Post by Lydair on Oct 10, 2005 18:21:00 GMT -5
Just a little something I'm starting- please comment/criticize, I can use it!
A soft, sharp, shrill howl pierced through the dead of the night. A she-wolf, small and gray, stumbled forward erratically to collapse at the boundary of Tuari packlands. She convulsed as coughs seized her frail form, and as her lungs emptied she gasped for breath, yet was unable to do so. The wolf’s eyes rolled wildly as she wheezed in an effort to breathe; foam and blood were caked around her trembling mouth as she panted, swallowed, and resumed her fitful coughing. Pale red saliva dribbled from her mouth as a squeal was pitched from her throat. Sliding her lids over bloodshot eyes, she blinked repeatedly as hazy colors began spotting her vision.
The young warrior’s breath came in short pants; leaves and grasses rustled around him as he flew through the forest. Glancing left he could just see the rusty form of his mentor, Torstan. The young wolf yipped as he ran, branches and dirt skittering up behind him.
“Saeth!” Torstan’s commanding bark stopped the younger warrior in his tracks. His mentor’s voice was strung with concern and importance. Saeth turned and cantered towards Torstan.
“What is it?” he asked, slowing his pace as a small river came into view. They were at the edge of the Tuari packlands; the two wolves had been sent to check their pack’s borders. The threat of a dark pack called Zohar was steadily growing; their Alpha, Braun, could never be too careful.
“Get Braun.” Came Torstan’s strained words. Saeth frowned as he heard them; rarely was Torstan gravely concerned. But as Saeth stepped beside Torstan, his own heart plummeted in his chest: there lay a dying she-wolf, mortally wounded. Her scent was of Braeden; a neighboring pack governed by an Alpha named Warrik.
“Zohar.” The injured female managed to whisper before her body was racked with bouts of coughs. Blood and dirt caked her gray coat, long gashes exposed muscle and bone continuously over her body. The female’s mouth was crusted with foam. Saeth retched and turned away.
“Get Braun!” Torstan snapped harshly, nipping Saeth’s flank. Saeth nodded and sprinted away; the sound of Torstan comforting the dying wolf slowly fading.
A large male’s ears swiveled and the wolf whirled as Saeth crashed through the bracken. The Alpha's eyes darted over Saeth before he turned to talk to the panting youngling.
Dipping his head quickly in respect for the Alpha- Braun- Saeth’s jaws opened and a string of words tumbled out, laced with terror.
“Braden…”gasped Saeth, backing away a step.
“What about Braeden?” Braun demanded, quickly whirling around. His head jerked; a smaller form of Braun- his eyes a jarring blue- trotted quickly to Braun’s side, head cocked.
“A she-wolf…” Braun lifted his head and breathed deeply, “She’s injured badly. Zohar…” the young wolf’s eyes were wide and afraid. Braun clenched his jaw and started forward.
“Bring me to them.” He commanded. Saeth, legs trembling, nodded and started forward. Braun called over his shoulder, “Kaori! Tiergan! Diallo! Come with me.” A petite white female bounded after her Alpha; Kaori was young with a fiery pride and a sharp tongue. Tiergan, a colossal white male with a deep, monotone voice followed quickly behind her, each step thundering the earth with his extreme size. Diallo, a slightly smaller version of his brother-except his odd coloring- with stunning cerulean eyes, scrambled to catch up. Braun and Diallo were littermates, brothers, and Diallo had always looked up to his brother, following him with loyalty since the beginning.
As the four wolves raced after their young guide, a sense of foreboding fear hung in the air. The Tuari forest was eerily silent.
Kaori flattened her ears with worry and glanced up at Tiergan. The two were close friends; they understood each other’s deepest secrets and fears. Braun, Diallo, and Torstan were crouched over the female, who they’d learned was named Devika, a pupsitter from Braeden. The light was beginning to fade from her eyes. Her nose, cracked and dry but soaked in blood, flared uselessly as little air flowed into her lungs as she flailed. Saeth paced near the tree line; he was an anxious puppy who didn’t like the scent of a dying wolf. Kaori turned to him.
“You may return home.” A simple smile, one of insistent understanding, brought a glimmer of unspoken appreciation to the young wolf’s eyes. Saeth nodded, dipping his head in respect for the beta female, and disappeared into the bracken. Kaori turned back to Braun, Diallo, and Torstan. Braun slowly sat up, and was silent as he turned. His eyes were dark, and a spark of anger shone in them.
“Tiergan and Diallo, fetch our warriors- we’re going to Braeden.” Kaori glanced between her Alpha and Tiergan before standing and making her way slowly to the dying she-wolf. Diallo and Tiergan, behind her, began the hasty retreat to the Tuari den-camp. Torstan sat near the Braeden wolf; Braun brooded near the tree line.
“Zohar…they…they killed so many…the pups…” Devika coughed, as the strangled words were caught by Kaori and Torstan.
“It’s alright,” Kaori whispered into Devika’s ear. “You got to us in time. We’re going there, to help your pack fight. You did wonderful- you saved Braeden. Braeden will never forget you, and will honor your name until the end of time.” A large tear slipped from the dying wolf’s eye. It streaked down her cheek, dragging the blood and grime with it. Suddenly, her body convulsed and Kaori leapt to her feet and backed away; Devika shook violently as bubbles of transparent crimson formed in the corners of her mouth and her eyes grew wide with absolute terror. Her mouth opened as she gasped for air; a futile act, for the breath she craved would never come. She slumped back against the soft bank of the river and Devika’s eyes rolled into her head.
