Fantasy The Pack

[Crono]

More running... Tyson thought, while chasing after the larger man who'd non-surprisingly kept a faster pace than him. The difference this time was he had something to run to, it'd been more of wandering without knowing before. Now he knew where the others we're, it was different now. When Garrett stopped and inspected the ground Ty kept his wits about him, keeping an eye out as he took the moment to catch his breath and looking from left to right just to make sure he couldn't spot anyone or anything out there. The other man made a few choice words that made his stomach churn a little. The teen didn't reply verbally but rather gave Garrett a nod of his own as he watched Garrett handle his weapon uncomfortably, then once again they we're off.


With Garrett's knapsack bouncing on his back and trying to keep from tripping over anything on the ground he more or less tunnel visioned until the man in front of him stopped abruptly. Nearly barreling into him Tyson managed to halt his steps. A place to setup? Ty was catching his breath with little vapor clouds coming out of his mouth, "How do you feel about climbing trees?" He asked, pointing up at the tree above them. It could very easily give him a height advantage, "I could hang out down below and...I don't know...make sure nothing tries to get close." Shrugging his shoulders he wasn't really sure how a plan like that would work out, but if Garrett was going to be shooting he was going to draw attention no matter where he was. Which meant Tyson should stay close, right?


@Whisker

 

[Silanon]

In the end, it took the suddenly appearing healer-in-training to finish things. A tough opponent for sure, when Landon considered all the wounded wolves assembled around him. His view still fogged, he made his way to the now dead man, almost respectful examining the soldier. "They have become better", he noted, "and we were stupid enough to camp within their reach."


Hearing Nates order and Hunters objection, he agreed with the latter - he would never not be the last wolf turning around. While it was not hard to realize that Nate was not going to argue, Landons pugnaciously burning eyes made clear that he was not going to do so either.


"If you want anyone to survive, Nate, you have to go first. Noone will leave you behind, at least none of the guards. We need you leading, not staying behind. That's your role - let it to me and Nic to take the back." He looked around, as if he was missing someone. "Where is that loner anyway? He was right at your side when I left both of you. Don't tell me he got himself killed - we need everyone of the guards if we even want to have a slight chance of escaping."

 

[Tasteless]

Nate bared his fangs slightly at Landon, the fur between his shoulders quivered. "Nicolas is dead." The words were dripping with anger and came out at a growl. Nate knew the scent of the former Guard was fresh on his thick fur, and blood dripped down his right foreleg. "If someone is injured and run, carry them." He orders were directed to no one specifically now.


This war was over. "I will lead, I want both of my healers behind me, hunters and fighters next, guards in the hind. I can trust you to watch the back of our pack, Landon." He growled to the similar sized guard, before carefully pulling himself out of the cabin.


He slowly walked along the cabin's side, before coming upon his sisters corpse. Her skin was pale, her lips were blue. Her eyes were bloodshot and glazed over. He gently nuzzled her cold skin, and a shudder ravaged through his body. He slowly forces himself under his sister, carefully pulling her limp, fragile body onto his back. He wasn't going to leave her here. She deserved a proper burial.

 

[Whisker]

"How do you feel about climbing trees?"


"Personally? I'd rather not. But if it kills me some black coats ... "





The tree seemed like a good proposition. He swung the rifle over his shoulder and began preparations to make the climb. He'd gotten one foot into the tree when suddenly he stopped, freezing in place with his head tilting.


"Hey ... you hear that? It's quiet ... Maybe we should check it out first before I waste time climbing up here. "





Garrett glanced over at Ty. If the other agreed, the lanky individual would swing down and saunter carefully over in the direction of the cabin. All the while, the dark eyes would scrutinize the snow behind them to make sure they weren't be followed or leaving too many distinguishable prints. The last thing they needed was a trail leading right to their comrades at the supposed safe house. Not that it was much of a safe house anymore.





@Crono

 

[Silanon]

For a short moment, the guard seemed surprised - as if he had not expected his leader to give in that easily. But it was not on him to complain - it was the only reasonable choice, and Landon was happy that Nate agreed. A wolf like the one now walking to his sisters body was too worthy to lose him in some kind of rearguard battle. It was better for everyone when the pugnacious ones filled that gap - like himself. Although the previous fight had left its marks on him, he still felt the same urge to throw himself into another battle that accompanied him ever since his new life had begun. "I won't fail you", he promised, before bowing his animal head in respect for the killed huntress. "Carry her safe. And find us a good place to rest and lay our best to rest."


