*Raza and Jahzara follow Ellie to the medical wing. On the way they pass some pictures of Ethiopian Wolfs on the wall*
Jahzara: *taps Raza’s shoulder* Raz it's AJ! *gets off his back and starts running towards a floor-to-ceiling life-size picture of Ajani*
Raza: Zara no!
Jahzara: AJ! *tears up* I'm sorry! I'm sorry you got hur- *she slams into the concrete wall where the photo is* oww.
Raza: *Rushes to her and puts her back on his back* Zara, that's not the real AJ. It's like the cave paintings we have back at the den, but a lot more detailed.
*Jahzara tears up and sniffs as she buries her face in her brother's neck* but… it's him! He… he was standing right there!
Raz: I know but humans do a special kind of cave painting which is really detailed and much better than the cave paintings we have back at the den.
Ellie: *leads them to the x-ray room* ok Raza if you can walk up that ramp onto the examination table that would be very helpful
Raza: *does what he's told to do. Once he's at the top of the ramp he lowers his rear and Jahzara slides off onto the table* OK Zara you need to stay still and let Ellie look at your leg. I promise she won't hurt you on purpose ok?
Jahzara: *sniff* OK Raz…
*Raza jumps off the table, turns around and stands on his hind legs, resting his front paws on the table. Looking at his sister he can see the scared expression she's giving. Reaching out, he grabs the paw of her good leg and gives it a little squeeze and a comforting smile
Ellie: OK let's see what we are dealing with here *she starts undoing the Ajani splint on Jahzaras leg. Once it's off, she goes to feel Jahzara’s leg.
Jahzara: *starts to move backwards, giving a scared look to her brother*
Raza: Zara it's ok. All she wants to do is feel your leg so she can find where the break is and how bad it is ok? She doesn't want to hurt you but she needs to feel where it is to know how to fix it.
*after a few moments of thought, the younger wolf takes a deep breath and slowly extends her broken leg to Ellie. Being as gentle as she can, the human feels along the leg. Jahzara yelps and tries to pull her leg away as Ellie's thumb brushes over the break. After doing it a few more times she pulls out a pillow from under the table and places Jahzaras leg on the pillow*
Ellie: Well… your leg is definitely broken but thankfully it's a clean break right across the Radius and the Ulna. I can just add a plaster cast, you stay in for a few days then we can release you, your brother and your boyfriend back into the wild
Jahzara: *gives Raza a confused look*
Raza: she said it's not a bad break and they will put your leg in a hard shell to keep it safe while it heals. Afterwards, they will release you me and your boyfriend and we can all go home
Jahzara: RAZ HES NOT MY BOYFRIEND!
Raza: *smirking* better ask him out when you see him than to stop me from pestering you. Be thankful I’m not like Malik and haven't pestered you about making pups
Jahzara: well why don't *you* go and ask Msaliti out then? That would make Malik's day! Plus you old enough to make pups with her
Raza: *looks briefly at Ellie then back to Jahzara and remains emotionless* Zara I rescued her because she was a fellow Ethiopian wolf and our species is critically endangered. As a female, she can bring more wolves into the world plus Malik always complains about our pack being small.
Jahzara: *nods* good point. Tell you what, if you ask Msaliti out, I'll ask AJ out. Deal?
*Raza looks down and smiles at his sister. When she looks down her eyes widen as she notices her once broken leg is now wrapped in a pink plaster cast with white cotton poking out each end*
Jahzara: how… why didn't it hurt?
Raza: the magic of your big brother
Jahzara: *smirks* Malik says magic is bullshit but…I'd say he's lying this time
Raza: *chuckles and nuzzles her* I'm proud of you Zara. *looks to Ellie* Can we see our friend now?
Ellie: if we go find Todd I'm sure we can. I'm honestly surprised by how well she's handled the whole situation. If you weren't here I think she'd be a lot more scared
*Raza nods before walking to the ramp and going up it. Once at the top, Jahzara stands on three legs as her brother slides under her and puts her safely on his back.
Ellie: *looks at the sibling wolves after being on the radio* would you both like to wash before you see your friend? Todd's just told me he's still asleep. We can give you both nice warm baths to make you all clean
Raza: *looks to Jahzara then back to Ellie* I'm not sure what a warm bath is but *looks at his reflection on the wall* I guess we could do with a wash in a river or something.