“She joins the spirits.” Braun’s deep voice spoke from behind Kaori. The young white female’s nostrils flared with fury and she whirled to face Braun. Her eyes burned with unspoken agreement: They would save Braeden.
Nine Tuari warriors sped across their lands, galloping over the rough ground; the stench of blood still clung to them as they flew to their allied pack’s aid. Braun took the lead, his long and powerful strides swallowing the ground as he led is pack nearer to Braeden by the second. Diallo and Tiergan flanked their Alpha, just a step behind him their large frames cleared the way for the rest of the Tuari warriors. Kaori and another female warrior, a seasoned adult named Bandelle, followed by Torstan and three other strong warriors, ran steadily after them. Left in the den-camp were few adults and several puppies.
The stench of death, wafting on the breeze that rustled throughout SilverMoon, slammed into the wolf’s senses and sent Bandelle retching. Braun’s eyes were pools of anger as they plunged forward; a screaming howl seared through Braeden packlands as the nine warriors and Alpha sprang forwards. Tufts of fur littered the ground; the earth was slippery with fresh blood. Everywhere wolves were locked into battle; yelps of pain and fury burned throughout the den camp.
Nearest to a large den, a large gray Alpha tumbled with a Zohar warrior. Snarling viciously, blood dripped from the Alpha’s muzzle as he ripped forcefully into the warrior’s throat; the black male fell to the ground as blood spurted from his punctured vein.
A deafening snarl sounded as Braun launched himself at a dark wolf. The rest of the Tuari wolves took action and flung themselves at Zoharnian warriors. Braun wrestled the Zohar beast to the ground and clawed at it’s belly, the wolf yelped and twisted away from the Alpha. Braun was not deterred, however, and shoved off the ground, rocketing himself into the opposing canine. The darker wolf yelped again and snarled with anger; biting at Braun’s thick scruff repeatedly. Braun shrugged off the pain of the wounds and dove to bite the wolf’s throat. A startled wail sliced through the air as the dark wolf’s life ended at Braun’s jaws. Braun stood and shook, the pain off the wounds still in his scruff still stung- but true to the warrior he was he searched for another enemy.
A jet black Zohar fae stepped silently towards Kaori; a snarl was splayed on her jaws; her fangs glinted in the sunlight. Padding softly towards the young white female, her golden orbs burned with a horrid malice. From the stonewalls that rose against Braeden territory, Bandelle saw the black Zohar female approach Kaori and snarled a warning as she sprinted towards the beta female of Tuari. Howling in fury, the Zohar warrior reared up on her hind legs.
Kaori and Bandelle wheeled as one and leapt towards the female; Bandelle flew upwards, colliding with the she-wolf’s stomach; Kaori launched herself towards the warriors face. The warrior dropped to the ground and backed away before she slowly began circling Bandelle and Kaori.
“What’s this?” the Zoharnian fae sneered. “Two Tuari warriors, come to dinner.”
“Where’s Vought, femme?” Kaori taunted. “Too good to fight with you?” Bandelle growled and flung herself at the Zoharnian warrior; her fangs sank into the fae’s throat; blood oozed from the wound, slowly at first, until a river of the liquid began seeping quickly over the ground. Nodding to each other, the two fae’s glared around them, taking in the bloody battle scene.
A fierce snarl and bark hovered in the air as Diallo and Braun moved together as one unit; the three warriors that fought them were sly and quick; their attacks were simple and smooth as a paw was lashed out to collide with Diallo’s face. Braun snarled and leapt forward; his jaws clamped down on the black warrior’s outspread paw and he bit down. A sickening crunch whipped the air and the warrior cried out, jerking himself backwards. Braun’s eyes narrowed and he tugged backwards, biting down harder.
From the side, another Zohar warrior leapt atop of the large Alpha, raking Braun’s back with his claws. He leaned in close to Braun’s ear and hissed softly, “My name is Chogan.” He spat. “And you have my brother’s paw in your mouth.” Braun smirked and dropped the foot from his mouth. Chogan loosened his grip and Braun sneered with a vicious glee; he whirled around, flinging the warrior from his back. As Chogan flew into the air, Diallo snarled and collided with him into a tree.
Diallo’s shoulder was thrust into the warrior’s chest, and Chogan coughed. Blood sprayed onto Diallo’s face and a look of disgust crossed his features. Sliding down, Diallo watched, expressionless, as the wolf slumped to ground. Whirling around, Diallo watched, a wry grin on his face, as Braun snapped at the two warriors. Snarling one last time, the two limped from Braeden. Braun craned his head to inspect the burning wounds on his back, wincing.
Kaori caught sight of Tiergan: two wolves had cornered him. Neither came close to the white warrior’s massive size, but in a team the wolves could take down nearly any prey. Tiergan snarled and lashed at the wolf on his right, giving the left wolf a chance to leap onto his shoulder and bite down hard. Tiergan reared in pain and swung his head around to clamp down on the wolf’s ribs. The free wolf launched his own attack, clawing and snapping at Tiergan exposed side.
Kaori’s eyes grew wide with horror at the thought of Tiergan being defeated; he was like a brother to her. With a frightening snarl she flew at the attacking wolf and barreled him away from Tiergan. The massive white wolf barked his thanks to the femme and quickly disposed of the remaining attacker- swiftly biting his head and shaking hard; the sickening cracking of bones seethed through the air.
