It's in the Rain (DONE~)

[Roxie]

{ Mini-disclaimer :: Birthing thread, but I don't think it's detailed enough to warrant an "MA" rating. Buuut, disclaimer just in case. ^^; }

The storm moved slowly over the forest, rumbling with fury and frightening hunger. It's sweeping, dark mouth swallowed the stars whole before taking on the grinning crescent moon herself. She was quickly overpowered, though her light shown feebly through the dense blanket of clouds. Rain pelted her beloved forest below, fat raindrops that not only soaked the plants and animals below, but empowered creeks to run like rivers and rivers themselves to burst their banks. Seemingly pleased with itself, the approaching storm clapped gleefully with thunder and pounded the sky with violent, amethyst-colored bolts of electricity.

Heart beating wildly, Roxie vaulted out of her corner of the cave. She nearly cried out as a fierce pain swept over her lower abdomen. Roxie clenched her teeth as she got up, feeling a wave of nausea roll over her. She managed to slowly make her way towards the entrance, carefully stepping over the slumbering bodies of her comrades. A sharp yip signaled an on-duty messenger. The sighthound trotted to her aid, moving gracefully on those long, spindly limbs that reminded her of a spider. A warm smile crossed his graying face, the older dog nodded to her, signaling to start.
"My brother, blue collie. In the pine forest." Roxie pleaded. Her soft voice quivering as she broke into a cold sweat.
"Please hurry..." Panic wasted no time in setting in, her instincts told her to move. Run. Flee from the safety of the pack and into the murky darkness of the forest.

Rain stung and numbed her face, biting her skin with chilly teeth and clenching her fur with a freezing intensity. Each beat of thunder only served to force her deeper into the forest, faster to an unknown destination. Though in a conifer forest, everything seems to blend. A gathering of perfectly straight copse of trees with perfectly flat, emerald needles... they all looked the same, surrounded by winding game paths that had since been washed away by the flash-flood conditions. Her eyes strained to find a landmark, something to show her she was going in the right direction.
Another brilliant flash of lightning lit the sky, flickering across the tops of the ant-like rabbit warrens. The shallow dirt mounds marked the beginning of their secret, underground cities. Roxie smiled, it wasn't far now.

It stood like a sanctuary in the storm, it's dilapidated frame a welcomed sight to the tired collie. The seasonal hunter's cabin was a glistening white against a dark backdrop. It leaned sharply to the left, suggesting it'd seen better days, though it was still in use and in fair condition. Patchy holes in the dark silver roofing were clearly visible, showing where snow had collapsed the thin wood under the shingles.
Something thicker than blood trickled down her thighs... The stream of warmth was a startling contrast to her chilly, rain-soaked fur and felt like it was burning on contact. In an instant, she hiked up the weather-worn stairs and stopping just short of the door. She turned her head for any sign of her brother, any sign of a companion or sympathy. Instead, all that came was a disturbing silence. The rain hissed in her ears like radio static. Indifferent to her suffering as it drowned out her pained cries.

The door let out an eerie squeal, sighing loudly on it's rusting hinges as the heavily pregnant collie slunk into the one-room cabin. It wasn't much, but it was dry for the most part. Something her shivering, aching body desired more than anything. Iron furnishings were gathered haphazardly in a corner, among them the metal skeleton of a bed rested beneath a cracked window. Purple-hued lightning lit the cobwebs as if they were dull pieces to an elaborate stained-glass image. It gave Roxie a single moment to find her nest before the clouds greedily gobbled-up any hint of light.
She hobbled towards the corner of the room, maneuvering her body under the iron shield and nervously nosed a collection of leaves, feathers and animal hides the hunters had left behind. The collie managed to flop down just as a powerful contraction racked her body.

- - - - - - - - - -

He lounged on a fallen log, the brim of a wide cedar tree shielding him from the torrent of rain. Aiden looked regal, cat-like on his post as his clear eyes caught sight of a soaking wet greyhound. A thin, bitter smile graced his delicate features as he suddenly leaped from his position. He stood menacingly in front of the messenger. Aiden didn't dare take his eyes off him, in one fluid movement his headgear was applied. The bare bone of the deer skull glinted like silver in the cold blackness of the storm, the antlers like that of well-polished wood. It was a terrifying beacon of death for prey animals and bastard pups alike. He turned on his heels, kicking up a flurry of wet pine nettles in his wake.
Without a word, Aiden knew it was time.

