Dystopian Future

Ezra opened the door, looking down at the two wolfs, and the bloody, scratched room. For a second it reminded him of his cell, he couldn't make those kind of claw marks, but the blood was as much, if not more in his cell. The darkness inside the tower didn't help either. Rivik must have sensed it, since he stroke his head against his cheek. Ezra let his hand wonder to the fox's head and he patted him, before he turned to the wolves again, shaking his head.
"Having you two around is going to be...interesting" he said, scratching Rivik.
"Pfft" was all the fox said, pressing himself against Ezra's hand, giving him supports. Ezra appreciated it, even if it wasn't needed at the moment.
"Well lucky for you I know how to make healing potions, and I thought you may need some, so made one for each of you"
"Better appreciate it" Rivik warned and Ezra smiled.
"Don't mind him. He doesn't like the colour" Ezra stroke the fox once more. "I hope it will work on you, have never tried it on your race, or not what I am aware of"
He wasn't sure how susceptible werewolves was to different kind of magic, some races like ghouls wasn't, while others like humans was very susceptible. Ezra looked at the potions, unsure if the brothers wished to turn, or use bowls.

"Do you wish to drink it in your current form or?" he asked, maybe they couldn't turn yet. He really had no idea how it worked.
"And well things happens, so no need to apologies for them" he only stated. It didn't seem like the man could help it, and nothing had happened, except the devastation inside the tower, something he really didn't care about.

Health potions? Wow! You actually are awesome! Xue exclaimed and joined his brother with the tail wagging. Jesus Christ, they totally looked like two giant dogs, with their eyes glistening and canine bodies. It was mildly scary, considering they were rather wild animals instead of domesticated ones. For that matter of fact - it was totally possible to domesticate a werewolf as long as it stayed in its feral form for long enough. That’s what their mother did to their father, after she’d found him hiding in the woods with a wounded leg. What a fantastic love story! Not, definitely not.
You should’ve noticed that yesterday already, when he let me shift right in his office, Zemin pointed out and grinned widely, which mostly turned out as baring his teeth. And I can’t really shift back with a broken paw, none of us can. It’s hard to explain, but there has to be a certain feeling flooding through our bodies when we want to return back to our human forms. That’s why many werewolves are mistaken for normal wolves, he thereafter tried to explain. People usually thought that shifting was easy and painless, making the werewolves out as simple shapeshifters. But it was so much more than that and to even think it was painless..damn, those people were wrong. Turning and twisting your own bones is never painless, who didn’t understand that simple fact?

The brothers looked at each other for a short while before Xue finally answered.
Well, we would probably prefer bowls, he admitted and stopped wagging his tail. But we don’t want to be a burden, so you could just pour it out on the floor and we’ll lick it up, he thereafter continued, just to get a hard push from the other brother.
We’ll lick it up? Are you actually crazy? Zemin shook his head and limped towards Ezra, as he was asking to be stroked. Can we please have bowls instead? We can wash them afterwards and I promise I’ll make up for it later. The larger wolf stroke himself against the man, walking around him in circles with the amber eyes directed towards his face. It was a gesture of affection, showing gratitude towards his never ending kindness as well as maybe getting a needed scratch between his ears. A wild shot, sure. But what bad stuff could it actually result in?

You’re totally acting like a begging dog right now and it’s so fucking embarrassing, Xue howled and turned his back to the childish brother.
I’m not a dog, I’m a person and this is what people do, Zemin answered as he continued with his whimpering and stroking.
No it’s not! Now you’re acting like the crazy one! The younger one exclaimed and snarled towards the scene, which he definitely didn’t find amusing. Stop acting like a lapdog, it’s making me cringe, he continued and joined in on the whimpering.
Maybe I am a lapdog! At least Ezra has earned my affection. Stop complaining or I’ll bite your skinny little leg off.

Ezra shrugged his shoulders, he would say it was just a logical thought that they needed them, even if he hadn't been sure when he created them. But it seemed like werewolves could drink them, interesting. But he didn't comment it, and looked at the wolves.
"They are behaving like Jax's" Rivik sighed and Ezra smiled towards the fox, maybe he felt a bit left out, being different from the others.
"Didn't know that, good to know, I guess" Ezra was actually fucking pleased he wasn't a werewolves, it sounded like it was more trouble than anything else, or maybe it was because he learned so much so fast, or wasn't born into it. Maybe people thought they were happy they wasn't shamans as well, what did he know, or actually care.