All around the Braeden den camp, Zoharnian warriors were breaking away from fights. Dominating snarls filled the air as the Zohar wolves fled from the clearing; Warrik, the Braeden Alpha, chased after the last and snapped at his side before veering around and trotted wearily to Braun.
“Braun.” He nodded, dipping his head in thanks to the Tuari Alpha.
“Warrik.” Braun smiled grimly and lowered his voice. “Devika has left your pack…she runs with Tsar and Suki.” Warrik’s face fell, and he nodded. From the crowd of Braeden wolves, a young puppy cried out, and murmurs of comfort filled the air as pupsitters and motherly warriors stood to console to whimpering pup.
“Her mate died not two moons ago.” Warrik explained. “Inari- her only pup and offspring- will be looked after by our pack. We will come for Devika’s body when Suki governs the sky.” Braun nodded in reply and turned as the other Tuari wolves lingered near him. Braun counted each one and flattened his ears.
“Where are Rakuan and Omri?” he asked, voice strong and flat. To those who didn’t know him, it would seem that Braun had little concern for his own warriors, but Kaori, Diallo, and Tiergan could hear the pain in his voice. The only reply to his query was a sad shake of Diallo’s head. Braun hung his head in sadness.
”I am sorry.” Warrik said as he stepped up beside the Alpha. Braun nodded but stopped short as a cry, a squealing howl, thundered through the air.
Kaori’s eyes widened and she howled her own answer; it echoed on the wind, full of hope for the terrorized wolves- help was coming.
“Braun! Tuari is being-”
“Invaded!” Tiergan finished, whipping around. Braun’ blazing gaze swept over his remaining wolves and together they turned to leave Braeden to protect their home. Warrik stepped up quickly beside Braun, eyes filled with a new strength. “We will aid you, friends.” He commanded loudly. Four of Braeden’s strongest warriors stepped forward from the horde of Braeden wolves. Braun nodded and hurdled forward; his remaining six warriors, along with Warrik and his four, started forward quickly.
Torstan’s voice let go of the note he was holding and he turned around to face the black warrior who had threatened him. The warrior grinned maliciously and leapt forward, bracing his paws on Torstan’s shoulders.
“My name is Thor.” He said coldly, snapping at Torstan’s face as the smaller Tuari wolf shied away.
“Do all members of your pack make it a custom to tell your opponents their names?” Torstan spat, looking around anxiously.
From the shadows, a single pair of eyes, flaming an anomalous orange, met Torstan. Panic, fear, gripped the wolf and he stood still; his gaze could not be torn away. A hideous grin flashed from the shadows and the orange orbs blinked, relieving Torstan of their gaze. Yelping as reality hit him, he gingerly shook his head. Suddenly, Thor’s voice filled his ears and a paw crashed into his muzzle. Torstan dropped to the ground, stunned.
“It is always horrid to know the name of the wolf that kills you.” Thor sneered. He spread his jaws wide, readying to slam down on Torstan’s skull.
From the bracken and the trees, Braun, Diallo, and Kaori trumpeted a warning. The band of wolves pounded forward; each wolf collided with another, slipping and fighting to gain ground as the ground began seeping with blood.
Tiergan howled in resentment and barreled into Thor’s side; the wolf’s blow was knocked away and Tiergan stood beside Torstan.
“Touch him again,” the white giant seethed, “And I’ll kill you.”
“What’s this? You can’t even take care of your own pack?” A huge, scarred brown wolf leered at the terrified Saeth. Saeth trembled as the warrior leaned closer. The young wolf’s brown eyes widened in absolute fear; he turned to retreat into the caves, to protect the puppies, but a jarring impact stopped him. Rolling over to his right, Saeth yelped in pain as the large brown warrior towered over him, an evil smile splayed across it’s scarred face.
“You should know,” he hissed, “That I am Xpier, and I am the wolf who sends you to your death.” Xpier laughed as Saeth froze with fear. The Zoharnian warrior crouched and fastened his jaws around Saeth’s throat. The young dog, just a year, snarled as instinct kicked in, and clawed at the belly of his opponent. Xpier growled, and closed his jaws further; the pressure cut off Saeth’s air supply and slowly his vision became blotchy, and everything began to swim before his eyes. Never did he stop, though, his feet continued to pummel Xpier’s belly with all the force he could muster. Finally the Zohar wolf snarled and rolled away from the Tuari pup.
Braun ran forward. Kaori, seeing his quarry, snarled and flanked him. The two wolves stood to face a black Alpha, blacker than the night itself.
“Vought.”
“Braun, Kaori. How nice of you to join us.” Vought cackled. “Come to watch your pack fall?”
“You’ll never take Tuari.” Kaori seethed, enraged. Braun tensed and pressed against her- better to fight instead of retorting rebuttals. Kaori shot him a glare before her gaze darted back to Vought.
Without answering, Vought hurdled forward and struck Braun, knocking him to the ground. Kaori howled a command; Diallo disengaged from a tan, battle-scarred warrior; Tiergan dropped the wolf that now lay dead.
Kaori bit into Vought’s hip; the powerful alpha kicked her and sent her reeling backwards. From all sides the warriors came to the Alpha’s aid, brought by the strong-willed fae’s call. Tiergan snarled in annoyance and dug his fangs into the Zoharnian Alpha’s neck; he flung Vought away like a puppy would do with a useless stick. Diallo, blue orbs pools of outrage for his brother, tackled Vought. Warrik, finishing his own fight slid along the ground, slippery with blood, before crashing into Vought and trying his hardest to avoid ramming Diallo off the black Alpha’s back.
