[JOINING] Let me take some of that weight

[NoFace]

-The crisp air burned at his nose, as he breathed in. It felt good in his lungs. He'd been wandering about for several months, now. Maybe the human stench had melted off by then. He didn't know. When you live with something smelly or not, you tend to not notice it anymore after a while. His muscles bounced around under his fur as he trotted, dirt kicked up behind him. Atlas was tired of being on his own. It was too dangerous, and numbers are what counted these days. He'd heard things on the street about different packs, and from the sound of it, this one he was headed for seemed to suit him well.

-It was almost night by the time he was able to smell other canines. He knew it probably wouldn't have been a good idea to intrude at night, but he couldn't go slinking around the out skirts of some packs lands either. It was just uneducated, he felt. His short ears flopped up and down as his front paws simultaneously hit the earth, forcing him to a halt. His large head lowered letting him take in the scents. Well, seems like I'm at the edge of their boundaries, he thought. He had an ounce of nervousness come over him, but he pushed passed it. You couldn't feel awkward around dominant dogs, and Atlas knew that. His tail uncurled from it's resting place, on his back, and outstretched, almost as quickly as he did this, it bounced back in a curl. He knew he couldn't just go bounding into this uncharted territory... especially with him being male. Brutes don't like other brutes to come on in uninvited. Even though he was humans pet once, he was still a dog, and he wasn't stupid.

-Rusty brown eyes scanned the junk yard. He thought he saw movement, and headed in that direction, being blatantly obvious, so not to cause alarm. His head was lowered, but not looking like a pitiful low ranking slave either. He was too proud to make himself look too subordinate, the thought of looking that way was distasteful for his personality. He just didn't want to look like a threat, being the dog he was, he could look like one. He lowered himself to a sit. He looked like one of those lion statues you'd often see at libraries. The black and rusty brown shar-pie/german shepherd mix gave off a deep wuff, to let them know he was there. Maybe who ever he saw, would get who was in charge... Ears pricked as best as they could, he watched.

[Cursed Heavens {Uzuri Grace}]

The day was ending finally. Dusk came in with the prey he had caught. When Axel had went he had found that Chance had gone as well. It disturbed him that they lost two members now. Though he wished Chance would have given him more of a chance, he knew the dog didn't like him and all. Well if he ever sees the dog he won't be angry, like he said to everyone else, even if you have left the pack you will always be part of it. Heck, Delphino used to be part of Morg but now she's part of Paladin because she fell in love with a Paladin dog. He still sees her as part of Morg and to him she will always be. It baffled him that he actually had wanted to kill her because she had left them and shamed Axel. At that time though he was still like a little pup abandoned by its mother. His thoughts of killing Delphino to get rid of the traitor changed. He remembered the time when she came to visit with a Paladin male he knows very well. Well not like a buddy or anything, Dusk didn't know his name either. Yet the Paladins made a raid one time when Dusk was in charge and Delphino's secret was revealed. He had kept her prisoner till Axel came back and would discuss her punishment. The Paladins, deep at night made a plan and got to Delphino. Two of the dogs were the alphas, the female alpha had played as a decoy with a flying daemon Paladin. They tricked the whole Morg which was shameful. He hadn't been tricked though, and had been waiting in the shadows near to where he had put Delphino in. The dog that had been beside Delphino when she came to visit was the same dog that attacked him and held him down with the male alpha while Delphino's lover took her away.

That time when she came to visit was the time where he knew what Delphino had been talking about love. He went on Delphino's side that day to try and rescue Jewel who had been taken prisoner in Demeron and used as a sex slave. Axel, the dog he had respected so much didn't even lift a paw to try to save her, didn't even think of the idea. It still boiled him that Axel who had said he would never abandon a comrade did. Well Dusk is never going to abandon anyone in his pack. He for one is going to make sure Morg pack survives this war because every dog here had went through so much, even before coming to this pack. Dusk dropped the prey he caught in the pile, it was two rats, a mouse and a rabbit. Though the mouse was pitiful it had been a good hunting today. Yet he told himself that it would end sooner or later and the hunting would get tougher. Dusk nodded to let his temporary partner go. He had kept the buddy list together because it is important to have a dog by your side if you get attacked by a threat.

