Pack of Reborn Hope

***Pack of Reborn Hope***

The overwhelming scent of flowers distracted your senses as you trekked through a colorful field. Your destination was the much less obnoxious, mysterious forest ahead of you. Fog drifted around the base of the trees, which were a balanced mix between evergreen and deciduous. The sweet scent of honey and nectar seemed to stick to your pelt as you continued to the trees.

Alas, you reached the borderline between the flowers and forest. A cool wind embraced you. The sound of running water made your mouth salivate. Wonderful scents of warm food danced around your scabbed nose.

You pushed through the thick brush that walled off the forest. However much it attempted to stop you, you wouldn't give in. After breaking the initial barrier, you realized that the trees were actually well spaced. The brush made everything feel comfortable and safe while being so exposed to anything inside the wall. The scent of flowers was barely noticeable, so it still gave a nice aroma without causing a headache. The mist, which was so thick that you could barely see your paws, brought you back to reality. This was not your territory.

You were once again on edge, for you weren't sure if there were other inhabitants near you. You followed the sound of the water, assuming it was a river. Several minutes later, you discovered that you were correct in identifying the sound. A river with many sharp rocks at the bottom lay before you. You quickly took a drink and continued moving deeper into the forest.

After an hour of silence, a sharp howl seemingly split through your ears. The darkening sky only worsened your fears. Dozens more howls made your tattered ears throb in pain. The oppressing sound made you feel claustrophobic, even though the trees were spaced and there was no one around.

You reminisce about the flower fields you had taken for granted the past few days. Even though you were several kilometers into the forest, it was as if the scent of flowers still lingered. All hope of finding a comfortable resting place fled your being.

Finally, your worries became a reality. Several muscular wolves surrounded you in an imperfect circle. Snarling filled your hurting ears. Snaps of teeth and panting set the atmosphere. An array of different pelts was all you could see. Eventually, a tall, tan wolf came to you. The wolf, who happened to be male, kicked you in the side. He looked around at the group. They stared at you blankly. The wolf, who seemed to be the leader, grabbed you by the throat. You didn't resist. He whispered a short sentence into your ear.

"You have the power to say 'This is not how my story will end.'"

Zia, a pretty wolf, silently trekked through the mud. Her black pelt blended into the surroundings. Her scarred pelt reminded her of all the things she ran away to forget. However, you can only run so far.

The tall, skinny wolf sat at the driest piece of land she could find. The rain partially blinded her to her surroundings. All she knew was that she was in the middle of a barren wasteland.

Zia’s exhaustion had caught up to her. Her tongue hung from her mouth as she panted heavily. Her eyes seemed to be weighted. All hope had been lost. She curled up in a ball and fell asleep.

Her eyes jerked open to a tingling feeling. Zia saw her fur glowing and calmly floating away. Every strand transformed into a bright flower blossom, spreading out around her for what seemed like miles. Her claws painlessly detached, creating the mountains that could be seen from a distance. She laid on her side, accepting her beautiful and inevitable death. Crimson liquid turned clear and formed flowing water. Then, the rest of her being decomposed instantaneously, creating a giant, pure forest.

She died to give hope to others that suffered a similar past.

Drowning: All are able to hold their breath for longer periods of time (10 minutes max). Can control waves, hold their breath for an extreme period of time, webbed feet.

Burned: All are able to withstand severe temperatures. Can moderately control flames or heat up teeth or claws to cause 2nd degree burns.

Old age (but bad experiences): All are very wise. Stronger bones/resistant to high falls, leather-like skin (harder to cut), or very powerful vision.

Attacked/beaten: All are stronger. Super senses (can constantly see all around you, even when you are looking forward), read minds to some extent, or have astonishing hearing.

Insanity: All are more intelligent and can calm others well. Learn the language of another animal or have more speed/endurance.

Crushed: All are harder to hurt. Impossible to break legs and skull, able to carry up to twice their weight, or stronger and sharper claws.

Poisoned: All are more resistant to poison. Be able to tell if a plant is poisonous, have a slightly poisonous bite, or be extremely resistance to poison (almost none will be able to harm you)

Fall: All are more resistant to falling. Able to climb walls for a short period of time (up to 10 consecutive seconds), can jump much higher, or the ability to glide for up to 20 seconds.

Starvation/dehydration: All have enhanced physical abilities. Can find prey and water much easier or sharper, rigid teeth.

Frozen: All have very thick, warm fur (which prevents parasites, too) and can change their body temperature to some extent. Ability to give someone frost bite when
bitten or ability to heat up and warm themselves or others significantly at any time. When it is hot, all can cool down their body temperature.

**Alpha**
**Beta**

They are the leader(s) of the pack. There can be 2 possible wolves in this rank. Currently, they are Koshi and Dazai.

The betas are the second in command. Once again, there can be two betas. If the leaders are gone, they fill in.

Fates decide whether a convicted wolf is guilty. There can be three fates, but they had to die of old age in their previous life.

**Diplomat**
**Herbalist**

These wolves go to enemy or ally packs to deliver messages. Only 2 diplomats are allowed in the pack. It is a highly dangerous rank.

Herbalists are the medics of the pack. They gather supplies and herbs to heal their pack-mates. There is only one.

Overseers train the novices of the pack. There is as many as needed. They have the same responsibilities as militants.

**Gamma**
**Militant**

Gamma are the elders of the pack. They often offer their wisdom to higher-ups. They are often a deciding voice in arguments.

Militants make up the majority of the pack. They are highly respected. They provide for and defend the group.

Novices train to either become militants or herbalists. They are the second youngest group of members. The overseers train them.

**Queen**
**Pup**

Queens are the mothers. They take care of the pups. They are also highly respected in the pack.

Pups are the future of the pack. They are the youngest members of the pack. They wil grow to be novices.

Omegas are wolves who have done something bad, but not so bad that they were exiled. They are the last to eat and are disrespected my other members.