Two Zohar fae’s scrambled to help their own Alpha, but fear shone in their eyes. Tiergan, tail lashing in annoyance, leapt to block their path as he squared mammoth paws and dropped his head to stare threateningly at the two faes.
“You don’t belong in this fight. Go back to your packlands.” The larger, a black warrior called Themba, snarled and leapt forward. Her smaller counter-part hesitantly whipped around Tiergan; his teeth were on her in a second. She screamed in pain and snapped at him; her jaws sank deep into his shoulder. From the side, a tawny warrior nearly as large as Tiergan- Xpier- leapt from the wounded Saeth; he submerged dagger-like fangs into Tiergan’s hip. The white giant roared in pain and bucked; both Zoharnians fell to the ground. Themba snarled and began circling Tiergan. A smirk graced the white giant’s muzzle but he winced, doing his best to ignore the burning pain that now echoed from his shoulder to his hip.
Kaori, Warrik, Diallo, and Braun had cornered the fearless Zohar alpha. Looking up, the black wolf snarled at Braun before leaping over their heads. Diallo ducked; Braun reared; his paws lashed out and left deep gouges in the Alpha’s belly. Blood dripped onto the Tuari wolves’ head.
Blood trickled from a gaping wound in Braun’s shoulder before it began coming faster. Diallo stepped in front of Braun, warning any other wolf to dare attack him. Kaori leapt in to fight a warrior; in a short second she was on top of the wolf. Staring down at the wolf’s face, she hesitated before snapping her jaws down on the wolf’s throat. Flailing sadistically, the wolf let out a strangled snarl. Powerful hind legs, claws sharpened to a fine point, scoured Kaori’s side. The wolf twisted awkwardly before falling still and silent. The white female trembled; where had she seen that face before? Memories, long forgotten, now flooded into her mind. Information brought tears to her eyes and she looked up at Tiergan. Themba’s wail sliced through the air as her life ended in Tiergan’s jaws. The white male stopped and looked down at Kaori’s kill, shocked. He opened his mouth to speak, but Kaori shook her head and turned, limping away from her exasperated friend.
Bandelle struggled to ward off a much larger, striped brown male. The brown male’s eyes flashed with malice.
“ ‘Tis a pity I have to end such a beautiful wolf’s life,” he cackled as he snapped at the dark gray female’s face. Bandelle dodged the brown wolf’s attack and launched her own; bearing down on the opposing animal’s shoulder she sunk her teeth deep into his fur and skin The wolf gave a howl of pain and flung Bandelle off his side. Cantering towards her, the brown wolf pinned Bandelle to the ground, giant paws resting on her shoulders. The smaller female snarled and snapped, but was promptly shoved back to the earth.
“The wolf that kills you is called Eytan.” He hissed. Eytan’s breath, foul and acrid, caused Bandelle to cough as the sickening scent entered her nostrils. As Eytan aimed for her tender throat Bandelle thought fast; tucking her rear legs tight to her body she hastily kicked upwards with all her might. Her back feet caught Eytan’s supple underside. Eytan grunted and fell to the side, giving Bandelle the chance she needed. The female leapt to stand over the wolf and bit down hard on his exposed throat; he yipped with startled fear and fell to death at Bandelle’s powerful fangs.
From the sudden silence a profound voice called out; deep and foreboding, a terrifying, bone-chilling howl; it sounded like death itself. Vought and his warriors broke from their fights and faded into the cloak of the shadows after the mysterious black giant who had held Torstan’s gaze so amazingly steady. A single wolf- battle-scarred- looked to Kaori with a scowl of disgust. Kaori’s eyes locked with his and she snarled a warning, swinging a paw at him, but her gaze was drawn to his left eye- where a whole orb should have been, a mass of scar tissue filled the hole.
From above them, a voice rang out. The Tuari and Braeden pack wolves looked about; Braun and Diallo’s eyes darted about wildly.
“I. Owe. You.” The voice was clear in Kaori’s mind, in the mind of each wolf. Tiergan let out a snarl- it seemed to hang on the air for longer than usual. A wolf appeared at the edge of a crevasse that overlooked the Tuari den camp. A lethal sneer splayed on the wolf’s features; his eyes burned with malice as they bore into Tiergan’s own features. The massive he-wolf held the burning gaze; dropping his head between his forelegs he squared his body at the lone wolf’s angle.
“Imagine a leader who fought his own battles.” Tiergan spat, narrowing his gaze. “Wouldn’t that be a sight.” Great booming, demonic laughter thundered throughout the den camp as the hellish, scarred black wolf, blacker than the night without stars or a moon, orange eyes flaming, as if those eyes could steal their souls with such a mere glance- reared up on powerful hind legs.
Deep clouds, as deep as the wolf’s demeaning laughter, began rolling across the sky and blocking what sunlight still streamed through the shadows. Cavernous thunder roared against the black wolf’s horrific laughter. The loner brought his legs down sharply on the ground. As he did, the sky blackened; the wolves of Tuari and Braeden were left in the seclusion of an unearthly cloak of darkness.
A cackle rose on the air and it grew in power, in tone; brought by the heat of the air it grew until it cracked, seemingly splitting into tiny pieces as a single, jagged strip of lightening forked through the night. Braun and Diallo surged forward, bracing their paws on the rock side and looked up- the black loner had vanished.