- - - - - - - - - -

In spite of everything, she found herself smiling. A feeling of calm finally overpowered the fear. It chased away her inner-demons, allowing her to accept the inevitable. There was no longer a reason to panic. No longer did she need to fight this. She rested her head on the soft skin of a rabbit. The sickeningly sweet smell of rot mixed with the dull, vanilla-smoke-stained scent of a human's pipe, Roxie felt her eyes close as she inhaled deeply. For a moment her mind wandered, able to imagine the luxury of a warm house, the soothing voice of her mother and the gentle touch of a master.
None of these things existed, however. While she rode another wave of pain, the only comfort she had came with a sharp cry of a puppy. Her firstborn struggled free from the filmy sack, a good part of his tail limply hanging at an awkward position. The umbilical cord had constricted it, blocking blood-flow to the rest of what looked like a possible fluffy tail. Roxie wasted no time in removing it, listening to her own son scream as she was forced to bite through bone. She threw it away from her nest, gently cooing and nuzzling the gray and white puppy.

- - - - - - - - - -

These puppies are nothing like their sire --- the bastard rapist who put her into this situation. These pups had committed no crime, they were clean of all wrong-doings.
They were pure.
Roxie smiled at her sextuplets, gently rubbing her cheek against their warm, tiny bodies. Any fear, any hatred she held towards them had disappeared. They were hers... and dammit she wasn't going to let them end up like their father. The word alone left a bad taste in her mouth, she would allow them to know nothing of him. What better way to insult someone than not allow their own kin to know they existed? The thought of it gave her some pleasure in the knowledge of having complete control of what they would (or would not) know of him.

The door screamed open with a powerful gust of wind. The stoic, powerful figure of a blue collie stood in the entry-way. Aiden's blue frame brightly illuminated by a sudden jolt of lightning. His brow raised slightly as he scented out his sister. The smell of blood was more powerful than anything, perhaps it was because he was exaggerating it. Perhaps it was the stump of his nephew's tail, carelessly thrown from beneath the protective grasp of a sharp, iron fortress. Aiden didn't bother to step over it, the sound of tiny bones cracking made him smile.


"Roxie? Weor oor yea?*"

The voice was strange... A rich, harsh accent that held a certain quiet confidence. It took her several minutes for her to gather the courage to look out from her makeshift den, wearily eying the silhouette of her brother. Did... Did he just speak?

"So ahm an ooncle, ahm ey?"

Goodness, if she wasn't hurting so, she'd jump with joy! Her brother had his voice back! Roxie beamed as she pulled herself out from under the bed, the sheer excitement of it washed away most of the pain and filled her with a renewed energy.

"Aiden! Your voice...!" She gushed, wiggling the front half of her body.

"Weor oor th'bastards?"

"Bastards...?" Her wiggling immediately stopped. For one, it hurt and for another, she was confused that his first words were jabs at her offspring. Roxie grimaced as she noticed Aiden was standing on the stump of her son's tail. She hoped he hadn't seen it... that it wasn't a deliberate act to squish all the disgusting insides out as if it was a party-popper. He caught her eying it and only stepped down harder, forcing his full weight onto the thin stump. A threatening smile, like that of a serial killer, danced over his maw.

"Oy, yoor pops... Oor hev yea tooken care oof them?" He let out a cackle that chilled her to the bone. Surely he didn't mean it. He was toying with her, it was a joke. It had to be... But... she knew her brother well. He was never one for such pranks or silliness.

"Get out, Aiden." The collie ordered, her hackles rising. He laughed again, stepping towards her with a cocky grin. His black-tipped ears flicked back as he leaned in close to her ear. She could feel his warm breath on her fur. The alluring scent of rain and spring flowers clung to his pelt, making the situation all the more terrifying.