Why its just his temporary partner was because his partner was unable to leave since she's looking after her pups. Dusk thought about taking something to Ana before going to bed. Maybe he could sleep in the bus with her tonight. Ever since he had became Chief he was able to visit Ana more. Today he had come to visit her and the pups, so he can watch them play. He had noticed that Jasmine's walking was better and learned that she had been practicing to get her weak twisted paw stronger. It makes him proud of her. Well he shouldn't be surprised, she is Ana's daughter that's for sure. Goes to show Jasmine doesn't just look like her mother but acts like her sometimes. Dusk thought about the rabbit, the pups would be eating meat by now, they could share it with their mother. He bent down to take it when he noticed a dog coming to him. Dusk paused and looked up, ears pricked as the dog stopped and bowed to him in respect. Ever since becoming Chief he had been getting new found respect than he did when he was captain. Dusk looked boldly at the dog but blinked with his teeth loosened a little. He was bold and barely shows his emotions but it has loosened its grasp during the time he met Ana and realizing that Axel wasn't the leader he thought the dog was. For one he barely ever came to the open with his pack, another is that he barely did joinings. Dusk had to do alpha work and beta work and it was tough through the time, left him so tired that he needed a day's and night sleep. When Axel had gone he was finally able to sleep more and gain his strength back. Though everyone in the pack thought Axel is dead he, Zytka and Anastasia knows that he was still alive. The day Ana had given birth was the day Axel had left the junkyard and left the pack for good.

The dog told him that there was a loner at the entrance, just sitting there. Dusk nodded to the dog and abandoned the rabbit. He will come to get it after and give it to Ana and the pups. That is if no one takes it. He padded causally to the entrance, his eyes and frame bold and hard as stone. Everyone thought that unfriendly but that is how he is. Everyone knows though that he isn't all that hard, he isn't cruel anyway and dogs had seen his soft side... only to Ana and the pups in the pack though. He found the loner at the entrance, a tough looking guy. Dusk smiled and loosened his hold a bit, he doesn't want to look too unfriendly. The dog there looks like it would be a good comrade and a worthy foe. Dusk however would want him comrade and not foe. "Hello," Dusk growled, making it sound like a greeting with no hostility in it. The broad red and golden husky barely ever barks and growls most of the time, lots of dogs misunderstand that but its how he is and end of story. "I'm Dusk, I take it you want to see the leader of this pack?"

[NoFace]

-Atlas watched as the male walked over to him. By the question "I take it you want to see the leader of this pack," Atlas could only assume that this was not the leader. He carefully rose to all fours, his head lowered a little. Atlas felt a bit exasperated, he was tired and seemed pretty grouchy. "Well, that would be great..." his deep voice rolled out, trying to keep a calm composure, he was intending this to be his home after all. He couldn't be rude to a single one of these dogs. If he got in, these would be his pack mates, friends, and family. Whether or not they liked him or not. The wrinkles above his eyes raised giving him a puzzled or thinking look on his stern face.

-"If you don't mind, could you get your leader? I'd appreciate it." He looked at the dog before him with his deep set unyielding eyes. Atlas was usually pretty quick to judge someone, but he couldn't tell much about Dusk. Maybe he was just too exhausted. You don't have much rest time on the streets, when you're too busy being alert. You couldn't trust anyone on the streets, either. Most of the dogs Atlas saw on the streets were evil conniving bastards, that would swindle the fleas off your back, if that's what they wanted. He did see a few good ones, however. Atlas just had strokes of bad luck one after the other. Even through all that had happened to him, he still managed to stay pretty optimistic.

- He nodded his head at Dusk, which was sign saying go ahead and get the leader. "I'll be right here," Atlas joked. It was obvious that Atlas was a dominate dog but he bowed his head a little, in case this would be someone above him, it was a respectful bow. Not too much, not too little. Just right. He lowered himself to a sitting position once again, if he wasn't allowed in he wanted to have a little rest and be ready to run off in case something went wrong. "You can call my Atlas, by the way," he added.