A soft, sharp, shrill howl pierced through the dead of the night. A she-wolf, small and gray, stumbled forward erratically to collapse at the boundary of Tuari packlands. She convulsed as coughs seized her frail form, and as her lungs emptied she gasped for breath, yet was unable to do so. The wolf’s eyes rolled wildly as she wheezed in an effort to breathe; foam and blood were caked around her trembling mouth as she panted, swallowed, and resumed her fitful coughing. Pale red saliva dribbled from her mouth as a squeal was pitched from her throat. Sliding her lids over bloodshot eyes, she blinked repeatedly as hazy colors began spotting her vision.
The young warrior’s breath came in short pants; leaves and grasses rustled around him as he flew through the forest. Glancing left he could just see the rusty form of his mentor, Torstan. The young wolf yipped as he ran, branches and dirt skittering up behind him.
“Saeth!” Torstan’s commanding bark stopped the younger warrior in his tracks. His mentor’s voice was strung with concern and importance. Saeth turned and cantered towards Torstan.
“What is it?” he asked, slowing his pace as a small river came into view. They were at the edge of the Tuari packlands; the two wolves had been sent to check their pack’s borders. The threat of a dark pack called Zohar was steadily growing; their Alpha, Braun, could never be too careful.
“Get Braun.” Came Torstan’s strained words. Saeth frowned as he heard them; rarely was Torstan gravely concerned. But as Saeth stepped beside Torstan, his own heart plummeted in his chest: there lay a dying she-wolf, mortally wounded. Her scent was of Braeden; a neighboring pack governed by an Alpha named Warrik.
“Zohar.” The injured female managed to whisper before her body was racked with bouts of coughs. Blood and dirt caked her gray coat, long gashes exposed muscle and bone continuously over her body. The female’s mouth was crusted with foam. Saeth retched and turned away.
“Get Braun!” Torstan snapped harshly, nipping Saeth’s flank. Saeth nodded and sprinted away; the sound of Torstan comforting the dying wolf slowly fading.
A large male’s ears swiveled and the wolf whirled as Saeth crashed through the bracken. The Alpha's eyes darted over Saeth before he turned to talk to the panting youngling.
Dipping his head quickly in respect for the Alpha- Braun- Saeth’s jaws opened and a string of words tumbled out, laced with terror.
“Braden…”gasped Saeth, backing away a step.
“What about Braeden?” Braun demanded, quickly whirling around. His head jerked; a smaller form of Braun- his eyes a jarring blue- trotted quickly to Braun’s side, head cocked.
“A she-wolf…” Braun lifted his head and breathed deeply, “She’s injured badly. Zohar…” the young wolf’s eyes were wide and afraid. Braun clenched his jaw and started forward.
“Bring me to them.” He commanded. Saeth, legs trembling, nodded and started forward. Braun called over his shoulder, “Kaori! Tiergan! Diallo! Come with me.” A petite white female bounded after her Alpha; Kaori was young with a fiery pride and a sharp tongue. Tiergan, a colossal white male with a deep, monotone voice followed quickly behind her, each step thundering the earth with his extreme size. Diallo, a slightly smaller version of his brother-except his odd coloring- with stunning cerulean eyes, scrambled to catch up. Braun and Diallo were littermates, brothers, and Diallo had always looked up to his brother, following him with loyalty since the beginning.
As the four wolves raced after their young guide, a sense of foreboding fear hung in the air. The Tuari forest was eerily silent.
Kaori flattened her ears with worry and glanced up at Tiergan. The two were close friends; they understood each other’s deepest secrets and fears. Braun, Diallo, and Torstan were crouched over the female, who they’d learned was named Devika, a pupsitter from Braeden. The light was beginning to fade from her eyes. Her nose, cracked and dry but soaked in blood, flared uselessly as little air flowed into her lungs as she flailed. Saeth paced near the tree line; he was an anxious puppy who didn’t like the scent of a dying wolf. Kaori turned to him.
“You may return home.” A simple smile, one of insistent understanding, brought a glimmer of unspoken appreciation to the young wolf’s eyes. Saeth nodded, dipping his head in respect for the beta female, and disappeared into the bracken. Kaori turned back to Braun, Diallo, and Torstan. Braun slowly sat up, and was silent as he turned. His eyes were dark, and a spark of anger shone in them.
“Tiergan and Diallo, fetch our warriors- we’re going to Braeden.” Kaori glanced between her Alpha and Tiergan before standing and making her way slowly to the dying she-wolf. Diallo and Tiergan, behind her, began the hasty retreat to the Tuari den-camp. Torstan sat near the Braeden wolf; Braun brooded near the tree line.
“Zohar…they…they killed so many…the pups…” Devika coughed, as the strangled words were caught by Kaori and Torstan.
“It’s alright,” Kaori whispered into Devika’s ear. “You got to us in time. We’re going there, to help your pack fight. You did wonderful- you saved Braeden. Braeden will never forget you, and will honor your name until the end of time.” A large tear slipped from the dying wolf’s eye. It streaked down her cheek, dragging the blood and grime with it. Suddenly, her body convulsed and Kaori leapt to her feet and backed away; Devika shook violently as bubbles of transparent crimson formed in the corners of her mouth and her eyes grew wide with absolute terror. Her mouth opened as she gasped for air; a futile act, for the breath she craved would never come. She slumped back against the soft bank of the river and Devika’s eyes rolled into her head.
“She joins the spirits.” Braun’s deep voice spoke from behind Kaori. The young white female’s nostrils flared with fury and she whirled to face Braun. Her eyes burned with unspoken agreement: They would save Braeden.