"Yer in ne position ta threaten me." He spat with a guttural chuckle. She attempted to push him away with her paw, he violently shoved her to the floor.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Ah refuse te hev yer reputation turnished as a 'ore. Oor lines are proud, Roxie. Ah winniet aloo thoos disgusting creature t'contaminate wor bloodleen." He pinned her, acting as if this was a nothing more than a game to him and that some reasoning would set her straight. Their lives meant nothing to him, they were simply demons that had to be exorcised and he felt as if he was doing his sister a favor by offering to dispose of them. Roxie feebly pushed against his white chest with her forepaws, seething with anger but sapped of most of her strength.

"They woon't fell a thing. They're ta yoong ta knaw pain." She felt her lip curl. Suddenly, she'd latched onto the soft skin under his throat. He tossed his head and in an instant, he instinctively dropped his head down to dislodge her.
Roxie let out a sharp gasp of pain, her eyes went wide with fright.

The pointed tine of an antler plunged through a thin gap in her rips, tearing through skin and muscle like a butcher's knife. Aiden ripped himself away, leaving his sister to stare at him in utter pain and confusion. Crimson blood oozed from the wound, quickly matting her dark auburn fur.
He could feel her hazel eyes scan his face for a sign of regret, something incredibly hard to do when you're wearing a bone helmet that covers nearly all the features dedicated to emotion.

His brow furrowed and several times he tried to say something, no words managed to come out. He went silent again. How could he convince her that he intended to kill her pups, but goring her was completely unintentional? There's no sappy greeting-card in the world that sweetly says "Sorry, I stabbed you with my headdress."

"Get the fuck... away from me." Roxie managed to snarl. Aiden hesitantly made a move towards her, trying to see how deep the antler penetrated.

She knocked him out flat.

{ OOC:// Aiden speaks heavy Geordie. So translations can be provided if anyone needs them... ^^; }

[Teffi]

OoC I have to say, I just LOVE your post ^^. And I thought the pups weren't born till later, but its all good ;D[/size]

Phoebus

[/i] was last seen in Japan. The pure bred wolf had been habituating on a small island, living off the land, hunting for himself and by himself. He had been keeping his life on the "down low", away from all other canines and humans. But this night, he had realized that his successful hunting rate had removed all of his food supply from the small isle he called home. And so, our favorite wolf was forced to abandon it. He would leave his small terrain tonight.

As the sun began to set, a thick smell of humidity slowly began to diffuse. It's about to rain thought Pheobus, looking up at the darkening sky. Oh well, it would only help the gray and white male as the celestial water not only cooled him down but erased any trace of his strong scent. The hell hound padded up to the rim where the land met the murky water and stationed his rump on the ground. Again the large animal sighed, thinking of his dark past..Phoebus' one goal in life had been placed on hiatus because of reality. He was finally noticing that getting to the lab of his King's assassination, was not a simple task. And even though his physical structure had been altered and amplified, it would take almost a miracle to enter a laboratory, and slaughter all of the scientists. The Silver Knight sighed at the thought of the stinging ideas in his head.

As he thought about this, the once orange sky, was now a velvety navy blue. Its time. The Arctic/Timber wolf mix threw himself into the cold water, and started to swim across to the main lands. Onward he swam with his powerful limbs, and empty stomach. The main lands was only a mile away, and once he got to it he shook his fur dry.

Phoebus's ears perked as the sharp sound of a yelp. Were a pack of dogs hunting and one got hurt? He did not hesitate to lower his body and trot to where he thought he heard the sound. Much to his surprise, it wasn't what he thought it was. All he could see was a humble cabin that wreaked the smell of blood and dogs. The wolf cocked his head to the side as he opened his mouth to try to inhale the smell even harder. Well, there's nothing else to do. It was true, he had time to spare. And so Phoebus walked toward the little building, and poked his head inside. Yellow orbs widened once he caught a glimpse of what was inside.

