The incessant barking, incoherent whining, and indistinguishable growling bounces off the stone walls of the pound. If you had a pair of hands, you would have held onto your ears and never have let them go.
Your head hangs low, watching your paws meekly patter along the concrete, constantly reminded of [[what you are....->Cell]]The dogcatcher leads you to your cell, shared with a [[St. Benard]]. The dogcatcher heads to the gate and locks you inside. On the other side of the wall is three bowls. Two food bowls are empty, but you notice that the third one has [[water->Water]].He stares at you in fascination. His fur is matted, his hips are lowered, and a back leg is slightly bent, but judging by his build he was a working dog that’s only just started getting worn down by age. His name is in bold: [[Shepard->Cell]].You lap up some water and you feel revitalised. After a relieved sigh, you find yourself looking down at your [[reflection->Reflection]] in the water bowl. Your vision turns red. Screams fill your ears as you see your maw covered in blood. You close your eyes in fear, trying to get rid of the memory…
But when you open them back up everything returns to [[normal->Who are you?]].
Your fur is grey, your face a lighter shade compared to your body. Your head shape is long and narrow like a wild Timberwolf, but your face is soft and round like a fluffy Malamute. You see your metal collar dangle by your neck. It reads your name...
<<textbox "$name" Wolfdog [[Your Name]]>>You turn around to see Shepard the St. Benard gazing at you in complete awe, as if he’s come across an epiphany, “I thought I would never see the day… how did you end up in here, $name?"
The screams ring in your mind, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Your ears flop onto your head as your tail curls around your legs. Shepard bumps his snout against your shoulder, “Keep your head up, there’s no need to dwell on it for long.”
“And why’s that?”
[[“Because we’re getting out of here!”->A Chance]]
The St. Benard heads over to the gate, ready to bolt out of the door. You tilt your head in confusion, “What do you mean? I just got here.”
“And we’ll be leaving just as quickly,” Shepard chuckles, “You don’t know it yet, but a wolf like you belongs in the wild!”
[[“I like the sound of that!”->Good Idea]]
[[“But I’m a wolfdog, not a wolf?”->Bad Idea]]<<set $shepwolf++>>\
“I know you do! It’s in your blood!” Shepard cheers, “You’re going to like [[my plan->The Plan]]!"<<set $shepdog++>>\
Shepard scoffs condescendingly, “You have much to learn. Humans have cursed all of us to live as dogs. I don’t have the time right now to explain, but just know that out of all of us here, only you can truly be a wolf. With [[my plan->The Plan]] we can go back to the way things should be… us free from humans!”“What’s your plan?”
“Whenever the dogcatcher brings a dog in, a pound worker will check up on them, patronising them with pets and kisses. When they check up on you, you’re going to bite them! I’ll run out and press a button that opens all our cells, then we bolt out the front door! [[What do you think->Cold Paws]]?"
Your eyes widen, gulping softly. You start to feel a metallic taste in your teeth. You feel fluids pool in your maw, unsure of whether you’re imagining blood on your tongue or beginning to salivate… both thoughts disturb you.
But the thought of rotting here in the pound scares you even more. You’ve just met Shepard, but he might be the only way you can be free.
“Is something the matter?”
[[“I’m fine. Let’s do this.”->I can]]
[[“I don’t think I can do that”->I can't]]
<<set $shepwolf++>>\
Shepard nods, facing back to the cell door, “That’s what I want to hear. Get ready, they’ll be here any minute.”
You wait by the door, tumbling through the mental gymnastics it takes to stop your tail from hiding between your legs.
[[“They’re coming…”->The Pound Worker]]<<set $shepdog++>>\
Shepard raises his brow, instinctively baring his teeth, “You can, and you will. Only dogs don’t bite their “masters”. Wolves fight back. Which one are you?”
The question burns deep into your mind. At this point you don't know which one you are. All you know is that you must be [[one of them->The Pound Worker]].You’re interrupted by the beep of the gate unlocking, freezing as a human enters the cell. Their height dwarves yours, their presence as commanding as the only word they say, “Sit.”
The belittling instruction illicit a snarl in your chest. Yet, you can’t help but slightly falter at the touch of their hand. The warmth... the gentleness… it reminds you of home… but that was before the bite.