"Lick it on the floor? Urg" Rivik sounded disgusted as they were some wild beast, which they was in a way. Rivik looked hostile at Zemin when he got closer and started walking around in circles around them. Ezra was a bit surprised seeing the man do that. Jax often did it, but seeing his spirits do it, wasn't surprising anymore. But the man was a stranger to him, and he wasn't sure how to react.
"It's like he is begs to be scratched once more" Rivik growled but Ezra calmed him with a stroke.

"It's alright Rivik" Ezra whispered to the wolf and slowly let his hand touch the fur of the wolf. Some of the hair went between the fabric of his gloves and shirt, tickling as they did. He patted the wolf on it's head, just as he often did with Rivik before he removed his hand.
"Pfft" Rivik glared at the wolf, not amused by his behavior. "Now you are going to smell like him"
"Then if it's that much to your disliking, I can change clothes later" Ezra only told the fox as he snapped his fingers and made two bowls appear, placed them on the floor and poured the liquid in. The smell of sunflowers filled the room.

So what if Ezra accidentally caught Zemins scent? Even though might not have considered it, the wolf was a clean freak and showered literally all the time. Sure, for the time being he was a bit messy with all the clotted blood stuck to the dark fur, but otherwise he was usually very clean.
For you own information, Rivik, the older werewolf started and tore his gaze from the man, letting it fall on the fox instead. It’s an honour to smell like me. He snorted loudly and watched as the bowls revealed themselves. How on earth did that even work? Magic seemed so complicated and he didn’t even know to what extent it could take one. Probably very far, to say the least. Being a werewolf was less appealing, as it granted the person in question nothing. Well, that’s what it felt like, nevertheless.
What’s that scent even? Smells like flowers and to be honest, the colour suits it very well, Xue began as he crept closer to one of the bowls. Unlike most canine beings, the brothers could see all colours. Every single one of them appeared clear and vibrant, making the surrounding world a tiny bit more interesting.
It’s the scent of sunflowers, you idiot, Zemin answered and studied the pink liquid. He thereafter looked up towards Ezra again, whimpering as the needy little puppy he was. The gloves were in the way, according to the wolf who had started complaining like an unsatisfied child.
Why do you always seem to be wearing gloves? You know, my fur isn’t toxic or anything, he pointed out.

Whilst the older brother had started his never ending whimpering, Xue had taken himself the freedom to slurp up his serving of the potion. It wasn’t until he started crying out in pain, that Zemin looked over towards him.
Hey, what’s wrong? He hurriedly asked and ran over to the younger ones side. At a closer look he saw the wounds closing themselves up, leaving nothing but some blood stains across the black fur.
Ärts like a bitch, Xue replied and shut his eyelids tightly.
Noticed that already..but it’s totally working, look! Zemin exclaimed and leaned over his own bowl, observing the pink potion. An undecided look nagged at his face and the idea of drinking it suddenly made him feel uneasy. But the kind man had already made it for him, and he couldn’t really say no. So therefore he ended up drinking all of it, not leaving a single drop as the broken bone in his paw readjusted itself. The younger one had been right, it totally hurt like crazy.
Did you ever try this on yourself? Zemin asked Ezra and rolled himself up on the floor, right by the shamans feet. Because it hurts.

"Well you are full of yourself if nothing else. Pfft honour" Rivik glared at Zemin, forcing Ezra to do the same. "Smell like dog, and...and your spirit"
"Spirits can smell, besides what we can smell, also sprits, or maybe in our case auras are a better description" Ezra wasn't sure how much the other two knew of spritis and how they worked. To be honest he wasn't sure how much knowledge any race had about spritis, over all. There were always those who learned everything they could, without reason. But that was far from everyone. Humans knew almost nothing of them, but that wasn't to strange, seeing how they despised everything supernatural.
"Yes it's sunflowers, among other things in it" he only answered, not willing to reveal everything. He worked hard to come up with his potions, and wasn't to keen on sharing the information about them with anyone.
Ezra placed one of his hands over the other, pulling them towards him, unsure of what to answer the wolf. Rivik pressed himself against Ezra, giving him what comfort he could give.
"I am aware that your fur isn't poisonous" he started. He had never shared his story with anyone except the spirits, or shown anyone the scars, but seeing how much the wolves let him see, it didn't felt right with him. He sighed and slowly removed one of the gloves, as he lifted the part of his shirt, covering his wrists. The hands was covered in scars, just as his wrist was. The red marks on his wrist wasn't as visible as they had been. Back in the days he the skin had been scuffed off, it had healed but the skin was still red and scarred. "Prefer not to show them, or see them myself"
Was the only thing he said as he covered his hand and wrist ones more.