There laid two injured dogs, one having the head of a deer, the other oozing blood from the side. He looked beyond them and saw tiny puppies, squirming in place. Something about the coldness, the rain, and this gruesome scenery actually got to the cold male. Phoebus lowered his head and stepped in, tail held low, "Are you alright?" asked he to the brown and white fae who was bleeding. His voice was raspy and raw, it was obvious that he wasn't much of a talker. But something about her vulnerability made him want to help her. Wow, that was a first[/color][/size][/ul]

OoC About time he had some action XD[/size]

[Paris-Sama]

High on a peak somewhere, A pale Akita Inu listened for any sign of her pack. Her ear tilted backwards quickly when she heard a piercing yelp. It was Roxies. It made no sense though, it was rare for any dogs to make a sound whilst birthing, it was too dangerous in case you were...found. The fur on her nape bristled and she span on a dime and charged down the hillside, mapping out her route in her mind before engaging her Minds Eye briefly. She had found them and she knew where she was going. There were three dogs, Roxie and two others and the pups. Paris put on an ungodly burst of speed as she tore her way through her territory. She picked up two assassins on the way who joined her. One Borzoi and one Doberman. Both as silent as the stars, knowing that what they had to do was defend their pack, not question orders. All three sped along at a break neck pace. If you tripped now, it would be over for you in a moment.

Leaping over obstacles that now came thick and fast, the rain battering them, Paris and her charges entered the forest and now they could pick up the scent of Roxie, despite the heaviness of the air. Paris' eyes glowed red in pure aggression and the assassins showed their fangs and their own eyes glowed white in readiness. Three against three, a far fight if you were a ninja, you weren't you might as well take off running now and never come back.
Paris let out a bellowing bark and pushed off into the air, curving gracefully, here eyes fixed on the cave that she knew Roxie was in, the assassins followed suit and they hit the ground together, skidding in a controlled manner to the entrance of the cave.

There was another rumbling now, but it wasn't thunder, it was all three dogs growling low in their throats. All fangs were bared and all hair was up. Paris looked twice her size thanks to the amount of fur that she had. Her tail was curled tight over her back and her ears were out to the side of her head, not pinned back. She snapped twice at the air and reared up before coming to the ground again. The assassins moved forward, the borzoi two paces towards the wolf and the doberman two paces towards the other collie. Paris was in a position to attack both. She snarled again.

Who are both of you and what is your business here. Actually no, before that, you! she pointed to the other collie.
I know you gave Roxie that wound you have three seconds before I have you torn apart and you, she swapped paws and pointed to the wolf, her eyes blazing in fury.
You'll have five seconds to explain to me what you're doing here near a birthing female...!

[Montgomery]

During the storm, Montgomery was roaming the woods searching for a late night's snack when a piercing yelp rang through the night air. His ears perked up and looked around at his personal platoon, growling a bit. "That's Roxie...I just know it. Sounds like there is trouble...There'll be blood shed tonight gang! Let go git 'em!" Just as they were running at a break neck speed through the woods towards Roxie's location, there was a very loud and powerful bark. It was Paris and she too was not pleased.

"Yep...there's gonna be bloodshed boys and girls! Let's haul ass and join in! No one fucks with anyone of our pack!" With that being said over the heavy rain, he began to bay loudly into the night, very long drawn out howls. It was him sounding a battle cry and to let Paris know he was on his way. If any other creature could have heard this eerie cry they'd probably think the dead was rising or something to that caliber.

It didn't take long for the personal platoon and Monty to arrive at the scene of the attack, fangs barred and eyes gleaming in the dark. He turned his head and barked to his pack, who quickly surrounded the wolf, growling and showing their fangs in an almost sinister and hoping for blood expression. The hound let out another deep growl from his throat as he approached Aiden, baring his fangs even more. "Bad choice, boy. You won't be leaving these lands alive...That's a promise...Paris...Leave 'em to us and yer ninjas...Tend to Roxie...Don't ya fret none...We'll leave him alive just long enough for you to get your revenge...Won't we boys?"

The hound sneered darkly at the other collie with the deer skull on his head before looking back at his pack. They too sneered at the wolf and Aiden. "Watch that wolf...don't let him run..." He gazed down at the seemingly unconcious Aiden, opening his mouth and chuckling darkly. "I'm gonna enjoy tearing you to shreds boy...!"

[Teffi]

OoC OMG, Roxie post! I can't wait to reply ^^[/size]

[Roxie]

{ OOC:// Sorry, can't post on a DS. Lmao. ^^;
And thankyous Teffiiii~! 83 }

She nosed the ragged gash as if it were something new to her. A foreign, alien thing that could possibly mean her death if she bled out or if it got infected. The door opened again, with it came the scent of wet dog. Roxie starred at the massive figure with a mixture of intense fear and disbelief. She was glued helplessly in place.
With his tone came a overwhelming feeling of comfort. She didn't smile, but her features relaxed.