In the corner of your eye, you see Shepard glaring right into your soul. He’s counting on you.
[[Bite]]
[[Sit]]<<set $shepwolf++>>\
<<set $Bite to true>>\
It happened so quickly. You close your eyes and let your body do the rest. You feel flesh stick to your teeth and blood fill your maw. You tense your skull to try and block out the human’s screams, but that only makes you bite harder. You gnash and gnaw, wanting it to all be over…
Meanwhile Shepard runs for it, bolting out of the door and running down in the hallway. Other dogs cheer him on, ecstatic as freedom draws near.
You finally let go of the human’s neck, opening your eyes to the sight of their mangled and bloody body. Every breath of theirs is just a sickly splutter.
[[BEEEEEEP]]
<<set $shepdog++>>\
<<set $Bite to false>>\
You can’t do it. You lean your head into their hand, letting them scratch the base of your ears, the one that makes your leg kick and tail wag. You indulge in the pets, reminiscing of a happier time. No screaming… no blood… just cuddles with your owners…
Shepard is filled with disgust. Still though, he doesn’t waste the opportunity, running down in the hallway. Other dogs cheer him on, ecstatic as freedom draws near.
The human realises what’s happening. He pulls his hand away from you, and you’re left embarrassed as a needy whine slips out. Luckily, the human trips on the way out, falling flat on the stone floor.
[[BEEEEEEP]]
You hear the loud beep echo throughout the pound as all the doors open. Without even a second going by every single dog runs out of their cells.
“Be free!” Shepard’s voice booms, “Return to the wild!”
That’s the only option you have left now.
You run over the human and make a [[break for it...]]
You run down the hallway, joining the canine mass that trampled over any human that got in their way.
You see Shepard waiting by the door for you.<<if $Bite is true>>
“That was amazing, $name! I knew I could count on you!”
“Thanks—”
“Don’t thank me yet, [[let's go!]]”<<elseif $Bite is false>>
“You’re lucky the plan worked. Don’t disappoint me again, $name”
“I’m sorry—”
“Don’t grovel now, [[let's go!]]”
<</if>>You and Shepard run out of the pound. The entire street is filled with dogs. People hide in their cars and try to climb up poles to get out of their way, but they are no match for the power of a free canine.
You and Shepard run towards an alleyway. You look behind you and notice some of the other dogs following you, but you don’t pay too much attention to them yet. Right now, you just want to [[be safe->Into the Alleyway]].
Once you two are deep in the alleyway you both hide behind a dumpster. The stench fills your snout, already making you queasy. <<if $Bite is true>>You see Shepard panting heavily before he beams at you with pride.<<elseif $Bite is false>>You see Shepard panting heavily before he shakes his head at you.<</if>>
You look away. <<if $Bite is true>>You still feel their blood in your teeth.<<elseif $Bite is false>>You still feel their hand on your cheek.<</if>>
“We got to keep moving,” Shepard suddenly announces.
Your ear perks up, surprised, “Can’t we rest?”
“Those humans will try and get us soon. We can never be owned again.”
You can still hear feet running in the distance, with the occasional joyous bark. However, seeing you and Shepard alone in the alleyway brings up [[a thought->"Why didn't some of the others join us?"]].
“Why didn’t some of the others join us?”
“They’re weak,” he grumbles, “All dogs are born so. A product of humans controlling every aspect of our lives. The others might be running around but they’re not free. Only we are, because we are true wolves.”
<<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>“Thanks for inspiring me then, Shepard”
“I should be saying that to you, $name.”
You’re unsure if you should smile or not. That small turmoil doesn’t stop your tail from wagging.<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>You lower your head down, “I’m sorry. I must be weak too.”
Shepard sighs, “You’re still used to human ownership. I should have expected that. I’ll help you come out of your shell.”
You give of a meek smile, but your tail still clings to you.<</if>>
Your ears suddenly perks up.
Something is getting louder…
[[Getting closer...->The Others]]
You and Shepard are suddenly swarmed by a wave of dogs.
“It’s the wolfdog…” they all murmur to themselves.
<<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>You immediately feel [[prideful->Apologies]].<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>> You immediately feel [[awkward->Apologies]].<</if>>
Shepard shows off a fang, “What do you want?”