Turning around to those still in the cabin, he sent them an impatient growl. "You heard him. Those strong enough: take the wounded. Whatever happens, stay as close to Nate as you can. If you ever lose him, stay together with those around you - dont make yourself easy prey. And dont wait for us in the back - if all we can do is buy the pack time, thats what we'll do." He grumbles something, then turns back to the outside. "And hurry, since otherwise all the time on earth wont be enough to escape."


Vigilantly observing the nearby trees in the snowfall, he waits for the others to either follow the orders or gather themselves around him to fight - ready to throw himself against anything that might appear to cause harm.

 

[Xx-Katherine-xX]

Hunt was surprised at Nate's submissiveness. He had never really been known to just...give in. There always had to be a fight about something. But maybe there had been enough fighting for today. Hunt wasn't injured, but certainly wasn't able to carry anyone. Most of the injured were people a good half a foot taller than her.


Instead, Hunter began to gather what little of their supplies wasn't bloodied or damaged. She managed to salvage a few blankets and pillows, and a couple of small grocery bags with food. She was unsure of whether she should shift or not. It wouldn't allow her to carry as much, but she'd be faster. No. There was no point in shifting. Too much to do and not enough time. Plus she hated the idea of doing it in the first place. It hurt.


She took her place behind Nate, where all the Healers walked. Even if she was just training, she still counted. She patiently waited for everyone else to gather so they could get moving. There was no telling who, or what, else was coming.

 

[Shirayuri]

Rayne Black

Rayne stared at Nate carrying his sister away, she bowed her head as he carried his sister out of the cabin.She wasn't really injured as badly as everyone else so she felt like she had to do something and she knew they couldn't just leave Milly and Tate here but she knew she wouldn't be able to carry them both and she was unsure if she could manage one of them "Sam try and get Tate, I can get Milly." Carefully she picked up Milly trying not to move her too much and trying to balance the weight so she wouldn't drop her. Rayne knew that they would have to try and actually treat Milly soon but here wasn't the place. She couldn't wait to leave, too much had happened here. Awkwardly Rayne headed to the front , behind Nate where the healers seemed to be trudging through the snow she tried to carry Milly as carefully as she could. She wasn't really injured as badly as everyone else so she felt like she had to do something and she knew they couldn't just leave Milly and Tate here. She couldn't wait to get moving, the enforcers would be back soon so the sooner they got away the better but she knew everyone wasn't exactly in the best shape to go as far as they usually would be able to do. Looking at Nate she couldn't imagine what was going on inside his head, he was carrying his dead sister after all. Rayne didn't have a sibling so she could barley imagine what that must be like.


Sam Mason

Sam shot Rayne a doubtful and tried to pick up Tate, it ended up looking like a strange piggy back but that wasn't important right now. Heading to where the others seemed to be he headed to the back where the rest of the Guards were. Laying Tate down carefully Sam waited for everyone to arrive, he couldn't wait to get going. Nervously watching the trees for any sudden movement or any enforcers lurking about. The snow around the cabin had a slight red coloring a painful reminder of what had happened. Everyone seemed to be on edge and everyone seemed to have some sort of injury, Sam had gotten off quick luckily and avoided most of the fighting. He still didn't understand how they had found them, and even then how had no one seen them coming.

 

[Crono]

Tyson was a little surprised his suggestion was taken to heart, it'd seemed like a good idea to him but honestly he would've thought Garrett up in a tree wouldn't happen. Then it started to, and Ty was about to take off the knapsack and shift when Garrett paused almost immediately, and at the mention of things being quiet Tyson turned his head in the direction he assumed the cabin was. "I guess so..." He mumbled as if waiting for another loud shot to ring out.


It's quiet? But does that mean...





There hadn't been much time to think as Garrett started moving and Tyson shuffled forwards to follow after him. Tyson was trying to step where Garrett stepped, in an attempt to keep from adding to the trail, all the while keeping his senses on alert. "So, what exactly we're you doing all the way out in the forest anyways...?" He asked, more focused on his steps than words.