[Cursed Heavens {Uzuri Grace}]

Dusk watched as the dog spoke at his question. He could see that the dog indeed does want to join. That is good, they need more males in this pack. How things keeps changing so quickly. Before they needed fems because there were so many males and so less fems, before there had only been three after that raid, Nadia, Jewel and Hollywood. Now there are so many fems that it might be possible there was a tiny bit more females than males. A few weeks ago his first dog joining was a fem. Though he did many joinings before that, he had been captain then. Axel had been too lazy and submissive that Dusk had to do the joinings for him. That extra work with his own work as captain had often drove him to the point of exhaustion. The female loner, Valentine that came to join a few weeks ago was his first as Chief, the leader of Morg and not simply the captain. So you could see the difference in that. This dog is his second as Chief.

He listened as the dog thought he wasn't the leader. Well that wasn't the loner's fault it was his. He didn't introduce himself all the way. Maybe it was the exhaustion that made him forget that tiny part. And being tired made himself walk like he shouldn't have been walking. Dusk thought about how he was going to do this without making him look like an idiot. Too late to fool himself anyway. Dusk sat down as the dog introduced himself telling him his name was Atlas. Nice name for a dog his strength. It was better than the names the humans give most of their dogs, which is pretty stupid. Dusk watched the dog a bit more before making a decision. "There is no need to," he got to his paws and turned. Padding down through the entrance and into the junkyard. He flicked his tail for the loner to follow him. Dusk thought about taking the dog to the food area, he might be hungry. Axel never tried to get to know the loners that come to join but Dusk is another story, he tries to get to know dogs. Isn't that why he set up a system to help loners, give them refuge when they lose everything from a daemon or a pup without parents.

Anastasia was right after all. After Axel had left he had gone to be with Anastasia. It was the day he became chief and the day he became a father since Ana had given birth that day. She told him he shouldn't have to worry about the pack not wanting him as their leader. It was him that made the joinings and tried to get to know them while Axel didn't. Most of the dogs didn't even meet Axel because he was off somewhere so much and even hiding somewhere in the junkyard. Dusk paused where the prey pile was and found a few pieces still left. There were about four. He was thankful that the rabbit he had caught was still there, he still thought about taking it to Ana and the pups. Though by the rules they would have been fed by now, well then it could be used to eat in the morning for the pups or Ana to eat. It would be a good start on a new day that's for sure. Dusk turned around, wondering if the dog had been coming along. "There is some food here if your hungry."

[NoFace]

-Atlas tilted his head, before he stood up. He followed Dusk, his small ears bouncing with each step. His head lowered to hide his small grin, and a roll of his eyes. Atlas had to of been too tired to notice things. At this point he realized he was speaking to the leader. Of course, with my luck, he thought to himself. Sometimes it takes a bit of recollection back to the things you saw and heard. It seemed obvious to him, now...

-Feeling pretty stupid, himself, he didn't let his embarrassment for his ignorance show. He was a hard on the outside, soft on the inside kind of guy. But you really had to pry open the outer shell before you got into the gooey center. This didn't, however, mean that Atlas was rude, or hateful to anyone. He felt that emotions shouldn't be expressed so easily. They show your mental weaknesses, and Atlas had a lot, as probably most dogs these days had a lot of mental weaknesses.

-Atlas's ears perked up as Dusk welcomed him to food. He stare at the pile a moment, looking down at a brown bird, and remembering a time he had caught one, himself. Atlas had happily brought it to his human, the one that fed him, as a thank you. He still doesn't understand why they scolded him for an act of kindness. He huffed a snort out through his nostrils at the short memory, and nodded his head to Dusk. "Thanks for the offer," Atlas spoke, his deep stern voice matching his strong stern body. He would have taken that bird and swallowed it whole, had he known the fellow a bit more. But for now, his hunger was pushed to the side.