Roxie let out a squeak of an answer before the door shrieked open again. The scent of her alphess and two of her assassins swept over the cabin. All three were powerful, threatening figures that moved effortlessly towards their targets.
She could hear the baying of her alpha in the distance, soon he too had burst in. Roxie twisted from her laying position, woozily rising to her feet. Her expression was like that of Bambi watching his mother get strapped to the back of a pick-up. The sudden onslaught of cursing and angry chatter had scared her at first, though she knew they were only trying to protect her.

Why was she always playing the damsel in distress? Always starting things and getting her pack riled up. Her eyes welled up and every part of her wanted to just brake down and cry. She had no reason not to, but knew well enough that sobbing like a loon wouldn't help anyone. She strained to make sense of what was being said, her mind picking out only a few words.
"He... was only trying to help." Roxie whispered, nervously glancing in the direction of the wolf. Her voice was all breath.

Slim legs gave out and she quickly flopped into a pup-like sit. She could feel her body throb painfully from this stance. Blood welled over her side, matting her fur and tangling with dried bits of mud. With a wince, she moved back into a laying position. She heard her brother mentioned several times, all of them begging for blood. Though she had a far more torturous idea in mind.

"Rumors spread quickly on this tiny island... And the poor thing has no return ticket home." The collie's voice was cold as she carefully removed her brother's helmet. She mindlessly rolled it around with a forepaw. Those piercing light hazel eyes bore into him, sullenly regarding the dog she once called "brother." Roxie's head tilted ever so gently to the side, white lips pursed in thought. Her tongue clicked once, sharply, seeming to mock him.
"A lifetime without a friend is a horrible existence..." She whispered with a smile, her tone disturbingly sweet. It was as if she were speaking to a child.

She planted a tender kiss on his temple, watching as his ears flicked back. He wasn't completely unconscious. Roxie remained close to him, making sure he heard every single word.
"Just get him out of here. I wouldn't give it a second thought if he... accidentally... gets bumped around."

[/size]

[Montgomery]

Montgomery listened intently to Roxie as she spoke to them all and then to her brother. His blood thirsty grin only maddened as she gave the go ahead to trash him around a bit. He slowly craned his neck to the side, at his platoon around the wolf.

"Let 'em go. She says he tried to help...I have no reason to disbelieve her. As for Aiden..." That manic grin grew even more sinister as he loomed over the unmasked canine. "You fucked with the wroooooooong dog, pup...We are gonna treat you to some Dark Faith hospitality...Try not to bleed too fucking much."

With that escaping his maw with a sick malicious tone, Monty let out another bone chilling howl, signaling his group to latch on. Four of his largest males clamped their mouths down on each of Aiden's legs, lifting him up. "Aight boys...Let's escort him out...Everyone else...Sink your fangs in and tear as much as you can until we get to the really stumpy area...We are gonna see how bouncy he is..." A dark laugh left his throat as he lashed out, slashing Aiden across the face with his razor sharp teeth, splitting the skin across his face in a jagged diagonal. He spat out the blood as he began walking away.

"Let's move out. Paris...We will hold him captive until you are done tending to Roxie...I'm sure you will want to drench your fangs in this cur's blood..." The cold and hateful look the hound wore soon faded as he turned to Roxie. "Congratulations on your litter...They look like they will be strong and healthy...Good job, Momma..." He offered her a warm and kind look before striking out behind him, kicking Aiden in the throat swiftly. Monty nodded to Roxie and Paris before barking and padding forward into the woods. His platoon followed shortly, each one taking their turns in biting deep into Aiden's flesh and fiercely shaking their heads. This poor dog was in for some Hell tonight...

Sorry for posting so soon again and out of order. I just had a good muse for this thread. ^_^ Sorry! I'll delete and move it back if you wish.]

[Teffi]

The wolf's body loosened up as he felt the collie feel comfortable around him. He sighed, thinking of what to do but did not have much time to do much. Sounds that belong to his cousin, the dog, filled the night sky with chaos right before fading into the scene. Three dogs ran in the cabin, the tallest inching himself toward him. By the looks of it, the Akita female was the boss because of how she presented herself and how she spoke. Or should I say screamed.