@Whisker

 

[Tasteless]

Nate held his sister in his arms, looking down at her for a few moments. He turned to see his pack gathering behind him slowly, and gave a soft, subtle smile toward Hunter, before turning away. He was quick, and his sister was very small, so it wasn't hard running her her. She dangled from his muscular arms like a limp doll, the blood on her was basically washed away from the snow, and her skin was extremely cold.


He pushes forward through the snow that was now reaching mid-calf on his legs. He walks quickly. He wanted to shift, yet it would be far to difficult for him to be able to carry Allie while he was shifted.


He would much rather the guards be shifted and to remain keen, just encase the Enforcers decided to follow them.


He nearly jogs out of the clearing, heading East. Towards what? Who knows. Just away from here.

 

[Whisker]

"So, what exactly were you doing all the way out in the forest anyways ...?"





"I was exploring and looking for supplies. If we are to remain in the woods, I thought it best to find my way around and familiarize myself with the place. I thought that there might come a time where my wanderings would prove more useful than me hanging around in the cabin doing nothing."


He shrugged, not ashamed to admit he'd run off in the slightest. After all, he had completed what he had meant to do. It was far too late to take it back and thus he wouldn't spend his time worrying on what might have been. Instead, he would pick up the pace until the cabin finally came into view. Garrett sighed, his features showing some relief, but then his countenance hardened into an icy mask at the smell lingering in the air.


Blood ... I smell blood ...





A low growl came from within. It didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened. In the time that he had been away, the black coats must have found their hiding place. The cabin's windows were busted out and smeared with fresh blood. The ground in front of it was littered with bodies, though none of them belonged to the pack. Swearing, Garrett slowly approached the door and looked inside. The place was empty, but totally thrashed. A battle of some kind had clearly taken place in there ...


Swallowing down his disappointment in having missed it, he looked over his shoulder towards Ty.


"The scent of the pack is still fresh. If we hurry, we might catch them. They do not seem to be traveling in form ... and the snow indicates there are injured among them."


With one last look at the place to make sure they didn't miss anything, he trudged out into the snow for another jog. He was silent for a long time as all of his senses were focused on hunting down Nate and the others. At long last, he paused from his tracking and posed a question to Ty.


"How long've you been out in the woods by yourself?"

 

[Crono]

What Garret spoke of made sense, but to do it alone? Not that Tyson had much room to talk, his own scouting had ended up with the teen becoming separated from the rest in the first place. Ty kept silent after that, feeling that it may be the smart thing to do since he wasn't sure just how close the cabin was to their location.


Tyson caught Garret's demeanor changing drastically, not fully aware of why until moments later when it hit him. Quickly bringing his hand up to his nose, he'd never get used to the smell of blood...no matter how many times it was shoved into his face or lingered in the air. His instinct at this point was to drop the pack, shift in the event a quick exit needed to be made but he steeled himself for now. And while Garrett took the direct approach to the front door Tyson moved around to the back of the cabin to check the area, peeking in a window at one point and spotting an angry Garrett looking about inside. It was uncomfortable, not knowing what exactly had happened, Tyson frowned as he completed his path and came back to the front.


Trying to make heads or tails of the numerous tracks in the snow that Garrett was speaking of, "These boot-prints..." Ty looked from the prints in the snow and back to the bodies, they matched up. "I can't tell if these are the tracks they made coming to the cabin or if they are following the pack."


Again the two set out, and continued in silence. Tyson didn't really like the quiet though he knew it was necessary to an extent, he'd been alone with no one to talk to for a while...and before they'd all escaped it was the same. The teen was watching the path ahead of them when Garrett spoke up, a smile creeping up on his face as he thought about the answer. "Depends..." Honestly he wasn't sure, it was a blur, a very long blended in blur of time. Narrowing his eyes as he stared dead ahead he finally shrugged, "A week? Two? With the government tracking you all it wasn't too hard to stay on your tails...all I had to do was follow their trails. Eventually I tried to get ahead of them, find you all before they did...try to warn you all I guess?" There was no plan really, other than running, it's not like any of them had anyone or anywhere else...only each other.