Ellie: oh we got something MUCH better than a river. Follow me
*Raza carries his sister and follows Ellie to where the baths are*
Back at the den
*At the den, the pack members have noticed the absence of Raza, Jahzara, and Ajani. They mainly only noticed Raza was missing when their food didn't turn up from his hunting session. Berhanu and Abeda know where Jahzara had dragged Ajani off to.*
Abeda: I'm worried about Zara and AJ, Bernie *lets out a small wine*
Berhanu: *brings her into a hug, resting his chin on her head as they lie together in their spot in the den* I am too… The last I saw of Raza he was mega pissed at Malik and ran off. I know he'd never leave Zara and AJ so my guess is he's gone after them. Raz says many animals have been into the forbidden forest but if you don't know what you're doing, you don't come back. Raz *does* know what he's doing. Zara though… *deep breath*
Abeda: I know she's done stupid shit in the past but if AJ gets hurt, that's all her fault for dragging him along. I'm surprised AJ went, to be honest.
Berhanu: He's got a huge crush on her and despite how much of a scaredey wolf he is, he cares about her too much to let her do stupid shit alone. At least I hope they are together. I even once overheard Raza talking to him saying how he wants him to look after Zara when he's not around
Abeda: wow… I like Zara but *sad sigh* she's an idiot for doing this.
*Malik’s howl is heard from outside the den*
Berhanu: Thats Malik! Maybe they are back!
*both teens get up and make their way to the entrance of the den where they see their small pack assembled. Everyone forms a semi-circle with Malik sitting on a rock in front of them. A wolf who's a similar age to Malik stands up*
Wolf: Pray silent for the rightful alpha of the pack, Malik!
Malik: Thank you Hujuma. I'd like to bring this pack meeting to order! *see some wolves still whispering to each other* Can I have order!
*everyone quiets down*
Malik: I am sure most of you are aware by now that a few members of this pack have gone missing. The names of these members are Raza, Jahzara and Ajani. Yesterday, Jahzara and Ajani went into the forbidden forest.
*gasps and murmurs sound out from the other wolfs*
Malik: Order! Raza went after Jahzara and Ajani. They have not returned. I have recently received the news from Deputy Alpha Hujuma that Raza, Jahzara and Ajani have been found.
Abeda: where are they then?
Malik: Abeda you will raise your paw when you wish to speak!
Abeda: *sighs and raises her paw*
Hujuma: point of order young wolf Abeda!
Abeda: where are they then?
Hujuma: Abeda if you bring a point of order you must follow the correct procedure!
Abeda: *gives another frustrated sigh* Thank you deputy alpha. Where are they then?
Malik: They… are with the great sky pack now
*loud gasps sound out from everyone*
Abeda: no… *buries her snout in Berhanu's neck who in turn, hugs her tight*
Hujuma: Upon telling Alpha Malik the news, he asks that I bury the three wolves away from the den to avoid any further distress than necessary.
Malik: This meeting is now dismissed!
*all the wolves go off. Berhanu and Abeda slowly walk to the place where they used to play with Jahzara and AJ.
Abeda: I… I can't believe they are gone…
Berhanu: I don't believe it
Abeda: But… Malik and Hujuma are alpha and deputy Alpha… They wouldn't lie about Raz, Zara and AJ… would they?
Berhanu: *frowns* I think they are telling bullshit because they don't want them in the pack anymore and since all three are out, he took the opportunity to remove them from the pack by death
Abeda: so… *hugs Berhanu again* you think they aren't dead?
Berhanu: *nods* We both know how tough Raza is. It will take a *lot* to break and kill him. My guess is the three are in the forbidden forest and are trying to get out or have hunkered down for the night. It *did* rain loads yesterday.
Abeda: I hope you're right Bernie…
Back at the Ethiopian Wolf Research Center
*Raza and Jahzara walk into a room with a few bathtubs in it*
Ellie: OK. These are the baths you'll go in to get clean *picks up a small plastic bag and slowly makes her way to Jahzara*
Jahzara: *grips her brother's body* Raz what's that!
Raz: *looks intrigued by the bag* I… don't know Zara… *looks to Ellie* Ellie what's that you're holding?