Nine Tuari warriors sped across their lands, galloping over the rough ground; the stench of blood still clung to them as they flew to their allied pack’s aid. Braun took the lead, his long and powerful strides swallowing the ground as he led is pack nearer to Braeden by the second. Diallo and Tiergan flanked their Alpha, just a step behind him their large frames cleared the way for the rest of the Tuari warriors. Kaori and another female warrior, a seasoned adult named Bandelle, followed by Torstan and three other strong warriors, ran steadily after them. Left in the den-camp were few adults and several puppies.
The stench of death, wafting on the breeze that rustled throughout SilverMoon, slammed into the wolf’s senses and sent Bandelle retching. Braun’s eyes were pools of anger as they plunged forward; a screaming howl seared through Braeden packlands as the nine warriors and Alpha sprang forwards. Tufts of fur littered the ground; the earth was slippery with fresh blood. Everywhere wolves were locked into battle; yelps of pain and fury burned throughout the den camp.
Nearest to a large den, a large gray Alpha tumbled with a Zohar warrior. Snarling viciously, blood dripped from the Alpha’s muzzle as he ripped forcefully into the warrior’s throat; the black male fell to the ground as blood spurted from his punctured vein.
A deafening snarl sounded as Braun launched himself at a dark wolf. The rest of the Tuari wolves took action and flung themselves at Zoharnian warriors. Braun wrestled the Zohar beast to the ground and clawed at it’s belly, the wolf yelped and twisted away from the Alpha. Braun was not deterred, however, and shoved off the ground, rocketing himself into the opposing canine. The darker wolf yelped again and snarled with anger; biting at Braun’s thick scruff repeatedly. Braun shrugged off the pain of the wounds and dove to bite the wolf’s throat. A startled wail sliced through the air as the dark wolf’s life ended at Braun’s jaws. Braun stood and shook, the pain off the wounds still in his scruff still stung- but true to the warrior he was he searched for another enemy.
A jet black Zohar fae stepped silently towards Kaori; a snarl was splayed on her jaws; her fangs glinted in the sunlight. Padding softly towards the young white female, her golden orbs burned with a horrid malice. From the stonewalls that rose against Braeden territory, Bandelle saw the black Zohar female approach Kaori and snarled a warning as she sprinted towards the beta female of Tuari. Howling in fury, the Zohar warrior reared up on her hind legs.
Kaori and Bandelle wheeled as one and leapt towards the female; Bandelle flew upwards, colliding with the she-wolf’s stomach; Kaori launched herself towards the warriors face. The warrior dropped to the ground and backed away before she slowly began circling Bandelle and Kaori.
“What’s this?” the Zoharnian fae sneered. “Two Tuari warriors, come to dinner.”
“Where’s Vought, femme?” Kaori taunted. “Too good to fight with you?” Bandelle growled and flung herself at the Zoharnian warrior; her fangs sank into the fae’s throat; blood oozed from the wound, slowly at first, until a river of the liquid began seeping quickly over the ground. Nodding to each other, the two fae’s glared around them, taking in the bloody battle scene.
A fierce snarl and bark hovered in the air as Diallo and Braun moved together as one unit; the three warriors that fought them were sly and quick; their attacks were simple and smooth as a paw was lashed out to collide with Diallo’s face. Braun snarled and leapt forward; his jaws clamped down on the black warrior’s outspread paw and he bit down. A sickening crunch whipped the air and the warrior cried out, jerking himself backwards. Braun’s eyes narrowed and he tugged backwards, biting down harder.
From the side, another Zohar warrior leapt atop of the large Alpha, raking Braun’s back with his claws. He leaned in close to Braun’s ear and hissed softly, “My name is Chogan.” He spat. “And you have my brother’s paw in your mouth.” Braun smirked and dropped the foot from his mouth. Chogan loosened his grip and Braun sneered with a vicious glee; he whirled around, flinging the warrior from his back. As Chogan flew into the air, Diallo snarled and collided with him into a tree.
Diallo’s shoulder was thrust into the warrior’s chest, and Chogan coughed. Blood sprayed onto Diallo’s face and a look of disgust crossed his features. Sliding down, Diallo watched, expressionless, as the wolf slumped to ground. Whirling around, Diallo watched, a wry grin on his face, as Braun snapped at the two warriors. Snarling one last time, the two limped from Braeden. Braun craned his head to inspect the burning wounds on his back, wincing.
Kaori caught sight of Tiergan: two wolves had cornered him. Neither came close to the white warrior’s massive size, but in a team the wolves could take down nearly any prey. Tiergan snarled and lashed at the wolf on his right, giving the left wolf a chance to leap onto his shoulder and bite down hard. Tiergan reared in pain and swung his head around to clamp down on the wolf’s ribs. The free wolf launched his own attack, clawing and snapping at Tiergan exposed side.
Kaori’s eyes grew wide with horror at the thought of Tiergan being defeated; he was like a brother to her. With a frightening snarl she flew at the attacking wolf and barreled him away from Tiergan. The massive white wolf barked his thanks to the femme and quickly disposed of the remaining attacker- swiftly biting his head and shaking hard; the sickening cracking of bones seethed through the air.
All around the Braeden den camp, Zoharnian warriors were breaking away from fights. Dominating snarls filled the air as the Zohar wolves fled from the clearing; Warrik, the Braeden Alpha, chased after the last and snapped at his side before veering around and trotted wearily to Braun.