A Doberman stands forward, “We were wrong for not taking in your gospel. We’re sorry.”
Most of them bow their head down. A female Husky does a subtle glare before bowing her head down, being the last one to do so, almost sarcastically.
[[You turn to Shepard.->Seeing the Shepard]]
His jaw contorts in disgust as the rumble of a sickened growl grows in his throat.
“Get up, the lot of ya!”
The Doberman tilts his head, “I don’t understand—”
“Of course you don’t!” Shepard barks, “You imbecilic dogs, we are meant to be in the wild as lone wolves.”
The way he says dogs and wolves are captivating. He spits the word “dog” with pure venom and spite, while his lips quiver when he says the word “wolves”, as if it’s a sacred word that he doesn’t have the right to say.
Are you a [[dog|Through Isolation][$shepdog++]] or are you a [[wolf|Through Isolation][$shepwolf++]]?
Shepard continues, “In order for all of us to be truly free, we have to be on our own!”
The group of dogs aren’t pleased, beginning to plead.
“I will die without help!” A breathless pug wails.
“Through isolation, a wolf becomes immortal!”
“My pups will succumb to the elements!” pleads a pregnant bullmastiff.
“Through isolation, your pups will be born strong!”
“I need to be here for my son!” the German Shepard father growls, clinging onto his crying pup.
“Through isolation, he will grow into the mighty wolf he’s destined to be!”
You realise that you are isolated... [[except Shepard->Cries]].
You listen to Shepard chastising the dogs, but you notice that they’re tired, hungry, and desperate. The little German Shepard pup is whining by his father’s leg. The pregnant Bullmastiff struggles to stand. The pug is hacking and coughing away. The Husky still glares at you, her piercing blue eyes sending a shiver down your spine. They need help.
But the wailing, crying, and yelling reminds you of [[that night...->Close Your Eyes]]
You close your eyes. You hear the child’s screams again. You see an adult reach towards you.
It’s all a blur, but you remember a deep fire forming in your chest. You remember feeling it rise out from your maw as a loud, thunderous [[bark…->The Bark]]
You open your eyes. Everyone stops dead in their tracks, lowering their bodies to the ground. Even Shepard looks up at you, seemingly afraid. The only dog who stays upright is the Husky. She’s not afraid of you, she’s merely waiting for your next words.
You look down to the dogs in front of you in need of help. You look down to Shepard, your only source of wisdom at this moment.
Isolation for greatness. Community for safety. Which will get you to the wild?
[[Help the dogs]].
[[Help Shepard]].
<<set $shepdog++>>\
<<set $HelpDogs to true>>\
“You helped me, Shepard. It’s unfair if we leave them here.”
Shepard stutters for a moment, “Don’t be preposterous, you’re a different case!”
“How am I any different to them? We were all stuck in the same pound.”
The dogs start to stand up. They’re cautious, trying not to draw attention to themselves, but eager to listen. The only one brave enough to move to the front is the Husky.
“Why do you want to help them?” Shepard spits, “Why is it so important for you to detract everyone from the chance of being a true wolf?”
[[“They need us.”]]
[[“We need them.”]]<<set $shepwolf++>>\
<<set $HelpDogs to false>>\
He’s right. I know that I’m far from becoming the wolf I’m destined to be, but we can safely make it to the wild if we believe in ourselves.”
Shepard wears a wide grin. You smile back at Shepard.
<<if $Bite is true>>”And turn into a beast like you?”<<elseif $Bite is false>>“Why would I trust a wolf who let himself be patted?"<</if>>
It’s her. The Husky. She’s unwavering, not backing down. Her words, accompanied by those frightfully blue eyes, lock you in place.
Is she [[right|Right/Wrong][$shepdog++]]? Or is she [[wrong|Right/Wrong][$shepwolf++]]?
Your silence is deafening. The Doberman whines, inching closer towards you and Shepard in submission, “Please…”
The Husky lets out an aggravated sigh, pushing past the other dogs.
“Where are you going!?” the Doberman cries.
“You lot can keep kissing up each other’s tails,” she growls, “I decided I’m going to do something about my life.”
The other dogs move out of her way before she looks back, giving you and Shepard one final glare, “[[Listen->listen...]] to me carefully when I say this...”