-Strangely, Atlas tried to forget about his human passed, but ended up at a junk yard full of human memories. He glanced at a sun bleached blue love seat with stuffing pulled out of a cushion, knowing that it belonged to a human and had a history of it's own. "How ironic for me," he actually said his thought out loud. He shook his head, which looked he was just shaking the dust out of the short coat of fur that he did have, as if to distract from his spoken thoughts. "This place is nice, and I'd like it if I were allowed to stay. If there's something I have to do to prove myself worthy, I can do it," He was getting excited, and it showed in his dominate stance. He looked like the sidekick of a hero, standing there, his ears pricked forward, with his tail uncurled and held high. Atlas would have almost done anything, as long as it wasn't a suicide mission, or just flat out attacking someone for no reason. He was a dog of action, that was for sure, and a dog of few words. His brown eyes, full of bravery gazed at Dusk.

[Cursed Heavens {Uzuri Grace}]

Dusk looked to Atlas who turned from a bit of a relaxed stance to a more respectful stance. He could only guess that the guy realized that he was the leader when he sayed there was no need to go get the leader. It was a bit amuseing but not something Dusk would talk about. He felt just as embarrassed since it was his fault too for not mentioning it and making a question that didn't sound at all that he was the leader. Plus the fact he wasn't walking like a leader should. Well he never wanted to be leader and doesn't want to think himself more important than anyone else. To him everyone is important to this pack. Anastasia and Zytka knows the fact Dusk never wanted to be leader, he didn't even want to be captain.

The dog looked at one of the prey, a brown bird and said how ironic. Dusk looked at the dog, his eyes clouded in that and he could only guess that he said those words from the deep thinking. It happens sometimes, even if you don't want it to. Dusk turned and took a squirrel from the pile, he could see there was a vole in the pile. No doubt they went as far as the park to get that rodent. If not there than its outside of the city. He doesn't like the Morgs to go that far but that doesn't mean he doesn't allow it. Dusk never leaves the city, if he does it means its very important. Why is because forests seems to have something against his coat. The last time he was at the forest, outside of the city was a few days after Anastasia joined and when he was still Captain. One of the Morg members left without taking anyone with him, it was Envy, the Morg Pack officer, though at that time the rank was called Station Officer Fighter. He got humiliated there, no one but Envy seen but it was still embarrassing. He had got stuck for a bit in a bush with its branches tangling his coat.

If that wasn't enough, than what about chasing a rabbit and almost catching it till it turned direction so quickly that you slam against a tree. Yeah that happened to him and Envy almost fainted over laughing. He had to threaten Envy not to tell anyone about it because its embarrassing for a guy that has killed more than a hundred daemons get outsmarted by a rabbit. Envy was a strong rottwheiler, to threaten him by 'if you tell anyone your dead' threat would have been useless. Dusk threatened Envy that he would tell Axel that he had gone on his own if he didn't keep the incident quiet. It was good anyway, if it hadn't of been him he would be laughing as hard as Envy inside. Dusk had been through a meltdown at that time, because of Ana that always make his stone wall shatter when no one else could shatter it.

With the prey he sat down and watched as the dog didn't take anything to eat. Well, the reason why he brought the dog here was to talk to him and have lunch. He likes this guy is probably why he wanted to get to know him more than most loners that came to join. Dusk could only think that it was because Atlas is a lot like him. If its not the past than its definitely personality. The guy has the same hard wall as he does and when he spoke about that he would do anything for this pack shows it. When Dusk had come to join this pack he only thought about doing whatever he could to prove himself worthy of this pack. He had thought of nothing else but being a firefighter, to fight daemons and destroy the Demeron Pack. Never did he thought nor did he want to become captain, not even to mention Chief. Well he didn't expect to change so much, all he cared about was helping daemons who he finds are sick dogs, poisoned from humans and wanted to be freed. Now, he thought about looking after his pack and helping loners, even try and save dogs from getting turned into daemons by targetting the Pound where dogs that are strong and don't get chosen by a human gets sent to the Kilco labs and turned into a daemon. Just recently he had sent out dogs to go and try to save as many loners as they can find, even save the disabled ones because the disabled and weak dogs are the ones that die, put down from what Zytka said.