“Braun.” He nodded, dipping his head in thanks to the Tuari Alpha.
“Warrik.” Braun smiled grimly and lowered his voice. “Devika has left your pack…she runs with Tsar and Suki.” Warrik’s face fell, and he nodded. From the crowd of Braeden wolves, a young puppy cried out, and murmurs of comfort filled the air as pupsitters and motherly warriors stood to console to whimpering pup.
“Her mate died not two moons ago.” Warrik explained. “Inari- her only pup and offspring- will be looked after by our pack. We will come for Devika’s body when Suki governs the sky.” Braun nodded in reply and turned as the other Tuari wolves lingered near him. Braun counted each one and flattened his ears.
“Where are Rakuan and Omri?” he asked, voice strong and flat. To those who didn’t know him, it would seem that Braun had little concern for his own warriors, but Kaori, Diallo, and Tiergan could hear the pain in his voice. The only reply to his query was a sad shake of Diallo’s head. Braun hung his head in sadness.
”I am sorry.” Warrik said as he stepped up beside the Alpha. Braun nodded but stopped short as a cry, a squealing howl, thundered through the air.
Kaori’s eyes widened and she howled her own answer; it echoed on the wind, full of hope for the terrorized wolves- help was coming.
“Braun! Tuari is being-”
“Invaded!” Tiergan finished, whipping around. Braun’ blazing gaze swept over his remaining wolves and together they turned to leave Braeden to protect their home. Warrik stepped up quickly beside Braun, eyes filled with a new strength. “We will aid you, friends.” He commanded loudly. Four of Braeden’s strongest warriors stepped forward from the horde of Braeden wolves. Braun nodded and hurdled forward; his remaining six warriors, along with Warrik and his four, started forward quickly.
Torstan’s voice let go of the note he was holding and he turned around to face the black warrior who had threatened him. The warrior grinned maliciously and leapt forward, bracing his paws on Torstan’s shoulders.
“My name is Thor.” He said coldly, snapping at Torstan’s face as the smaller Tuari wolf shied away.
“Do all members of your pack make it a custom to tell your opponents their names?” Torstan spat, looking around anxiously.
From the shadows, a single pair of eyes, flaming an anomalous orange, met Torstan. Panic, fear, gripped the wolf and he stood still; his gaze could not be torn away. A hideous grin flashed from the shadows and the orange orbs blinked, relieving Torstan of their gaze. Yelping as reality hit him, he gingerly shook his head. Suddenly, Thor’s voice filled his ears and a paw crashed into his muzzle. Torstan dropped to the ground, stunned.
“It is always horrid to know the name of the wolf that kills you.” Thor sneered. He spread his jaws wide, readying to slam down on Torstan’s skull.
From the bracken and the trees, Braun, Diallo, and Kaori trumpeted a warning. The band of wolves pounded forward; each wolf collided with another, slipping and fighting to gain ground as the ground began seeping with blood.
Tiergan howled in resentment and barreled into Thor’s side; the wolf’s blow was knocked away and Tiergan stood beside Torstan.
“Touch him again,” the white giant seethed, “And I’ll kill you.”
“What’s this? You can’t even take care of your own pack?” A huge, scarred brown wolf leered at the terrified Saeth. Saeth trembled as the warrior leaned closer. The young wolf’s brown eyes widened in absolute fear; he turned to retreat into the caves, to protect the puppies, but a jarring impact stopped him. Rolling over to his right, Saeth yelped in pain as the large brown warrior towered over him, an evil smile splayed across it’s scarred face.
“You should know,” he hissed, “That I am Xpier, and I am the wolf who sends you to your death.” Xpier laughed as Saeth froze with fear. The Zoharnian warrior crouched and fastened his jaws around Saeth’s throat. The young dog, just a year, snarled as instinct kicked in, and clawed at the belly of his opponent. Xpier growled, and closed his jaws further; the pressure cut off Saeth’s air supply and slowly his vision became blotchy, and everything began to swim before his eyes. Never did he stop, though, his feet continued to pummel Xpier’s belly with all the force he could muster. Finally the Zohar wolf snarled and rolled away from the Tuari pup.
Braun ran forward. Kaori, seeing his quarry, snarled and flanked him. The two wolves stood to face a black Alpha, blacker than the night itself.
“Vought.”
“Braun, Kaori. How nice of you to join us.” Vought cackled. “Come to watch your pack fall?”
“You’ll never take Tuari.” Kaori seethed, enraged. Braun tensed and pressed against her- better to fight instead of retorting rebuttals. Kaori shot him a glare before her gaze darted back to Vought.
Without answering, Vought hurdled forward and struck Braun, knocking him to the ground. Kaori howled a command; Diallo disengaged from a tan, battle-scarred warrior; Tiergan dropped the wolf that now lay dead.
Kaori bit into Vought’s hip; the powerful alpha kicked her and sent her reeling backwards. From all sides the warriors came to the Alpha’s aid, brought by the strong-willed fae’s call. Tiergan snarled in annoyance and dug his fangs into the Zoharnian Alpha’s neck; he flung Vought away like a puppy would do with a useless stick. Diallo, blue orbs pools of outrage for his brother, tackled Vought. Warrik, finishing his own fight slid along the ground, slippery with blood, before crashing into Vought and trying his hardest to avoid ramming Diallo off the black Alpha’s back.
Two Zohar fae’s scrambled to help their own Alpha, but fear shone in their eyes. Tiergan, tail lashing in annoyance, leapt to block their path as he squared mammoth paws and dropped his head to stare threateningly at the two faes.