@Whisker

 

[Silanon]

Always watching for any kind of movement around them, Landon made sure to always be the one running last. With too many wounded and way too few good fighters left, it was on him to protect their back - Sam was a fearsome guard, too, but he had to carry Tate, making him rather useless in an actual fight.


In his shifted form, a slow trot was enough to keep up with the others. No matter how strong the ones carrying the wounded were, you could not expect them to break any records in terms of movement speed. Two legs moved them much slower than four would have been able to. And their wounds claimed their tribute aswell. Not only did they decelerate the pack, but from time to time it even left some bloody markings in the snow, no matter how carefully they proceeded. Landon could only hope that the falling snow was enough to cover the unmissable track - or that he was strong enough to overpower whatever followed them.


For some time, nothing suspicious happened. Running through the silent forest, the pack followed Nate at the forefront without any sign of possible troops chasing them. Then, finally, a balmy breeze from behind brought the light scent of someone or something trying to keep up with them. Humans or wolves? He honestly couldn't tell. However, it didn't matter anyway. They had left noone behind at the cabin. Whatever tracked them down, was bound to the government by oath. And that was all the red-brownish furred guard needed to know. For a short moment, he stopped, trying to see if anyone else had noted the change. Signalizing the others to just keep going, he let himself fall behind until they barely remained in line of sight, then branched off from their track, looking for a good place to hide away. Whatever tried to kill them, he was more than ready to rip it up before it got close to the rest of the pack.

 

[IzzyCakes]

“Get back into formation everyone,” the guards yelled at the ones coming off the trucks. Everyone complied with the orders they were given, forming a perfect line as they were shuffled into the warehouse to be put into the new combat gear. The government had started testing metal on the shifters. They wanted them to be stronger than the ones who escaped. The government was not too happy with the fact that the ones had found a way to escape but they were bound and determined to get them and kill them for running away.


“Aaymi! Front and center,” the head guard yelled into the warehouse. Out from formation came a girl with red hair. “Yes sir?” She kept her head down as she knew better than to look at them directly. “We have a mission for you. Please take this packet and read over it before leaving for it. Understood?” Aaymi only nodded and took the package from him before heading away from the group. If anything Aaymi was one of their most skilled trackers and they were going to use her to find the group. Once she was by herself she let out a sigh as she ripped the side off the package. It contained pictures of all the escaped shifters. Aaymi’s group that she was in, they had never seen these shifters before but now she knew what they looked like. She read the paper that had stated her mission. It was to track them down and kill them all. There were some pictures that had red x’s on them for the ones that were already killed off by the group of men that had found the pack earlier.


All the new recruits heard the gun shots and screams but none had directed their attention towards it. They all knew better than to break protocol. Since the pack that escaped everything became stricter around the newest shifters. There was no way for any of them to escape and if they tried they were shot on site. Most of the time Aaymi wasn’t with the group, she was being trained on her own for the governments newest assassin. They hadn’t experimented on her for quite a while now as she had shown such great potential they didn’t want to lose her.


Aaymi threw the packet into the roaring fire as she suited up, one heavy coat, fur boots and her sword she latched onto her side as she swung the backpack that had already been prepared for her, over her shoulders. In a swift movement she was out the door and running up the hillside to start her mission. She looked around for tracks, finding the ones that lead to the cabin. She slowed down once there finding the bloody massacred scene. Most of the bodies were the men they had sent. “Pitiful sending men to do a lupines job, they weren’t even trained fully,” she laughed slightly before walking into the cabin. There were many scents in the cabin but she made sure that she sniffed blood to get a good scent of one of the fugitives. Once she was sure that she had the right scent she bolted out of the cabin and headed towards the direction the scent carried her. Her two feet running as fast as they would carry her in the deep snow. With the wind blowing it had covered up any tracks the pack would have left for her.


One of the men had survived since he had hidden pretty well and he was already after the pack, the scent hit Aaymi’s nose. “Filthy scout…..He’ll get caught anyway. They are never silent enough,” she spoke to herself as she decided to take the long way around to find the pack. She wasn’t called the silent killer for nothing. She was a great tracker and a stealthy one at that.


