pack members, but it was also cause for concern. Lately, the summers had been getting much hotter and longer, causing the plants and grass in the area to wither and die almost as soon as they had sprouted from their winter hibernation. This, in turn, caused the herbivores to begin avoiding their previous feeding grounds, forcing the pack hunters to move further and further away from the dens to bring back meat. Soon the choice was obvious: they could either stay in their home and starve, or move the pack to more rich hunting grounds. After careful contemplation, Damon decided they must abandon their home and move on.

By this time the pups were old enough to pounce and wrestle among themselves, having more than enough energy to make the long trek Damon know it would take to find unclaimed lands…all the pups that was except for Darius. While his brothers and sisters grew like weeds, he remained a relatively small stature. His siblings jumped fought with one another, and it was always Darius who wound up at the bottom of the pile. When they fought for scraps of meat, it was always Darius who lost. All this never seemed to phase the pup; he always had a smile on his maw and a joke at hand. No matter how many times he was knocked over he would always get up laughing and charge back for more. Everyone among the pack would agree he was the most pleasant pup among the litter, always laughing and respectful of those who ranked above him. Even with her son’s laughter and carefree spirit however, his mother grew concerned. She saw the frown deepen each day as he watched his offspring, particularly the son that seemed destined to look like a carbon copy of his father. He knew Darius’ weakness…and knew it was not just a phase.

When the pack began to travel, Asamaru would constantly have to lag behind for Darius’s sake. Though he tried his hardest, he would usually tire out much more quickly than the rest, taking frequent breaks while the rest of the pack continued on. He was also easily distracted, interesting bugs or plants frequently caught his eye, forcing him to stop and explore them in more detail. Darius was curious about the whole world, and it seemed the world never ran out of new and exciting things to show him.

One night, after Darius had caused the pack to loose almost a half a day of travel time due to him wandering off, Asamaru tried to calm her raging mate.

”A half a day! That whelp caused us a half a day’s travel time!” Damon fumed as he paced back and forth. The rest of the pack was asleep, taking advantage of any rest their irate Alpha allowed them. Nearby the pups were asleep in a small ball of fur, Darius off to the side a bit as a result of an argument with his brother.

“Damon, please shhhh…” Asamaru looked towards her sleeping young. ”You’ll wake up the pups…they need their rest before tomorrow.”

”I’ll speak as loud as I please!”Damon hissed, but he glanced over at the bundle of fur and lowered his voice. ”From day one that one has caused me nothing but trouble! It would be different if he could actually fend for himself, but he is as helpless as a newborn fawn!”

Asamaru watched as her mate paced, wanting to stick up for the son she loved but afraid of the wrath she might incur. After a few moments, Damon sat with his back to Asamaru. He began to speak in a low tone. ”Tomorrow we will wake early, before dawn. Perhaps that way we can make up for some of the lost time. If we don’t hurry the good hunting grounds will already be claimed.” Asamaru opened her maw to protest ”But you know Darius needs…” But Damon continued, ignoring her speech. ”you will quietly wake the pups there and we will move swiftly.” He paused ”You are not to wake the other.” Asamaru stared at her mate, confused for a moment. ”The other…what are you talking about…” It was then she looked over and noticed Darius sleeping a short distance away from the others. Her eyes widened as comprehension slowly began to dawn. ”No, Damon you can’t mean that. We can’t just leave him behind…he’s a pup…he’s your son…” At that Damon whirled around, his eyes blazing. That weakling is no son of mine! I have two sons, and two daughters. That is all.” With those words he rose and padded away, indicating all further discussion was over. Asamaru fell to the ground, sobbing at the knowledge of what she must do.

The next day the pack left…all except for Darius. All were instructed not to say anything to the youth, and soon the pack was well on its way to their new home. Awakening a few hours later, Darius was puzzled to find the clearing that had been filled with his family and pack mates the night before, empty. At first he thought it was all a big game…even his father was in on it this time! He searched around, calling and laughing, trying to figure out where everywolf was hiding. As the hours passed, Darius began to realize that he really was alone. Fear began to take the place of joy and his laughs died in his throat. He was alone…all alone. His mother, brothers, sisters, father…all gone. Curling up in a little ball, he hid himself at the base of an old tree and cried himself to sleep again.

He lay there for three days before hunger and thirst drove him to his paws. Through a miraculous bit of luck and a reliance on his own cunning, Darius managed to survive, his fear and sorrow for the loss of his family gradually growing into anger and resentment. How could they have left him? Simply abandoned him on the wayside? He thought packs were supposed to care for one another and watch out for each other. His curiosity of the world around him gave Darius an advantage, his ability to sit and observe allowed him to stalk and take down prey since sheer bulk was not an option. Bitter and angry at the world and those of his own species, Darius continued to live on his own; learning that the only one he could depend on is himself.

-applauds- Very nice job!!! Accepted!!!