As she yelled at both he and the fallen male, Pheobus' body tensed once again, lowering itself toward the ground. His ears flattened behind his skull, as his bright yellow eyes shot themselves from the Borzoi then back to that bitchy Japanese Akita. What did she think she was? So what if she lead some god damned pack of hooligans, that meant squat to the lone wolf. And how dare she force him to speak within a restricted time frame. This bit made him want to laugh in a sadistic and sarcastic kind of way. "Shut up." spoke he, with the most assertive yet calm manner, enough to make anyone boil with frustration and anger. The tips of his long and sharp fangs started to reveal themselves, the same way a warrior slowly pulled out his sword from its sheath. He was readying himself for a show down. But before any ounce of blood could be shed, reinforcements arrived.

The leader of the crew was a hound, who revealed the damsel in distress' name. Roxie was the pretty girl's name, and that Phoebus would not forget. His eyes danced from figure to figure as the leader of the new comers spoke. Apparently the blue merle dog would get his skin torn. Whatever, it wasn't none of Phoebus' problem. But what he said next, made the male's hackles stand on end. "Watch that wolf...don't let him run..." [/s] And they surrounded him.

A low growl came out of the six foot tall, wolfish hell hound. He was not someone anyone wanted to deal with even with the numbers against him. Phoebus was use to having numerous of enemies attacking at him, this would be a piece of cake...Hands down.

"He... was only trying to help." "Roxie" had spoke. And by the looks of it, the crew of dogs seemed to slowly ease away from him as the leader told his followers to let the tall creature go. Wow, quick. Phoebus still had his fur bristled and teeth were still slowly to expose. If they really wanted to fight, why cease the opportunity to get hurt? The adrenaline had already been pumping, and Phoebus wasn't the wolf to waste an adrenaline rush. This was part of his being.

So he waited. Waited to see the reaction of "Miss Akita". More like "Asshole Akita". Again he threw a snarl at her way, waiting for her to either lunge at her, or have the others do her dirty work for her. Hmm prissy princess. How he hated those types.
[/color][/size]

[Paris-Sama]

Paris fell silent and looked at the Wolf. There was no thinking in what she did next, her vision blurred and flashed red and her eyes glowed with fury. She had enough sense not to attack the wolf. But she faced him and sneered right back at him. Bastard. She flicked her tail and those around them backed off two steps. But no more. Perfect. Now to speak with this insufferable git. Her expersion was dead to the world, only her eyes spoke. There was something that told her that there was something up with this wolf.

Make me. I'm the leader of this pack and of the Southern Alps and Roxies' Alphess. The brute that dragged out the other dog is the Alpha Male. Grow up wolf. She's a birthing female and you are near her. Our pack has little expereince with wolves and several of our pups have been killed by your wild kind. You expect me to be kind to you? Do be serious. she said in a low voice.

Without another word or care she spun on her heel and went to Roxies' side and sat down, looking intently at the Collies wound, it was deep and a sizable amount of blood was leaking through, no amount of licking would heal this one. She looked quickly at the pups and then back at Roxie.

Lay on your side and try to let the pups nurse. I'll be back with something in a moment. she reasured the Collie.

Getting up she moved past the dogs and wolf in the building and outside. She caught a glimpse of Monty and his platoon. Gliding after them she came to Montys shoulder for a moment.

Go easy on him, Monty, we need him alive. I would like to question him. Also, I would like you back in the shelter. That wolf is giving hassle. Do nothing and say nothing until I get back.

And with that, she was gone. The up-side of having a pale coat is that you could blend in with the surroundings.

When Paris got back she had healing bark and herbs in her mouth for Roxie. She didn't even glance at the wolf this time and dropped her bundle by Roxies side. She would wait for Roxies' compliance before trying anything. The wolf could wait. No-one spoke to her like that and then got her kind and immidiate attention.