“NO!”
Shepard’s sudden bark stops everyone. He jumps in front of you, straining his bent leg, “We are leaving, $name.”
“But what about—”
“Now!”
His growls remind you of your memories. You give one last sad and apologetic glance to the others before you lower your head down, following Shepard again.
The Husky steps forward, “Good luck out there, wolfdog." You look back with your ears folded behind your head. You don’t know if she’s being sincere or not. Regardless, you see all the other dogs now looking up to her. She looks more ready than you do.
With a silent whine you turn around and [[follow Shepard->Helpless Dogs]].
You two walk out of the alleyway and onto the opposite street. The road is filled with cars barrelling down the street, and humans walking to and fro from the street, oblivious to the canines on the sidewalk.
"Let's keep running," Shepard pants, "If we stick to the sidewalk we won't get killed. We're bound to hit the forest anyway."
The thought of taking another step makes your pawpads pulse in agony. You even notice Shepard's back legs wobbling behind him. After looking around the street you see two humans enter the Ute, you spot the massive wolf symbol it’s side.
"What if we took that truck?" you ask, "That might lead us to some wolves!"
Shepard musters the energy to scoff through his heavy pants, "And get a handout from humans? <<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>Why beg to them now?"<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>Have you learnt nothing?"<</if>>
They might have a point. <<if $HelpDogs is true>>Yet the travel on foot would have been bearable if he let the others join them.<</if>><<if $HelpDogs is false>>The journey was never meant to be easy.<</if>> But walking past humans and vehicles could be more of a danger than taking a ride, especially if the drivers don't know that you're there. You just have to get to the forest.
[[Go on Foot]]
[[Get into the Ute]]
Suns rise and moons fall as the cityscape blends into the forest. You look up and see dense leaves above you, allowing minimal sunlight to speckle through. Thick trees spike from the ground for miles. The whistling of birds and the crunching of dead wood in the distance make your pointed ears flutter, and your nose twitches at the scent of the rich earth and the lingering smell of rain.
You watch the truck drive through a gate before it begins to slow down towards a small building. You look at the expanse of the forest before you look down to the sleeping St. Benard.
“Through isolation, he will grow into the mighty wolf he’s destined to be!”
Those words stick to your mind as your rest a paw on the edge of the tray. The forest could be yours.
“You helped me, Shepard”
You hesitate. You could be all alone. <<if $HelpDogs is false>>You hear the Husky in the back of your mind, //Wolves work in packs.//<</if>>
[[Wake up Shepard]]
[[Leave]]<<set $LeaveShepard to false>>\
You hesitantly put your paw on their belly. <<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>You still need him.<</if>>
“Shepard, wake up.” He slowly stirs away, licking his maw before stretching, “Where are we?”
“We made it.”
Shepard looks around, a smile growing wide on his face as he watches a sparrow shoot overhead, “We did.”
He cuts his own sentimentality short, turning to you, Mind helping me [[off->Out]] the truck? My back legs aren’t as good as they used to be.”
<<set $LeaveShepard to true>>\
When the car stops, and the humans have made their way inside, you begin to pull yourself out of the tray. You make sure to quiet, trying not to wake Shepard up.