---------------


Victor wasn’t familiar with the area he was in, he had run away with the pack when they left but he had gotten lost on the way not being able to keep up with the group. He had been on his own for quite some time now. The thing he had become good at was hiding when he sensed danger. Though that didn’t come around too often. One time a bunny even had scared him but he was never going to let anyone know about that.


The wind had started to pick up blowing the snow around, masking Victor from anyone that was too far away. His nose twitched as he picked up a familiar scent. It was the leader of the pack he had run off with. After searching for them for days he had finally gotten a clue. He started sprinting only to trip over his own feet. “Owww,” he screamed. Covering his mouth quickly, he knew better than to make too much noise. There were people out looking for them and Victor wanted to remain safe from harms way since he didn’t know how to protect himself too well. Upon his fall he heard a snapping sound come from his wrist. He knew that he had accidently fallen into a bear trap. Quickly he places his other hand in his mouth and bit down to muffle any other sounds that wanted to escape from his mouth. He got back up and trudged through the snow faster trying to find the pack. In a few moments he could see a few of them walking towards his direction. Slowly, he took his hand out of his mouth and tried waving them over to him, but stopped when it looked like they were all kind of in bad shape. Since that was the case he went over to them, “I finally found all of you. What happened?” He hadn’t heard anything since he had been away from the direction the wind would have carried the sound.

 

[Whisker]

“These boot prints … I cannot tell if these are the tracks they made coming to the cabin or if they’re following the pack.”


Garrett glanced down at the snow below. He hadn’t said anything in response to Ty back then, but he was paying extremely close attention to the tracks ahead. If anything, he was careful to stay directly on top of them so as not to leave any discernable prints of his own, but also to try to examine them to see if he could pick out any irregularities.





I wouldn’t be surprised if the government dogs had more in wait than just those goons at the cabin. If we’re tracking the pack, we’re just as vulnerable as they are. We’ll have to be double on the alert.


He gave the wind a cautious sniff as it came at his back. He couldn’t pick out anything specific due to the amount of moisture in the air, but he definitely had the sense that they were not alone. His lip curled but he did not stop Ty from telling his story. After all, to give themselves away was detrimental to their purpose.


“A week? Two? With the government tracking you all it wasn't too hard to stay on your tails...all I had to do was follow their trails. Eventually I tried to get ahead of them, find you all before they did...try to warn you all I guess?”


Garrett dipped his head in a slow nod. Having been gone for 4-5 days from the group, he could appreciate the gesture.


“You did well to stay ahead of them. Naturally, it’s much easier to avoid them if you are traveling alone or in a small group. The tracks fade easily as do the scents. A group also makes an unnecessary amount of noise.”





Perhaps I shall remark of this to Nate when I find him. While there is a certain amount of safety in numbers, the heat out here is getting damned ridiculous …


Case in point: their mysterious follower.


Appreciative that Nate had led the others on a path with the wind at their back, the lean figure took advantage of this to shoot Ty a gesture. It was a point up towards a small rock quarry in which they would be hidden for the moment. From there, they could work together upon setting up an ambush whether or not their new shadow decided to follow the pack or come after the two of them.


In the meantime, Garrett tried his best to look unconcerned … as if he knew nothing about what was at their back.


“I wonder how far ahead the others are …? It shouldn’t be too much longer as they’re carrying wounded.”





If it wasn’t for our friend back there, we might’ve reached’em already.


Of course, this was without knowing that help was lurking nearby.


@Cyber Wolf [mentioned] @Silanon @IzzyCakes [scout confirmed]

 

[Silanon]

It had taken him much too long to realize the most obvious thing: This was a forest, not one of those constructed training grounds in the labs, where they had fought each other - death chambers, as he had called them. You either took the conspicious cover, or the environment didnt give you any protection at all.


As it seemed, he had reached the snow-covered rocks barely in time. The scent of his pursuers was as strong as it could possibly get, at least when you took the weather situation into account - white snow flakes where still dancing through the air in a rather consistent matter, letting the wolf barely see the two shapes making their way in his direction. They seemed quite unsuspicious on the first glance, like two normal humans making their way through the wintry forest. One of them even carried an almost antiquated-looking gun,as if to show that they were no danger. But it was their scent that betrayed them. Whatever they did, shifters always carried that animalistic smell of their other form with them, easily noticed by those familiar with it. However, that was not the only thing the wind told Landon about the approaching ones. No, there was even more to get.