Ellie: oh right you've probably never seen one before. This is a plastic bag. It's… *thinks how to explain it simply* like a really strong leaf that humans use to carry things. *she puts it on the floor in front of Raza so he can look at it* since you are both washing, I want to put the bag on your sister's plaster cast so it stays dry and safe*
Raz: *paws at the bag as it makes a cringle sound in his paw* interesting… and it won't hurt her at all?
Ellie: *shakes her head* nope. plaster casts aren’t supposed to get wet so we humans put them in plastic bags so they stay dry.
Jazra: *taps Raza’s shoulder* Raz what's she saying?
Raza: she wants you to put this plastic bag thing on your leg so it stays dry while we wash. She says it's safe and it's what humans do when they have casts like you do
Jahzara: oh ok. If it won't hurt me and you'll stay with me I'll do it
Raza: good *looks to Ellie* we'll do it.
Ellie: Excellent! *gets to her knees and sits on her feet* Raza if you could tell her to come to me I'll put it on her
Raza: OK *looks to Jahzara* Zara she wants you to go over to her. Remember, if she hurts you, She won't get far
Jahzara: OK Raz… *slowly walks to Ellie*
*once she arrives, Ellie carefully lifts her paw and places the plastic bag over it. She then picks up the sellotape and pulls it apart, making a loud noise*
Jahzara: *backs up under Raza* Raz what the fuck is that!
Raza: *looks a tad freaked out himself* I don't know
Ellie: *sees the wolves worried expressions* right… you've never seen Sellotape either… *holds it up* This is Sellotape. We humans use it to stick things to other things. I was just about to put some around your sister's leg so the bag stays on. It shouldn't hurt
Raz: *relaxes* right… *nudges Jahzara* Zara all she wants to do is put it on this bag thing on your leg so it doesn't fall off
Jahzara: O-ok *lets Ellie put the sellotape on the bag.*
*Afterwards, Ellie walks over to the bathtub and waits by it. After explaining what it is, both wolves bravely get in it*
Raz: *gasps* oh wow! *lies down in the tub* who knew washing could be so… good!
Zara: *relaxes more as she starts to trust Ellie* this mini-lake is so warm! Raz, you have to get us here again!
*Jahzara freaks out a little as Ellie starts to apply shampoo but relaxes as she feels the human's hands gently rub the shampoo into her dirty fur. After turning Jahzara into a turquoise Ethiopian wolf, she walks over to Raza and does the same. Raza closes his eyes and just enjoys the short rest. Once both wolves are turquoise, Ellie then gets a warm shower and sprays them down. Afterwards, she gets a towel and dries both wolves off*
Jahzara: *looks to Raza* woah Raz… your fur! *hops up to it and strokes it* it's so soft! *sniffs it* It smells funny!
Raza: *does the same to Zara* You’re soft and smelly too *chuckles and watches and Ellie removes the plastic bag*
Ellie: right… Now you're all clean, do you want to see your friend?
Raz: Zara wanna see AJ?
Jahzara: Yes! *her tail wags*
Raza: *chuckles* I think that's a yes
Ellie: OK then! Follow me! *starts walking out of the room*
*Jahzara climbs on Raza and both wolves follow Ellie towards their friend*
*a few minutes later, Ellie leads Raza and Jahzara to the recovery room of the hospital wing. As they near the room Tod comes out the glass automatic sliding doors. He smiles seeing the wolf siblings*
Tod: Hi guys. I assume you are here to see the little guy
Ellie: *nods* yep. Jazara is plaster-casted and both are washed and clean
Tod: good *chuckles* he's still asleep but I'm sure some company wouldn't hurt. *steps aside and looks to the wolves* go on guys. Well give you some privacy with him
Raza: *nods* thanks* *walks towards the siding automatic doors but walks straight into it* what the… *puts a paw forward and finds it touching the glass
Tod: *bursts out laughing* I'm sorry! I wanted to see if you'd walk into it or know what it was *uses a key and unlocks the door. It slides open* you can go now
Raz: *chuckles* your lucky I got a sense of humour Tod *walks into the room. A sound is heard as the sliding door shuts behind them. He slowly lowers his rear and Jahzara slides off*
*in front of them they see a hospital bed and in the bed, they see an orange blob. an IV attached to him where some fur has been shaved on his leg.