[Roxie]

The commotion ebbed, drowning down to a dull buzz as Aiden was violently jostled out the door. She was strangely giddy with the feeling of power, knowing full well he would be punished just to the point of death. Roxie had his life clutched tightly in her paws, all it took would be a mere suggestion to one of the assassins and he would be gone. Forever.
She mulled over this thought, carefully gathering her brood around her like a nesting hen. Paris' advice was right, she felt their tiny, warm bodies press tightly against the feathery hairs of her underbelly. Jockeying for position at her side and erupting into a band of soft, grumbling mewls and loud, sharp yips. A gentle, trilling chuckle escaped her maw at Montgomery's compliment. It was honestly among the nicest things she'd heard since landing on this damned island.

Roxie watched calmly as her alphess gracefully bustled out the door, her attention then returned to the wolf.

"Just who are you, anyway?"

- - - - - - - - - -

A groggy Aiden woke to feel himself painfully gliding through the muck and mire. A thin line of blood trickled down into his nose, extending from the top of his right brow to the bottom of his left cheek. Little crimson rivulets of mingled with the rain, pinking it where white fur met blue and dripping down into his two-toned eyes. His head ached, throbbing as if it had a heartbeat of it's own and pulsing along with the pain in his legs. The vice-like grip of dog teeth on his joints made him wince at every step.

"He th'ell dyer thenk yea oor?" He snarled, lashing out at one of the males who held his back leg captive. Aiden bounced around, determined not to make it easy on them. Though it shredded his skin, he fought as much as he could from this awkward position. His teeth found a hold on one of the front dogs, gripping the vulnerable underside of the neck and using his dead-weight to pull the throat of the male down towards him. Aiden felt the feeble organs inside the dog's throat begin to strain and crush under his twisting hold.
"Let me gan, or yea cain sah goodbee te yer marra." The collie shouted over another boom of thunder, his voice dark and confident even in a predicament where he had no hope of winning.

- - - - - - - - - -

Roxie's gaze remained unwavering even as Paris-sama re-entered the building. The aggressive tension returned between the assassins, her alphess and this odd creature.
"If you must fight, I'll ask you do so outside." She growled with a tired grimace. "Frankly, I've had enough of it."
Her eyes ran blankly over the little bundle of medicinal herbs. She couldn't identify them, nor would she even bother trying. Roxie had an enduring trust for her alphess and tentatively offered her flank for doctoring. Bracing herself for the possible world of hurt that might come with these lifesavers.

[/size]

[Teffi]

"Make me. I'm the leader of this pack and of the Southern Alps and Roxies' Alphess. The brute that dragged out the other dog is the Alpha Male. Grow up wolf. She's a birthing female and you are near her. Our pack has little experience with wolves and several of our pups have been killed by your wild kind. You expect me to be kind to you? Do be serious."[/s]

So before Phoebus did anything, this alphess already had something against him. What a great thing. Situations usually ended up being against the wolf anyway, so he was use to it. But what she said about the whole "birthing female" part, was right. His hunger for action dwindled as his adrenaline seemed to be evaporating. How convenient he thought, almost shrugging at his sudden lack of interest for a quick fight. His yellow orbs, though remaining as slits, looked to see the Akita leave the building. The Hellhound's heart skipped a beat. She would be back but as for now he had a question to answer.

This "Roxie" girl had asked him who he was. This was a personal matter for the gray and white brute. He did not give out his identification so easily, especially after his lack of success of finding the lab that had slaughtered his king years ago. But it was rude not to say anything, even if he was not the social type.

"Just a wolf. Doesn't really matter" plain and simple. The way The Silver Knight liked it. His voice did not hold any anger, nor friendliness. But it held a hint of sorrow and defeat. This was interesting indeed.[/size][/color]

[Montgomery]

A swift nod was given to Paris before dashing into his platoon.

"Release his leg before he tears out your throat!" With that being said, Montgomery flung himself at the captured Aiden. Upon hearing the order, the bleeding canine released the leg as Montgomery flew down upon Aiden, snapping his fags at the back of the dog's throat.

"I'll beat you to a bloody pulp and drag you back to my Alphess for her to have some fun with you, mutt! Enjoy the short trip in Hell!" If he could get a good grip on Aiden's neck, he would start to sling the poor capture dog around the area, smashing him into trees and God only knows what else.