For the smaller, teen one he was not quite sure. His smell seemed somehow known, but not particularly familiar. Maybe one of those that hadnt made the step into freedom with the pack. The other one, however, was unmistakeable. What a coincidence, Landon thought, only hardly suppressing an angry growl, what a coincidence that he left us right in time, only to reappear moments after the first attack has not fully succeeded. He knew where we were, and when the cabin most likely was exposed for a surprise attack. The man did not even turn around from time to time, fearing any kind of attack - he knew that the government was pleased with whatever plans he had. But he forgot one important fact: The pack was watchful. And it remained strong. Whatever he planned, Landon was sure he was able to end it here and now. A weapon was only useful when you weren't bound in close-combat from the beginning. And with the surprise factor on his side, he was more than able to overpower the traitor before he could even react.


Crouching in his cover, his strained muscles ready to launch himself forward as soon as one of the two came close enough, he waited. If he noted the third, much less intrusive scent, he did not react to it - it didnt matter for the time being. You could only fight one fight at a time, and this one was going to start in only a few breaths. I should have known better, Garrett, Landon thought.So restless, so unhappy with our location, never pleased with how things went. We even gave you the supplies to make it back. The footsteps came closer. And with them, the moment of truth.

 

[Crono]

Garrett's somewhat praise was welcomed to an extent, though Tyson believed he shouldn't have gotten separated in the first place. The teen nodded at Garrett's notes about smaller groups, "Yeah, but it's lonely. Not that loneliness is new to us or anything but...there was a sense of acceptance and unity when I was around you all." Ty snorted lightly, "Being out there on your own? Well you did for nearly five days, but it was tiring. I grew paranoid at every little sound, afraid it was someone coming to take me back...or kill me, and I got hardly any sleep because of it." Grabbing onto the edges of his cap he pulled it a little lower for warmth, he realized he was starting to be a downer and shook his head. "But I caught up, kinda. That's what matters."


Ty caught Garrett's gesture, narrowing his eye's curiously before gaining some sense of understanding. The teen had to fight the urge to turn and look behind them instantly, Garrett was clearly more aware of something or someone that Tyson hadn't yet noticed...which made him uncomfortable. Sure he wasn't the sharpest, but he was usually more cautious, was being around someone and having some sense of social again making him too comfortable?


"I used to like the snow you know? But after freezing my ass off lately I'm not sure if I will anymore." He joked as they neared the rock quarry. Something set off the hairs on his arms, or more like his entire body, some instinct deep down that came with what they'd all been through. Like he was walking straight into the line of fire...his body tensed though he kept his pace up.


@Whisker @IzzyCakes @Silanon

 

[Whisker]

"Yeah, but it's lonely. Not that loneliness is new to us or anything but...there was a sense of acceptance and unity when I was around you all."


Garrett smiled. Even though his mind was on other things, he couldn't help but feel a bit of warmth towards the kid's sincerity.


"Being out there on your own? Well you did for nearly five days, but it was tiring. I grew paranoid at every little sound, afraid it was someone coming to take me back...or kill me, and I got hardly any sleep because of it. But I caught up, kinda. That's what matters."





"Or almost caught up, anyways. They shouldn't be too far ahead of us now."


But first things first, they had to take down their trailer before he got too close. With his hand coming up to touch Ty's shoulder, Garrett ushered him onward util they reached the quarry he was aiming for the whole time. It was only when they reached it that he dared to hiss instructions out of the side of his mouth while Ty continued to talk.


"Go around to the other side and help me keep look out. If I'm right, our stalker ought not to be too far behind."


But how far behind?


Deciding to take the risk, he motioned to Ty to go further up the rock face in cover while he crouched down near the entrance. He wasn't sure yet whether their stalker would try to follow them up there or if they would try to keep hunting the pack. Either way, Garrett was ready for them. His fingers undid the gun from his back and placed it off to one side as he got down as low as possible into the snow, his eyes focused on the trail below. He was perhaps a bit too focused on their pursuer that he didn't notice that neither he or Ty was alone and that neither of them was in exactly friendly company.