Jahzara: AJ! *runs forward towards him*
Raza: *puts his paw out and stops her* Stop! Stay here. I'll go to him first.
Jahzara: *whimpers at Raza's firm tone and sits down, knowing it's better to do what he says rather than argue*
Raza: *takes a deep breath and slowly walks to the orange blob in the bed. He gets up on his hind legs and looks at the blob. The blob curled up in a circle with it’s head facing Raza. He leans forward and nuzzles it softly* AJ?
Ajani: *groans softly and begins to stir*
Raza: *nudges him again, shaking him gently with his paw* AJ
Ajani: *whimpers and slowly opens his eyes. He looks forward and his eyes widen seeing the orange wolf in front of him* Raz…?
Raza: *smiles softly* Hey AJ
Ajani: Raz! *tears up and tries to stand up*
Raza: AJ stay down! *puts a paw on his back gently. He then hops up onto the bed and hug the teen, curling protectively around him just like he does with Jahzara*
Ajani: *hugs back tightly and starts to cry hard tears*
Raza: *just lets AJ cry it out* It's ok AJ. I'm here now. Your safe.
*after 5 minutes of crying he sniffs and looks up at Raza*
Raza: *heart breaks seeing the state of his sister's best friend. A wave of anger fills him but he pushes that down for now* How do you feel?
Ajani: *whimpers* scared. My body feels like it's not mine! Did you find Zara?
Raza: I did. Well… she found me by running into me but she's okay and here with me. I thought you'd want to just see me to start with
Ajani: *nods and begins to tear up again*
Raza: *swallows a lump in his throat and places a paw on the younger wolfs back* what's wrong?
Ajani: *takes a deep breath* I-I'm not a real wolf anymore!
Raza: AJ of course you're a wolf! What makes you think you aren't one?
Ajani: *tears up again and uncurls himself and looks at his tail.* I… *tears up hard and buries his face into Raza's chest*
Raza: *gasps* Mungu wangu… *he looks and sees about 90% of Ajani's tail missing, the only thing left is a small stump where his tail once was* holy shit… *fights not to tear up himself*
AJ: *sniffs and looks back up at Raza* I'm sorry Raz…
Raza: *blinks and looks genuinely shocked at the teen* AJ… no it's not your fault!
Ajani: but-
Raza: Ajani! *puts a paw on his back* None of this was your fault ok? You didn't agree to go with Zara thinking “Ye I'm going to lose my tail today” did you?
Ajani: no…
Raza: then it's not your fault. You are completely innocent here ok? You've done *nothing* wrong!
AJ: o-ok Raz
Raza: *looks over to his sister and sees pure guilt all over her face* wanna see Zara?
Ajani: *deep breath* she needs to know I'm OK…
Raza: you don't want to see her do you…
Ajani: No… but *she* needs to know I'm OK…
Raz: *pats his back* your a good wolf AJ. Despite all that's happened to you, you're still thinking of Zara. I'm proud of you.
Ajani: *tears up again* t-thanks Raz
Raz: *hops off the bed and walks over to his sister who is sitting looking at the wall* Wanna see AJ?
Jahzara: Yes! *stands up on 3 legs and hops to the bed*
Raza: *gives a deep breath and helps Jahzara up onto the bed*
Jahzara: *hops on the bed and locks eyes with her best friend* AJ…
Ajani: Zara…
Jahzara: AJ! *tackles him to the bed and hugs him tight* I'm So Sorry I Left You!
Ajani: *just stays where he is, not reacting*
*a few moments later the sliding door opens again and Tod and Ellie walk in*
Ajani: *locks eyes with Tod and starts to breathe faster* Raz…
Tod: *walks towards the bed, picks up a clipboard and hands it to Ellie*
Ajani: Raz! *starts to freak out* he's… *whispers* He's the one I saw In the forest! *breathing faster* He’s going to kill me!
Raza: *puts a paw on Ajani's back in an attempt to calm him down* AJ AJ AJ calm down. These are good humans ok? I trust them.
Ajani: They took my tail! *stands up and tries to walk but struggles to find his balance* what?! Why can't I stand normally? I'm a broken wolf! *breaks down in tears*
Raz: *lets out a big sad sigh and hugs him* AJ listen to me *lifts Ajani's tear-stained face* I trust these humans. I promise you they won't intentionally hurt you. We are in the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program Research Center so they actually love us being here. so calm down and trust me. I’d never put you or leave you in a situation where you’d get hurt.