[Paris-Sama]

Paris ignored the wolf whilst she mashed the herbs in her jaws, making sure there wasn't too much saliva or the it jsut wouldn't stick and therefore, wouldn't work. This mixture would seal the wound and clean the blood around it. Lord knows where those antlers had been before they had peirced Roxie. Gently, she nudged the herbs into Roxies side, hoping the collie wouldn't lash out at her from the possible pain. She snuffled at the wound lightly, just making sure everything was there in the right place and smelled right. Her bright ruby eyes shot sideways to look at the pups and her muzzle creased into a warm smile. She still didn't dare touch them. A mothers wrath was more than she could handle right now.

Paris then sat up and bent her head.
There will be no more fighting, Roxie. she said quietly and soothlingly and starting to groom the Collies head. The poor lass, she had been through enough today.
Her tongue came into contact with the fur and was gentle yet firm. Even though Paris had never been a mother herself, didn't mean she didn't know how to care for others. If it came to it. The two dogs in the world that she jumped through hoops for willingly were Roxie and her lover, Jaguar. No one else, even to Tamagari was started to weave his way into her favour.

[Roxie]

The sting of the poultice had made her flank twitch like that of a horse. Her body tensed involuntarily, then slowly began to relax again. Roxie was far too tired to continue guarding the pups and herself on her own. The female's defenses had finally dropped and she allowed herself to be calmed by Paris. She gave her alphess a submissive, grateful lick and rested her head on her paws. The little white pup had wriggled her way towards Paris as her mother fought to stay awake. Roxie obviously hadn't noticed one had so easily left her side.

"Surely you're not just 'any wolf.'" The collie pressed without looking at him. "You're... different... from the rest."

- - - - - - - - - -

Thunder beat like that of Indian war drums. Seeming to chant and pound to the rhythm of the battle that began to emerge beneath the canopy. Aiden's body twisted, his jaws still tight on the throat of the large dog when he pushed off it's barrel of a chest. Even in his injured state, the collie moved with a surprising speed. He felt the the snap of the coonhound's jaws at terrifyingly close range and had just barely dodged out of the way. The collie slipped on one of the rising streams of water, spinning him around to face his opponent --- the alpha male. Aiden's proud head rose to challenge Montgomery. The trachea of one of his captors held like a prize in his maw and dropping only when he took on a fighting stance.* His long body curled like that of a cornered snake, stained fangs bared as he issued a final curse or warning. The meaning of which was quickly lost on the gurgling of his victim and the violent howls of wind.

Wild, unfocused eyes remained searching for an escape route. All of which were successfully blocked.

{ *OOC:// I can edit this part out... I figured an NPC character was disposable, but I'll happily get rid of it if anyone requests it. ^^; }

[/size][/blockquote]

[Montgomery]

Those sullen eyes of Montgomery's went from dark to crazed as he focused on the collie before him. Blood oozed and squirted from the open wound in the dieing dog's neck next to him. He actually didn't care. With one quick movement he sank his fangs into the dieing dog's skull, piercing his brains. One of his troops had been slain, and there would be hell to pay. That lithe hound slowly crouched into a fighting position, hissing at the rest of his platoon.

"Block off any escape his varmit has...and what ever you do...DON'T INTERFERE! This sorry son of a bitch is mine...Got it?" The usual deep and calm voice of their alpha was no longer there. Something deep inside the hound had snapped and he could feel all the hate and sorrow in his soul pouring out. This wasn't their warm hearted leader anymore. Montgomery embraced his hatred for the first time ever.

His eyes locked onto his desperate and wounded foe, smirking a bit. First came a deep breath as he threw his head up high as if he was defying the gods themselves, howling as loud as he could. This wasn't just a battle cry, no. This was also his first attempt at summoning the assassins that were a part of his pack. He didn't know if they'd show or not, seeing as they only listened to Paris, but what the hell. He was the alpha male right? They could listen to him too.

As his deep baying howl faded into the breeze, the hound launched himself towards his opponent. With miraculous speed, the alpha charged at Aiden in a serpentine pattern, kicking himself off to gain speed with every change in direction. Unusually sharp fangs and claws seemed to glisten in the night air while he hurtled towards Aiden. Montgomery's mouth was open bearing his fangs and claws, ready to teach Aiden a lesson he may not walk away from.

[OOC: Naw its cool. The NPC didn't matter. He had no major roll. Hope I didn't God Mode any]