@Silanon @Crono

 

[Baconhands]

Laikas often enjoyed these scouting missions; they allowed him to be alone, away from the pack in his own private sanctuary. He was rarely seen, he always made sure of this, and the light snowfall only allowed his white fur to blend in more with his surroundings. He normally allowed himself to be away from the pack for up to three days as this allowed him to gather ample amounts of information without worrying the pack, this also allowed to be a bit less human.


He relished hunting and actually appreciated being in his wolf form more than his human one and rarely changed between the two. He didn't only do this out of preference but also because of the pain of shifting he always felt. The sheer thought of it made him shiver slightly despite his warmth in the winter climate. Laikas sighed; he always had to head back to them and turn back to his human form at some point and had considered running away several times. Alas, lone shifters were almost always dead shifters, the more the merrier was the phrase that sprung to mind.


He had been on his way back to the pack before he started noticing the scent of blood, a horribly familiar one at that, one of both human and canine blood. The scent surprised him at first but he shrugged it off as it was likely that two of the shifters had merely gotten into a fight with one another. With another sigh he followed the scent closely, eventually finding his way back to the pack's footprints. He would have grinned had he been in his human form and started to slow down his pace; he wasn't aware of the events that had occurred and, as was a tradition for him, he reared back his head and howled to announce his return.

 

[Tasteless]

Nate widened his eyes at the sound of the familiar howl. He set Allie's body down quickly in the snow. "Stay." He barked at the pack, before shifting into his wolf form. He hurried along the trail, before spotting Laikas. "Welcome back." He growled. He inhaled sharply, the scent of three more wolves were approaching him, including Landon who had slipped away from the back.


Nate quickly galloped up a hill, peering over, he spots Ty and Garrett slowly approaching the hill. He couldn't see Landon, or the other scent. He growls, looking toward Laikas sternly. "You're late. We lost several pack members during this mornings battle, the you failed to assist in." His growl was deep, a warning. "The pack is moving. You stay in the back of the pack to ensure we aren't being followed. Come." He leaves no room for the male to protest, before trotting back toward he had left a several of yards ahead. His pace was quick, yet elegant.


@Baconhands @Whisker @Silanon @IzzyCakes @Crono

 

[Baconhands]

The white furred wolf bowed his head humbly, staring almost blankly into the plainly coloured snow; he wasn't exactly thrilled at being submissive to Nate as his authoritative nature seemed almost proud and Laikas was never impressed by proud people. His submissive attitude was that of many years of experience with the group, the best way to avoid conflict was to be submissive and humble at least in Laikas' experience.


The alpha had welcomed him back but his attitude and tone had quickly changed, one that seemed almost scolding to the white-furred scout, "You're late. We lost several pack members during this mornings battle, the you failed to assist in." Laikas' ear twitched at this; that would explain the coppery stench of blood. He raised his head slightly but when Nate growled at him Laikas lowered it again quickly, "The pack is moving. You stay in the back of the pack to ensure we aren't being followed. Come."


Laikas replied quickly, "As you say, Nate. Shall I submit my information to somebody else or would you prefer to hear it later?" He raised his head and started padding quickly after his alpha, eventually walking alongside him with his head tilted slightly, "I would have brought some food back with me but I had to abandon my bag about two days into my mission." Laikas sighed, his scouting mission had actually been a disaster but the white-furred wolf normally had a way of smoothing over bad news. This time he was merely waiting for his alpha's response.


It suddenly hit him he would be at the back of the pack, making sure they weren't being followed. He would have smiled broadly; this would allow him to distance himself slightly with a valid reason to do so.


@Cyber Wolf (Last post from me it's 1am here)

 

[IzzyCakes]

Aaymi stopped dead in her tracks, sensing more shifters though not the one she had been sniffing out. Quickly she took off her bag and slung it up in the tree. In another swift movement she lunged forward shifting and sprinting off to attack the nearest one, which so happened to be Nate.


She didn't waste time, tackling him into the snow as she tried to bite down on his neck. She wasn't very big but she was quite strong. She couldn't get a good grip on his neck with her teeth though. Using her paws to try and hold him down while she tried her best to rip into his neck.