"I believe you," Dusk growled with a nod to show he was grateful on the declaration though his face and eyes did not show it. He was the dog of few words and barely ever show emotion. Dusk never liked talking that much and didn't like making a useless conversation. Looks like the dog and him has another thing in common since he didn't say anything to largen the conversation. "We won't ask much, just that if your going to stay you have to work hard for this pack. Before we didn't have little ones and but now we have lots for our future. To make sure we live on is to make sure those pups remain safe." Yes there are little ones in this pack, there is Hollywood who is the oldest, Kyle and Julian, the older pups and there is Dusk's own children, a large litter of six pups. "The war is closing in and the hardest season is right at the corner. We don't tolerate weakness nor do we tolerate traitors. All we ask, all I ask is that you will work hard for our pack." Dusk was never the one to make a conversation to lengthen the time to the big point, he is the type of dog to get to the point and skip the useless chatter.

[NoFace]

-Atlas nodded, and relaxed from his stance. He was glad he didn't actually have to do anything too strenuous at the time. But Dusk said all he needed from him was to work hard for the pack. That was a simple thing for Atlas, really. Atlas would be a hard worker, since that was what was asked of him. Being the police dog he was, he did take orders well, and he was brave, and far from weak. Even though Atlas would work for them as best as he could, he would never think he worked hard enough. Though through the eyes of a third person it would appear that Atlas would work like a dog.

- Atlas breathed out a heavy sigh, as he held his muscled body in a stance. He was still exhausted, and it was proving difficult to hide this fact. "Then that's what I'll do," He said with such certainty it would be insane for someone to come to the conclusion that he was lying. He looked around the area, he'd already spotted several weaknesses that could become dangerous in the future. Atlas had gone the most respectful route, and entered into the area, being as obvious as possible. But if he wanted to, he would have gotten in almost unnoticed. He shifted his weight to the left side of his body. "How many guard your home?" Atlas didn't know if it was too soon to ask such a question, but he was pretty blunt at times. If it was too soon, he was sure Dusk would let him know.

-He didn't want to come off as if he were trying to turn things around here, or make Dusk feel like he was a bad leader. After Atlas heard about the pups, his only concern was safety. He yet again, lowered himself to a sitting position. "You don't have to answer that. You've just met me." He placed his front legs out a little and arched his back, in an attempt to stretch his back. It worked, and felt good. Atlas would understand if Dusk didn't want to answer question about how many numbers they had. In fact, he felt it would be smart of him if he didn't answer so soon. He was new here, who was to say that he wouldn't high tail it out of there after he got the answers he wanted, and give information to others about this pack, telling others this packs weaknesses. He wouldn't do that. But someone might. It's hard to put trust in others, these days.

[Cursed Heavens {Uzuri Grace}]

He watched as the dog relaxed a bit and seemed content in the idea of not taking a test. Dusk doesn't really care about taking a test for loners that want to join. All he asks is loyalty and devotion to the pack, if they show any sign of betrayal of the pack Dusk would throw them out. He doesn't tolerate laziness and traitors. How could he, Axel was lazy, leaving him to do his work with Dusk's own work. Because of him he barely had time to be with Anastasia, plus how exhausted he gets. Not just that but Axel abandoned the pack, left it when war was so close. Who gives a damn how stressed out he was Dusk was in more stress than he was since through the time he couldn't talk to Ana and it drove him crazy. Even the fact that the two had an argument and that caused a bit of stress too. Dusk had to do two jobs, both high and dedicated ranks, captain and chief. With the war so close it was even more stress. What hurt most was Dusk actually defended his reputation and the damn dalmatian didn't give a rats ass about it. That's why Dusk won't tolerate any laziness and traitors. Dogs that don't do their job when they have to won't go unpunished. He won't throw them out of the pack but he sure will get them to do what they are supposed to do.

That doesn't mean he would make the sick or wounded do their job, he would let them rest and even let the dogs rest and sunbath. What he means by laziness was dogs that just lie around all day and do nothing. Dogs that are fully healthy and aren't doing anything useful. Dusk won't tolerate that and Dusk is a tolerant kind of guy, he tolerates Anastasia. Everyone in the pack can't stand her, but he does, he always had. He tolerated a lot of stuff as well, some things that most dogs wouldn't have.