You look back at him. <<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>One part of you knows he won't make it.<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>One part of you knows he will make it.<</if>>
You jump out of the truck and run into the forest. <<if $Bite is false and $HelpDogs is true and $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>As you kick up the earth with each step you harden your resolve. You remember every word of spite Shepard spat at you whenever you made your choices, but you know that it was your choices that made you stronger than ever before.<</if>><<if $Bite is true and $HelpDogs is false and $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>With every metre you run the more you feel your senses tune to the forest. Shepard taught you well, but you are now the prime example of the student surpassing the master. He is nothing compared to you, a true wolf.<</if>><<if $Bite is false and $HelpDogs is true and $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>As you kick up the earth with each step you harden your resolve. You remember every word of spite Shepard spat at you whenever you made your choices. Even though the shadows made by the trees seem darker than before, your body shivering in the cold of the disappearing sun, you continue onward, knowing that no matter what happens you will always make the right choice.<</if>><<if $Bite is true and $HelpDogs is false and $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>With every metre you run the more you feel your doubt cloud your mind. You did everything Shepard told you, yet you feel unprepared, like a little dog in a wolf's world.<</if>><<if ($Bite is true and $HelpDogs is true and $shepwolf gt $shepdog) or ($Bite is true and $HelpDogs is true and $shepwolf lte $shepdog)>>As you kick up the earth with each step you harden your resolve. While the taste of that pound worker's flesh still clings to your tongue, you persevere through the guilt knowing that you tried to atone in the end. It pains you to leave Shepard, but knowing he was a bad influence eases your sins.<</if>><<if ($Bite is false and $HelpDogs is false and $shepwolf gt $shepdog) or ($Bite is false and $HelpDogs is false and $shepwolf lte $shepdog)>>With every metre you run the more you feel your senses struggle to tune to the forest. You should have listened to him since the start. He was right all along. And he's right about isolation. You can only become a wolf if you take these next steps alone.<</if>>
You don't look back. You just [[keep running]].You crawl out of the truck before standing beside it, allowing Shepard to use you as a step before making it to the ground. Dense bushes line the other side of the dirt track. You know that the small building is behind you and the truck, so you and Shepard quietly shuffle to the bushes.
Once you’re obscured by the shadows of leaves, you can’t help but wriggle your paw pads in the luscious dirt, and every twig and beetle crushes and snaps loudly under your every step. You already feel like a wolf.
Your current thoughts are disturbed by the groan of a weakly hinged door. A group of humans leave the building, heading to the Ute. Before you can look back Shepard nips at you, “We should run!”
You want to run. But every step you just took was loud. You don’t want to be captured by humans again. <<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>Over your dead body.<</if>>
[[STAY]]
[[RUN]]
<<set $shepdog++>>\
<<set $Stay to true>>\
“Let’s stay. We might alert them if we run.”
<<if $Bite is true>>Shepard grits his teeth, “We’re in the wild! We should be chewing them up for dinner! I can’t believe you…”<</if>><<if $Bite is false>>Shepard grits his teeth, "We're in the wild! Yet, you still sit for these humans. I can't believe you..."<</if>>
You look forward. You watch three humans climb into the Ute while the last one throws a big, wet bag of meat into the back. The squelch it makes almost makes you hurl. But it’s the scent of blood that clings to you.
Once the Ute drives deeper into the forest, away from the black gate, it’s just you and Shepard in the bush.
“Can we get running?” he asks.
You nod, and you both quickly bolt into the bushes, running as far away as you possibly can.
[[Until...->The Wild]]<<set $shepwolf++>>\
<<set $Stay to false>>\
Shepard smirks gleefully as he sprints up ahead. You run behind him, trying not to outpace him. You notice his back legs giving out more, struggling with the uneven terrain of the forest. <<if $Ute is true>>You don’t even realise that the humans didn’t bother to check on you.<</if>>
You just keep on running…
And running…
And running…
[[Until…->The Wild]]
You and Shepard stop at the edge of a cliff. It’s an expanse of mountains and greenery. A large, crystal blue lake shines under the orange sun, its ripples glistening like stars fallen from the sky.
“It’s beautiful.”
“It’s ours,” Shepard declares, “This is our kingdom. We are now wolves.”
Your tails wag, overjoyed at your triumph. However, you notice a few grey blotches by the edge of the lake. [[You look deeper->Wolves]], and more grey figures appear…
It's a pack of wolves. Actual wolves. There’s nine adults and four pups. The eldest sits off to the side as they watch the others frolic and drink from the water. The pups nip at each other and pull each other’s tails while the older wolves rough house. Two of them catch the ire of the elder, the latter growling at them to break up the squabble. But they return to enjoying the world around them soon after. The more you watch on the more you realise a hard truth...
They are acting like dogs.
Then you hear [[mechanised rustling in the distance…->Feeding Time]]
You see the Ute from before park on the other side of the lake. You watch as the humans grab the bag from the tray and spill all the meat onto the ground. They quickly leave.