Ezra turned took his eye of the wolf next to him, when the younger one seemed to be in pain, to his surprise.
"I have tried it on myself, works fine, more than fine. What's the fucking point of doing a healing potion if it's just going to ad more pain?" it was a rhetorical question, as he went over the recipe in his head, no everything was as it should. "My only guess is that it doesn't work as well on you. Maybe because you are werewolves, meaning it may not work if you are humans either. Or it's because you are in this state. Never tried it on your kind before"
Ezra couldn't think of a reason the potion should react the way it did, if it wasn't because of their race. He knew different races reacted differently to some potions, but he had never seen any difference when it came to this one.
"I apologise, wouldn't have given it to you if knew you would be in pain" it was the truth. He had no problem hurting people, but if he gave someone a healing potion, it wasn't to hurt them, it was to help them.

I’m not full of myself, it’s the truth, Zemin bit back and snarled.
Oh, can you both please stop that bickering! It’s actually making my ears bleed, Xue whined shortly thereafter and covered his ears with one respective paw.
It’s not my fault that this stupid spirit is an ass, the older one stated and tried using his leg, which had healed in an instant.
Then both brothers immediately fell silent, as their friend removed his gloves, revealing tons of scars. All of them were angrily red, even though they were probably old and already healed.
What happened? Those look pretty painful to say the least, Xue blurted out. The older wolf glared at him, shaking his head with a low growl. He was so goddam nosy all the time.
I’m sorry that you ever had to go through that, whatever it was. Even if it doesn’t matter, I don’t think you need the gloves. We are who we are, aren’t we? Zemin once more crept up against Ezra, stroking around his legs. This time he didn’t want a pat on the head, but rather give the other man a hug. If he tried standing on two legs, he could maybe Madame to do it. His back already reached the mans hips, so it was definitely a possibility.

But then again, Ezra wasn’t used to sudden contact and Zemin didn’t want a scratch on across his sensitive nose. If the other one wanted a hug, he could very well ask for one. The werewolf had totally been in need of one of those, if he’d showed scars like those for the first time ever. He wondered where they came from, as Xue obviously also did. Maybe he had been locked up at some point? Handcuffed, tortured and beat? It hurt even to look at them, even though Ezra had already covered them up again.
And you know, it’s totally fine that the potion hurt a bit. In the end it worked and people like us are more than used to pain. I guess there’s a possibility that it works a bit different on us, because our anatomy and all that crap, Zemin explained, still not leaving the mans side. It just didn’t feel right and for some reason he seemed to be stuck. Weird? Yes, as he’s never felt anything like it before. Sure, he was overprotective when it came to Xue and enjoyed cuddling with his younger brother, but this was just something totally different. No shit, since Ezra wasn’t his brother, nor related to the wolf.

His dad had ended up being captured by the woman that he’d later married. What if this was it? No, because that was all about reproduction and shit. Everybody knew that two men couldn’t have a baby together, so that couldn’t be right. Or could it? But he didn’t want that for himself, being trapped by his own stupid attachment problems.
I still think it’s awesome tho, Xue approved and wagged his tail. And in that instant, Zemins thoughts were finally cut, making him return to the real world.

"So the other joined in, great" Rivik sighed.
"Not surprising. You should try be polite sometime"
"You like me like this" Ezra laughed a warm laugh hearing that.
"I do, most does not. So be nice now and don't make it so both brothers wish to see you dead" he told the fox who felt silent, even if he glared at him.