“You don’t belong in this fight. Go back to your packlands.” The larger, a black warrior called Themba, snarled and leapt forward. Her smaller counter-part hesitantly whipped around Tiergan; his teeth were on her in a second. She screamed in pain and snapped at him; her jaws sank deep into his shoulder. From the side, a tawny warrior nearly as large as Tiergan- Xpier- leapt from the wounded Saeth; he submerged dagger-like fangs into Tiergan’s hip. The white giant roared in pain and bucked; both Zoharnians fell to the ground. Themba snarled and began circling Tiergan. A smirk graced the white giant’s muzzle but he winced, doing his best to ignore the burning pain that now echoed from his shoulder to his hip.
Kaori, Warrik, Diallo, and Braun had cornered the fearless Zohar alpha. Looking up, the black wolf snarled at Braun before leaping over their heads. Diallo ducked; Braun reared; his paws lashed out and left deep gouges in the Alpha’s belly. Blood dripped onto the Tuari wolves’ head.
Blood trickled from a gaping wound in Braun’s shoulder before it began coming faster. Diallo stepped in front of Braun, warning any other wolf to dare attack him. Kaori leapt in to fight a warrior; in a short second she was on top of the wolf. Staring down at the wolf’s face, she hesitated before snapping her jaws down on the wolf’s throat. Flailing sadistically, the wolf let out a strangled snarl. Powerful hind legs, claws sharpened to a fine point, scoured Kaori’s side. The wolf twisted awkwardly before falling still and silent. The white female trembled; where had she seen that face before? Memories, long forgotten, now flooded into her mind. Information brought tears to her eyes and she looked up at Tiergan. Themba’s wail sliced through the air as her life ended in Tiergan’s jaws. The white male stopped and looked down at Kaori’s kill, shocked. He opened his mouth to speak, but Kaori shook her head and turned, limping away from her exasperated friend.
Bandelle struggled to ward off a much larger, striped brown male. The brown male’s eyes flashed with malice.
“ ‘Tis a pity I have to end such a beautiful wolf’s life,” he cackled as he snapped at the dark gray female’s face. Bandelle dodged the brown wolf’s attack and launched her own; bearing down on the opposing animal’s shoulder she sunk her teeth deep into his fur and skin The wolf gave a howl of pain and flung Bandelle off his side. Cantering towards her, the brown wolf pinned Bandelle to the ground, giant paws resting on her shoulders. The smaller female snarled and snapped, but was promptly shoved back to the earth.
“The wolf that kills you is called Eytan.” He hissed. Eytan’s breath, foul and acrid, caused Bandelle to cough as the sickening scent entered her nostrils. As Eytan aimed for her tender throat Bandelle thought fast; tucking her rear legs tight to her body she hastily kicked upwards with all her might. Her back feet caught Eytan’s supple underside. Eytan grunted and fell to the side, giving Bandelle the chance she needed. The female leapt to stand over the wolf and bit down hard on his exposed throat; he yipped with startled fear and fell to death at Bandelle’s powerful fangs.
From the sudden silence a profound voice called out; deep and foreboding, a terrifying, bone-chilling howl; it sounded like death itself. Vought and his warriors broke from their fights and faded into the cloak of the shadows after the mysterious black giant who had held Torstan’s gaze so amazingly steady. A single wolf- battle-scarred- looked to Kaori with a scowl of disgust. Kaori’s eyes locked with his and she snarled a warning, swinging a paw at him, but her gaze was drawn to his left eye- where a whole orb should have been, a mass of scar tissue filled the hole.
From above them, a voice rang out. The Tuari and Braeden pack wolves looked about; Braun and Diallo’s eyes darted about wildly.
“I. Owe. You.” The voice was clear in Kaori’s mind, in the mind of each wolf. Tiergan let out a snarl- it seemed to hang on the air for longer than usual. A wolf appeared at the edge of a crevasse that overlooked the Tuari den camp. A lethal sneer splayed on the wolf’s features; his eyes burned with malice as they bore into Tiergan’s own features. The massive he-wolf held the burning gaze; dropping his head between his forelegs he squared his body at the lone wolf’s angle.
“Imagine a leader who fought his own battles.” Tiergan spat, narrowing his gaze. “Wouldn’t that be a sight.” Great booming, demonic laughter thundered throughout the den camp as the hellish, scarred black wolf, blacker than the night without stars or a moon, orange eyes flaming, as if those eyes could steal their souls with such a mere glance- reared up on powerful hind legs.
Deep clouds, as deep as the wolf’s demeaning laughter, began rolling across the sky and blocking what sunlight still streamed through the shadows. Cavernous thunder roared against the black wolf’s horrific laughter. The loner brought his legs down sharply on the ground. As he did, the sky blackened; the wolves of Tuari and Braeden were left in the seclusion of an unearthly cloak of darkness.
A cackle rose on the air and it grew in power, in tone; brought by the heat of the air it grew until it cracked, seemingly splitting into tiny pieces as a single, jagged strip of lightening forked through the night. Braun and Diallo surged forward, bracing their paws on the rock side and looked up- the black loner had vanished.
Hehe...I definitely enjoy acting about 14 years younger than I actually am. Well, just if you want to...I don't remember how much of it I've posted. I mean...I could always go look, but, okay, nevermind. lol. If you want, it's in the 'obsessive writer' thread. I'd just like to see what you think of it, since you're writing is so good. 
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