<<if $Stay is false or $Ute is false>>Shepard tilts his head, "What are the humans up to?".<</if>><<if $Stay is true>>Shepard's eyes widen, "They're feeding them, aren't they?"<</if>>
You look back to the pack of wolves and see them sniffing in the air, catching the scent of meat. The elder howls, commanding the others to follow them. You watch the pack trace around the far edge of the humongous lake, every second in awe and bewilderment, until they make it to the pile of meat. Seeing them sniff out their meal was mesmerising, but the fact that it was towards chunks of meat disheartens you.
[[You look back to Shepard->Shattered]], knowing that he must share a similar sentiment…
He's mortified. His entire body trembles in horror, his jaw open and eyes bloodshot at the revelation. You can see his world turning upside down behind his black, glossy eyes, “It can’t be…”.
You look down to the wolves again. As they eat from the meat you can see that they are healthy. They don’t appear to be in danger, and the humans have left them alone. They are at peace.
Compare that to Shepard, who is now muttering to himself as he paces in circles, “No, no… they’re not wolves—they can’t be wolves… I’m a wolf…”
It truly is a pitiful sight. You watch him unravel, thinking back to when you first met him at the pound. All the things he said, all of things you did for him, only to lead up to this.
Was Shepard [[right->Right]] the entire time? Or [[not]]?
<<set $shepwolf++>>\
<<set $NewCanine to false>>\
You look back to the wolves, grovelling at the hunk of meat handed down to them by humans. They can’t be wolves. They’re not true wolves at all. Not like you and Shepard.
You step closer to the St. Benard.
<<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>You stand tall, “Who cares about them? We’re better than those dogs down there. We will be our own wolves!”<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>You lower yourself, "Who cares about them? We're better than those dogs down there. We will be our own wolves!"<</if>>
Shepard slowly turns his head. His eyes are covered in tears, his maw opening as a ghastly growl rumbles out of his throat.
<<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>“Don’t you dare patronise me."<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>"Don't you dare think we’re one and the same…”<</if>>
You tilt your head, [[confused]].
<<set $NewCanine to true>>\
You look down to the wolves again. They’ve eaten every bit of meat, and they rest by the edge of the lake. They’re laying in the rich earth, undisturbed in one massive pile. They’re living peacefully. This how wolves should be. This how you should be living.
“We can still be wolves, Shepard,” you propose, “Maybe we just got to think differently.”
“No, no--we can't! We’ll turn into dogs!”
“We’re already dogs!”
You didn’t even realise what you said at first. Shepard freezes, the fur on his back rising, [[“What did you say?”]]
“I don’t understand”
<<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>“Look at you!” he barks, “Your very being exudes pride and strength! <<if $HelpDogs is true>>Even the others in the alleyway could see it!<</if>><<if $HelpDogs is false and $LeaveShepard is false>> You should have left me when you had the chance!<</if>>My old, broken bones will never compare!”
“But you taught me—”
“And you became better than me!” Shepard whines, “I thought I would be proud, but no… every time I look into those cold eyes, I only see my pitiful reflection… a constant reminder of the dog I am…”
He begins to cry, becoming more frustrated with every tear he shamefully let out. It is a pitiful sight.
//Through [[isolation->Wolf-Isolation]]//, you wonder, //Shepard can be a wolf…//<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>> “You pitiful, weak excuse of a being. You’re the dog here, $name. I’m surprised you made it this far.”
“What do you mean? I’m a wolf—”
“NO! You are, and always will be, a dog!” he whines, “I’m surrounded by the lot of you! I’m the only wolf left!”
He begins to cry, the internal frustration of letting himself tear firing up the synapses in his canine mind.
//But we were together//, you realise, //please, Shepard, [[please…->Dog-Please]]//<</if>>
You turn around to face the forest, taking a deep breath, preparing yourself for what will be up ahead. You close your eyes, remembering the sensation of that child’s arm in your teeth. You can still hear the pound worker scream in your ears. You’re no longer terrified of what you’ve done. You’re proud of what you are…
Until Shepard jumps in front of you, “Where are you going?”
“Through isolation, you will be a wolf. Good-bye, Shepard.”
You take a few steps, letting your mind rid away any inkling of the old dog. That’s until you feel a sharp pain in your tail. You look back to see Shepard pulling you back, “Don’t… Leave… Me…!”