"Humans happened" was all he answered them, no wish to give them the details. "And after sometime, you forget what pain is"
That was more or less the truth, they had tortured him until he forgot what pain was. Making him learn how awful human was, how the world really was and who he was. He guessed some lessons are learned best through pain. Humans feared them, wanting to kill them, but he knew he wasn't the only one they created, made into what they are today. If they had let him be, he would most likely never knew of his power, and if he had, well he would be a fucking healer like most shamans, not what he was today. Ezra sighed once more before he turned towards Zemin.
"It's kind of you to say that. However most people don't have scars like this, and if you wish to play pretend, you have to blend into the crowed" he hated it, but it was better than being killed or back in prison, even if he doubted that would have any effect on him, besides missing the spirits.

Ezra felt Zemin around his legs, and he soon saw him since Rivik kept an close eye on him. He didn't know how to react, having the wolf so close, didn't know what the wolf wanted. His guess was that he tried to give him some sort of comfort in the way his own spirits did, but it was strange when it came from a more or less stranger. Someone who shouldn't do things like that willingly. Who tried to comfort a stranger? Or maybe that's how normal people acted. Ezra couldn't tell, so all he did as patt the wolf on the head, as he was a good dog or something.
"Glad that it worked at least. Would feel pointless if you felt pain without any effect" he stated "And it's most likely the reason, it's not made for animals after all, so maybe that's why you react different"

Ezra could tell that Rivik was about to say something about the wolf not leaving his side, but he hindered him. He didn't know what the dog was doing, but so far he wasn't hostile, and Ezra saw no reason for Rivik to start an argument once more. The fox glared at him but Ezra didn't react as he turned towards the direction he thought the younger brother was, Rivik glaring at Zemin again.
"I am more than sure thats not a word anyone has used to describe it, not that to many have used it, but yeah" he stated. "Anyway do you feel ready to head back to the pub? Otherwise I will leave the door unlocked and head back myself"

Of course all Zemin ended up with was a someone pat on the head, nothing more or less. He looked somewhat disappointed, but didn’t make anything more out of it. Ezra didn’t seem like one of those people who easily took to others, and neither did the werewolf. But still, he liked the other mans company and felt as if he slowly got more and more lured in. Not because the other one wanted it, instead more because of the simple fact that the wolf seemed to want it. At least some part of him, that he had no control over. It felt kind of awkward and uncomfortable, but for the time being he just had to live with it.
Xue seemed to notice his brothers distant gaze, and therefore whisked his tail right up against Zemins face.
Well, I suggest we go back before Zemin starts drooling, the younger brother sighed and picked up all his stuff, carrying it carefully between the sharp teeth.
I’m not drooling, I’m just thinking about all of those awful humans, the other one protested. Oh, he was an awful liar. Of course Xue had noticed something unusually off about the larger wolf. The amber eyes seemed to stare into space and he dozed off all of the time. It wasn’t that hard to spot the odd behaviour, really.
You are drooling tho, guess it’s because you’re hungry. Also a lie. Sometimes it was better to shut the thoughts and not say anything, mostly in fear of disrupting the balance they’d managed to obtain. If Ezra found out about Zemins little issue, he’d most likely end up throwing him back out on the streets. Nobody wanted a needy wolf fawning behind one everywhere they went. And they certainly didn’t want the other, sexually driven stuff that came with the human parts of it. Really, even the wolf himself found it all to be disgusting - so much that he had to hind behind Xue and tuck his tail in between his legs. Hopefully the shaman didn’t think any of it, since the brothers both had been acting crazy most of the time anyways.

Okay, let’s head back, the younger wolf finally stated and started making his way back towards the old pub. He was closely followed by the other canine, that still looked awfully ashamed and torn. No, he refused to believe it. It just couldn’t be true. Zemin didn’t even believe in all that crap the parents had repeatedly told them about, and he had no desire to live through something even similar to it. Fucking hell. If it started becoming out of hand he promised himself that he’d walk into the fog and never return. He’d just lay down on the dirty asphalt and wait for the demons to rip him apart, giving them a hearty meal. Maybe not the most clever idea, but it was better than the other fate. He just simply refused to actually turn into one of those lapdogs, that had essentially no will of their own. That, that was disgusting.