Dusk bit down on his meal and tore out a piece. Atlas said that he would do his share of work well. His voice was very certain and his eyes very bold with no doubt anywhere. Dusk closed his eyes and gulped. He believed the guy, that was the same look he had when he told Axel he would work hard for this pack. "I'm happy to hear that" he growled in a hard voice, responding to what he said to show he believed his words. Dusk wondered how far this guy would get into the pack, probably far. Well he could see he has a strong body, he would be a great fighter if not officer. He found the dog mighty strong and the pack needs strong dogs like that if they are in order to win this war. Atlas looked around as Dusk took another bite of his meal. He wondered if the guy was thinking what Dusk had been thinking. Ah he doesn't know but he could only guess. Dusk however started to wonder if the dog ever had a human before. He had a human, not the man that locked him in the basement as a kid but the human family. Dusk loved that family a lot, it tortured him that he had to leave it. Yet after saving the male human pup from the fire he knew he couldn't stay. He was scared to get hurt from love, seeing the human pup in danger not just once but twice since he saved the pup once before the fire. It was the day he met the human family, the pup had almost gotten hit by a car and would have died if Dusk hadn't have grabbed him and pulled him back.

Atlas asked how many guards were there. He was right then, the dog was thinking about that. Dusk had always wondered about that. He thought if he should tell the dog that or not. It's too soon anyway to get into real talk about the ranks. However the dog continued and said he doesn't have to answer the question since Dusk had just met him. Good call. Dusk would certainly wouldn't have answered the question but seeing the dog putting it like that it wouldn't hurt to tell him. Only part way, he won't give the dog complete answers but would be enough to quench his thirst for now. Dusk took another bite of his meal, finishing it. There was still meat on the bones and he told himself he would take them soon. He licked his lips and opened his eyes and looked to the loner again. "Not enough guards" Dusk answered and thought about more on what he was to say. "You wonder why there weren't any guards at the entrance, there were, but they were hidden. I thought it better to have the officers hide themselves. How do you think I knew you were at the entrance?" Dusk looked hard at the dog. He wasn't angry or anything just asking a question. When Axel was in charge there had only been three guards, he made them not hide themselves. Dusk however found it better to keep them hidden so the outsiders wouldn't know there are guards. If the outsiders are there to attack they would get comfortable and think it would be easy. There for would be a good advantage for the pack to make a surprise attack on the dogs that made a surprise attack.

[NoFace]

-Atlas laughed a little. "Right, fair enough," he said, while forcing himself to go back into a more serious mode. He listened to Dusk while he continued on the topic. It was a pretty smart idea to have guards hidden, he agreed on that. But he also thought it might be good to have a couple out in view. Show a few cards, but not the full hand. Atlas had come here quite obviously on purpose, and let them know he was there when he had gotten there. If they knew I was here before I knew it... Atlas was arguing in his mind. The best thing for him to do right now. Keep it in your thoughts, and keep your mouth shut. He mulled over something a bit nicer and more respectful to say.

-He nodded his head showing his agreement on hiding guards, some guards. "Well, I'd like to find that out. There was no sarcasm in his tone. Just seriousness. Atlas was getting more and more run down by the minute. He felt like one of those wind up toy soldiers he'd seen his young human playing with. He felt like that soldier in mid march, no longer to move again. Without control his bottom jaw gaped open in a yawn, his pale pink, spotted with black, tongue in an arched view. Strong, slightly discolored teeth, all in tact, beamed. Realizing what had happened Atlas suddenly clamped his jaws shut, and shook his head. Atlas's ears flopped about, lazily against his the top of his skull. He hoped he didn't look too run down sitting there, almost slouching now.

-"I can help you distribute the work load. Whatever you need, be it the job I've been given or not... I'm a hard worker, and I can be counted on." Atlas finally said, cutting the already short conversation even shorter. He was a dog of few words, and it showed. By that point he was standing up. Atlas didn't like to be sitting in one place for too long, even if he was tired. "Am I allowed to stay?" He said, while taking a step forward. Atlas wanted to cut to the chase. He didn't want to find out he came here for nothing, so he wanted an answer soon. If he wasn't allowed here, he would be on his way. Rusty brown eyes peering from their deep set sockets at Dusk. The Shepherd Shar-Pei mix was tough looking. Anyone that looked at him could tell he had some pretty decent stories to tell, if only they could open him up.