You snap your head back instinctively with a loud bark. In his mania Shepard lunges at you, and the both of you begin to [[fight…->Fight]]
You watch Shepard head into the forest. An overwhelming sense of dread clouds your mind. You imagine yourself alone, unprotected from the elements. You remember that night with the child, and how scared you were of the owner yelling and beating at you. You are repulsed by the warmth of the pound worker’s hand on your cheek. You need more guidance. You won’t survive.
You jump at Shepard, latching your jaws on his tail, “Don’t… Leave… Me…!” You are immediately met with a snap of his jaws, too close to your face. Despite your body submitting to him, [[the instinct to survive kicks in…->Fight]]
You think for a moment. You hear the screaming child again… you remember the pain of your tail constantly being pulled at… then the burning grip of their father’s hand on your scruff…
<<if $Bite is true>>You remember when you bit the pound worker, and the blood-curdling cries they let out under your jaws.<</if>><<if $Bite is false>>You remember the sensation of the pound worker’s hand on your cheek, and the warmth that it brought you.<</if>>
You can still see the faces of the dogs in the alleyway, the thought of them still struggling in the streets when they could be enjoying the forest still pains you immensely. <<if $HelpDogs is true>>You believe that you should have fought harder for them.<</if>><<if $HelpDogs is false>>You know the guilt of leaving them there to fend for themselves will haunt you forever.<</if>>
Now you see the clear difference between the resting wolves and the manic St. Benard. His words of isolation and violence become bitter in your mind, and after seeing through his contrived declarations you are only left with the sight of a scared, overgrown puppy.
“I’m going to make my own path, Shepard. I suggest you do the same.” You gaze into the bushes. You’re nervous. The thought of leaving Shepard stranded pains you. <<if $HelpDogs is false>>You already abandoned your kind already. <</if>>But you know that in the end you must put yourself first. It's your destiny.
You don’t know what’s in front of you, but you know that you will be able to tackle anything with a [[clear mind…->walk into the forest]]
You two go head-to-head by the cliffside. Paws are thrown as teeth cling to each other’s bodies. The forest is filled with their pained cries while their barks spill onto the tree line below the cliff.
The more the fight drags on the more Shepard lands some devastating bites at your side. He gets on top of you, your paws doing the best they can at pushing him away. His bites get closer and closer to your snout. As you try to move your face away you see how dangerously close you are to the cliffside.
You look at Shepard. You plant your hind paws against his belly.
[[Push->Push Shepard]]
You aimlessly walk about, not knowing what direction you started in and what direction you’re currently walking towards. You shut your mind off and let your body pilot itself to what feels right.
You remember constantly asking yourself if you were a dog or a wolf. The only question you now ask if yourself is if it ever really mattered.
While your mind is plagued by the existential dilemma, you feel your throat get scratchy. Just like all canines and all living things, you're thirsty.
[[You see blue out in the distance.->Endings]]
“Wolves work in packs.”
That’s all she says before she disappears into the streets. While the entire alleyway was filled, the moment the husky left it all suddenly felt empty.
The other dogs wait around awkwardly and stare out into the streets. A crescendo of weak whines begin to fill the air as they ache for her return.
Shepard nudges against you, gesturing towards the other end of the alleyway. You look back to the desperate dogs one more time before you [[follow Shepard->Helpless Dogs]], leaving the others to their fate…
Despite the name, you feel as if it doesn’t resemble you.
You’re not a dog. You’re not a wolf…
[[“You’re a Wolfdog…”->Shepard]]Are you a [[dog|Arrival][$shepdog++]] or a [[wolf|Arrival][$shepwolf++]]?
<<set $shepdog to 0>>
<<set $shepwolf to 0>><<set $shepwolf++>>\
Shepard raises a brow, “They want us, wolfdog. By following us they are only limiting themselves to greatness—”
“How can they do so if they get caught by the dogcatcher again?”
“Then they never deserved it in the first place.”
His words sicken you. Shepard can see your disgust on your face. The St. Benard chews at his lip, signing his indifference to the dogs. You just shake your head before turning to the pack, [[“Come with us.”]]<<set $shepdog++>>\
Shepard’s jaw hangs open, “What did you just say?”
“Think about it! We might need all the help we can get if we all want to safely travel to the wild!”
“This journey was never meant to be safe!” he barks, “If they die then they don’t deserve to be free.”