-------


Victor stayed with the group just as the leader told them but he could see everything clearly from where he was on the hill. Some wolf had just side lined their leader. Victor took a few steps forward and thought about going after to help Nate but he thought about it some more deciding it wouldn't be a good idea as he was more of a healer than a fighter.


"Where is Landon? He should be down there helping him!" Victor couldn't stay back anymore he raced down the side of the hill and closer to Nate and the female shifter.

 

[Tasteless]

Nate was shocked as he was forced to the ground, he winced as he felt the injury on his stomach begin to tear open again. "Get off me, mongrel!" He barks, kicking her lower stomach with his hindlegs, forcing her off a bit, before he lunges forward, sinking his fangs into the side of her neck. He felt her blood gush into his mouth, thick, and foul. He had quite a bit of experience and size on the female.


He tosses her aside violently, feeling his teeth tear through her flesh. He wasn't leader for no reason, he was a skilled fighter. He lunges for her again, shoving her away from his pack with his mighty head.


@IzzyCakes

 

[IzzyCakes]

Aaymi doesn't howl in pain even though she hurts. The government trained her to block out all of that. She quickly throws Nate off of her. Standing on all four of her legs as she snarls at him. "You thought you could escape?"





"Nate don't kill her. She could be of use to us," Victor yells to him as he thought quickly of where this new shifter could have come from. His only thought was the government had sent her after the pack.





With the biggest force possible, Aaymi lunged at him again this time grabbing his throat and biting down until she could feel the warm, red liquid flow into her jaw. She once again tried to pin him down but nothing, not even the government could have helped her train for a leader who wanted to keep his pack safe but it was either come home with all their heads or die trying.





Victor tried to inch closer but didn't want to get into the fight as he had no skills for that and he has just hurt his hand not even a few hours ago. He needed someone to help heal him as he wasn't able to do it himself.

 

[Tasteless]

Nate shakes himself savagely until the shewolf releases him. He could feel his hot, sticky blood matting at his dark his fur. We did escape. Yet you're nothing but a tool. He growls. He gets onto his hind paws, towering over the smaller female. He gives her two mighty smacks with his huge paws, a dazing move he taught himself long ago. He then kicks off with his hind paws, forcing his frontal paws to slam into her chest in a powerful shove. He slams his head against hers, forcing her muzzle upward to reveal her tender throat.

Quickly, he sinks his fangs into her throat. Using all his 180lbs to force her down into the snow on her back. He holds her there, tightening his jaw on her tender flesh slowly, feeling her esophagus strain in his grip. You shouldn't attack your own kind. It's rude. Yet I could expect such from one who knows nothing of her kind. He could crush her throat with ease, yet he doesn't. He simply lays on her, nearly crushing her smaller frame under his weight, his jaws still closed around her throat.

Then, he gets off of her and throws her again. Watching her land in the snow in front of him a yard or so. He glares toward Victor and growls deeply. We don't need a government puppy in our pack, victor. He growls, showing his teeth slightly at his subordinate. Defending her wouldn't be the smartest thing. Back off. He looks back toward Aaymi. He slowly walks toward her, his head below his shoulders, his fur quivering with hatred. He licks his muzzle, tasting her tangy blood. He bares his fangs, getting closer and closer, slowly. He was going to go in for the kill.

 

[IzzyCakes]

Victor growled at being disregarded so easily, "you think that I would defend someone like her? I see we are missing a few of our pack. I feel the pain but you are letting your emotions get the better of you. We can get information out of her! I don't want her in our pack just for information." Victor couldn't remain quiet any longer it was hard enough losing people but he had seen the trucks driving before and what was inside them was nothing they had ever seen before.


------


Aaymi didn't show fear as the bigger wolf towered over her. Her eyes were pretty much blank and distant. "Go ahead kill me. It's either you do it or they will if I return without your heads," she glanced past the bigger wolf and looked at Victor, "if you think for once second I'd spill anything you are wrong you mutt!" She spat at the bigger wolf now as she tried to get up but collapsed, she was sure she had broken quite a few bones.


All she did now was look up at Nate, no pleading in her expressions. "Do it or are you a coward? Hmm going to let your guy over there tell you what to do?" She was now taunting him, laughing a little as she just laid her head back in the snow, the blood from her neck wounds flowed into the pure white snow turning it a deep red color.