Rivik looked between the brothers, forcing Ezra to do the same. Ezra felt how the fox was suspicious, but he kept quiet, and to the shaman that didn't feel right. It was like the fox knew or understood something he didn't, but chose not to comment it. Ezra couldn't ever remember that happening. Since they become friends, because that was what the spirit was to him, they shared everything. But maybe the spirit didn't wish to say anything in front of the wolves, for reasons Ezra couldn't understand, so he chose not to think about it, not yet at least.

"I hope you don't expect us to feed you!"
"Us?" Ezra said to the fox. "More than sure you don't own any money, or anything, so you can't really share"
"Pfft" was all the fox answered as they started walking back to the pup. Ezra was a bit confused over Zemin's behavior, but it felt like the wolf was sensitive so anything could have tipped it off. And since he didn't really knew him, he felt like he couldn't judge or come to a conclusion. Ezra opened the door to be met by a happy Jax.
"Oh the are two" Jax wagged his tail, looking at the brothers.
"Well of course they are. They were two humans as well" Rivik answered the wolf who only glared at him, before he turned happily to the brothers. Ezra thought about food, it wasn't something he could store in the spirit world, and make appear as he wished. There wasn't any stores around here to buy food, and he didn't feel like visiting a place with humans now.

"Why are you smirking?" Rivik asked, feeling it before he looked at Ezra.
"Because I am about to order food" he answered and Rivik looked at him.
"Make sure they bring home something good this time!"
Ezra walked over to the back door, before he whistled, soon making the ravens appear from the sky, and he stroke them, giving them some affection.
"Could you bring us some food?" he asked them.
"What do you wish for?" Corvo asked, and if he could he had smirked as well.
"Whatever you can find is fine"
"It's not! Bring the good stuff" Rivik protested and Ezra rolled his eyes before he sent the birds on their way.
"It may take awhile, but they will be back" he walked towards the kitchen, ending the connection with Rivik's eyes, and everything become dark. "Do you wish for tea?"
He poured himself and Rivik a cup, unsure if the brother wanted some.

Food? That sounded like a great idea and Zemin could clearly hear his stomach growl. Just the thought of it made him even more hungry.
Of course we’re two, Xue muttered and rolled his eyes. Wolves run in packs and so do we, even though ours isn’t too big, he continued and started sniffing at Jax.
There are lone wolves as well, Xue, and we shouldn’t judge them, Zemin reminded the younger one and looked at the tea. Did he want some or not? He liked tea a lot, but at the same time there was a possibility that it’d hurt his sensitive tongue. And he wasn’t really in need of anymore pain. The most reasonable idea was to simply turn and be able to drink hot liquids and use both arms and legs, however that wasn’t in question. All his clothes had been torn apart yet again, and the younger brother only had the ones he planned to use. On top of that, Zemin didn’t want to ask Ezra for anything else, as the man had already given him enough.
You want my clothes, don’t you? Xue asked and looked towards the older wolf. Could he actually read minds? Because it totally seemed like it.
How did you know? Zemin wondered and looked curious.
I just have a feeling, he answered shortly and dropped the clothes to the floor, leaving them in a messy pile. Oh, this little shit was way too kind sometimes. It was obvious that he actually wanted to shift back, but sacrificed that part to make his brother happy. So unbelievably sweet.
No, it’s okay. I’ll just manage until then, the werewolf stated and pushed the clothes back towards their owner. It’s okay, really.

With a quick glance, Xue snapped up the clothes between his jaws again and rushed up the stairs, as if he didn’t want to risk anything. Zemin could have changed his mind, for all he knew. But the older brother had no such thoughts, and made himself comfortable on the floor, as close to Ezra as possible.
You know what? Let me try some of that tea, he stated and allowed the amber gaze to follow the other individual. I can just let it cool off a bite before I try it, so it should be fine. Being a coffee and tea addict, Zemin couldn’t really resist the offer. And to be completely honest, he felt kind of thirsty, accompanied by the gnawing hunger. He hadn’t eaten since the evening before, which was way too long ago. But food hadn’t been on his mind at all, since he had had so many other things flying around up there.
By the way, what are you going to do about the vampire? If you open up a shop, he’ll find you for sure, so you should be really careful for the time being, he continued after giving it some thought. At least try to be a bit extra weary.