His words sicken you. Shepard can see your disgust on your face. The St. Benard chews at his lip, signing his indifference to the dogs. You just shake your head before turning to the pack, [[“Come with us.”]]<<if $NewCanine is true>>\
After what seemed like days you finally make it to the lake. It shimmers under the dawn, enticing you to drink. After lapping up the refreshing water you stare at your reflection. You don’t know what you are, but you know what you will be.
The longer you stare the more canine figures appear in the water. You turn around and see the wolves staring at you. They inspect you closely, not saying a word. The pups jump at your legs while the adults circle around you, sniffing at every inch of your fur.
The Elder barks softly, getting everyone’s attention. Their piercing blue gaze inspects you all over. You try to keep calm, unsure of the judgement that awaits you.
“You have much to learn,” the Elder says, “We’ll teach you.”
You’re finally free.
The End<</if>><<if ($NewCanine is false and $shepwolf gt $shepdog)>>Months have passed. You hear Shepard in your mind, telling you that isolation is the way of the wolf.
You remember the wolf pack. The thought of them enjoying their human-given muck sickens you. They will always be weaker than you.
You roam the forest, believing that every mile that you travel belongs to you. Every living being is yours to feast upon. Rabbits, Deer, Other Wolves, Humans… they all scream the same now.
The forest doesn’t fear a mighty wolf.
They only fear you.
With no one there for you, the only words worth saying us the lies you tell yourself.
//I'm a wolf...//
The End<</if>><<if $NewCanine is false and $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>After what seemed like hours you walk onto a dirt track. You look up and notice a small building. You notice the metal gate, and the Ute with the wolf symbol on it.
You are right back where you started. Before you your mind tries to figure out a way to leave again the humans exit the building. They head towards the truck until they spot you. You watch them chatter amongst themselves before one of them heads towards you.
Dread fills you up again. One of them reaches out to pet you. No matter what thoughts run rampant in your mind, you feel your hind instinctively lower to the ground in obedience.
The End<</if>>You use all your strength to kick him off you. He lets out one final cry as he’s launched over the cliff…
You don’t hear him barking on the way down. You don’t hear a crunch at the bottom. All you hear is the sudden calm breeze whistling through the leaves. It's eerie.
You get up and stare into the bushes again. <<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>With your head held high you [[walk into the forest->Endings]].<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>With your head held low you [[walk into the forest->Endings]].<</if>>
While Shepard may no longer be with you, he was with you since the beginning of this journey. If it wasn't for him you wouldn't be in the forest. You race through the leaves, trying to outrun the past, a more vicious predator than a wolf. You relive all of those decisions as you can't help but imagine Shepard left alone in the van. You need to forget about him, but one question remains.
Was Shepard [[right|Endings][$NewCanine to false]]? Or was it all a [[lie|Endings][$NewCanine to true]]?<<set $Ute to false>>\
Hours melt into weeks as the cityscape haphazardly merges into the forest. The both of you didn't even realise it when you finally made it. It was only when you walked straight first into a chain-linked fence did you realise that the forest was on the other side. You could already smell the rice earth and lingering rain in your nostrils. It made your claws instinctively latch to the ground, aching to walk amongst the wet earth beyond the fence.
"Hey, $name, you coming?"
You look to your right to see Shepard pointing at a hole in the fence. Your tail wags as you run to the hole, <<if $shepwolf gt $shepdog>>inadvertently pushing past Shepard as you run through.<</if>><<if $shepwolf lte $shepdog>>waiting by for Shepard to go through first.<</if>> Once the both of you were inside your paws finally sink into the mud. You don't even get the chance to indulge before Shepard smirks at you.
"Want to run?"
[["Hell yeah!"->RUN]]<<set $Ute to true>>\
"We're getting into the Ute," you announce. Shepard rolls his eyes as he dashes head. Despite the head start you make it to the back of the truck before Shepard does. You effortlessly hop into the tray while the St. Benard struggles for a moment, his bent leg nearly giving out on him.
Once you both get comfortable in the tray the Ute begins to drive. You don’t know where it’ll take you, but you know that the further it drives, the harder it’ll be to hear the dogs crying in the alleyway.
You live on, hopefully [[heading to freedom->On the Road]].