AJ: *whimpers and grabs Raza's paw* I want to go home!
Raza: And we will very soon. The important thing now is we are all together and safe here ok?
Ajani: *whimpers and curls up in a ball*
Tod: *passes the clipboard to Ellie*
Ellie: OK little guy. My name is Ellie and I treated you. As you've already found out, unfortunately, I had to remove your tail as it was too infected and damaged. I tried my best to save it but unfortunately, it had to be removed. We also found that your two top incisors were smashed so I removed them and put false ones in.
Ajani: *looks confused at Raza* What's that human saying?
Raza: *tells him then looks to Ellie* So what now? Can we go home?
*both humans give each other a look*
Tod: We think it's best if we keep him for a few more days just to make sure he's stable. We hope that doesn't cause many issues
Raz: *shakes his head* no it's ok. I'll stay with them too. I’m not leaving without them both.
Tod: That's fine and understandable. Do you want something to eat?
Ajani: *stomach growls loudly* ow…
Raza: *gives a sad look to AJ before nodding to Tod* I can go hunt if you like
Tod: sure. *gets an idea* Oh! Do… Do you mind if me and Ed watch? You know… research and all. *chuckles nervously* Jahzara and the other guy will be safe here.
Raza: sure but don't interrupt me or disrupt me or my catch. I can get pretty pissed if anyone scares off my food
*while they are talking, Jahzara walks up to Ajani and lies down next to him*
Jahzara: *whimpers, pure guilt on her face* I'm sorry AJ. I didn't know this would all happen…
AJ: *simply turns around, back to her and lies back down again*
Raza: *finishes talking to Tod* right I best get going *stands up and hops off the bed*
Ajanj: *opens his eyes and sees no Raza, only Jahzara: Raz…? *looks around more* Raza…? *fails to see the older wolf and starts breathing faster*
Jahzara: *places a paw on his* AJ it's-
Ajani: *breaks down* No! He's left me! *goes into a panic attack* he's left me! He's left me! I’m going to die!
Raza: *turns around and sees the state Ajani is in and swallows a lump in his throat before rushing to him*
Tod: *sees the state Ajani is in* let's try hunting another time. I'll go get some raw meat from the freezer *leaves*
Raza: *hops back on the bed and gently pushes Jahzara out the way then talks to Ajani softy* AJ look at me
Ajani: *breathing heavily and sobbing hard*
Raza: *puts a paw on his back* Ajani. Look at me
Ajani: *looks up at Raza* Raz…? I thought…
Raza: That I left? I won't leave you till we get back to the den ok? The humans wanted to go watch me hunt and I was going to go but I think it's better if we all stay together ok? Your muvh more important then hunting right now
Ajani: *sobs hard and hugs Raza tight*
Raza: It's ok AJ. It's ok *fights to hold back tears and hugs, softly stroking his back* you're ok and safe now. I promise nothing like this will ever happen to you again. We'll all be home soon and you'll be able to see Berhanu and Abeda again and everything will be ok. You've been a strong brave wolf until now so I think you can be strong and brave for a little longer right?
Ajani: *whimpers* I'll t-try Raz. L-like you… right?
Raza: *smiles back, hiding the pain inside* yeah… Like me…
*Jahzara, still looking guilty, hops onto Razas back and curls up in a ball. Raza just rests his head on his paws, utterly exhausted from the past few days and relaxes, knowing they are all safe.
Ellie: *quietly comes in with a large and small chunk of raw beef. Seeing both siblings asleep she leaves the large chunk on the table. She then slowly walks to Ajani and places a small 10cm cubed chunk of raw beef in front of him* Here’s some food little guy. It’s only a small amount until you get better. When your friends wake up I’ll bring them food
Ajani: *sniffs at the beef then eats it, closing his eyes at how good it feels to have food in his stomach again*
Ellie: *strokes him gently* I’ll be back soon ok? Get some sleep
Ajani: *finishes his food and looks to see Raza flat-out asleep. He shuffles over a little before snuggling into the larger older wolf* Night Raz
Raza: *awake the whole time and wraps a paw around AJ* Night AJ.
*The three wolves all fall asleep after a very busy few days finally warm, dry and safe.*
