.Miserable At Best. {{Open}}

[Le Mad]

The Unmei Lowlands. Harsh, unforgiving, and above all, freaking cold. And as of now, the wind was whipping harshly, blowing snow from its settled position. As snow was spread below, it fell from above. This wind blew the globs of icy art in all directions, spattering the landscapes with irregular lumps and crevices. It was death for those who attempted to cross its way. The winds howled above, almost angry, or sorrowful.

Below, a creature was struggling against the storm. Her eyes closed rapidly as she was pelted with ice. Her fur was cyan, dappled with metallic purple speckles and rings around her tail. Her eyes were dry for now, but her heart shuddered. She was growing older now, at least three years old. At the peak of her youth as she aged. Her nostrils flared. She used to love the cold. What had brought her here? Nothing, really. She had come to get away from it all, from the suffering and the pain of her loss. It had been a year since she waited in the ruins of Toai. A year since the last meeting. A year since she lost Meridian. She hadn’t the slightest idea where he went, and it was hard to think about. She had waited for days on end, watched Sanka and Solace leave the ruins, and almost died of hunger before she would leave.

She had searched for him, but she knew it wasn’t to happen. She wouldn’t find him. He was gone, and she couldn’t accept it. She hadn’t spoken a word, and emotions failed to cross her eyes other than sorrow. She had descended into a dark place, and she didn’t know how to get out. So now, clawing through the snow alone, her heart ached for someone at her side, though no one would come. She had never been a pack wolf, but now one might have been nice. She was hated when she was a prisoner with the Akatsuki pack, so she’d escaped. She shouldn’t have even been in pack territory. Maybe she should have fled to Myoujou island. Too late now.

The fae growled, ice crystals forming on her fur whilst her eyes closed. Her teeth were chattering and she was shivering violently. Maybe it would be good to die here, to just let go. She didn’t really have a reason to live other than the fact that Meridian might still be out there. A part of her didn’t agree. A part of her told her to make things right, to write the rest of her story, not to give up. The voice inside of her head was raspy and deep; the voice of who she used to be.

Get a hold of yourself. Press forward.

She couldn’t do it. Her legs shook with exhaustion and the shivering was making it even worse. She fell to the ground with a thump, the snow barely reaching her ribs where she was collapsed. It wouldn’t be long before she was buried and would suffer hypothermia. She shivered, and drifted off to a deep and haunted slumber.

[ulrica]

<sup>Wind ravaged Gann's fur as he trotted leisurely through the snow, his broad chest plowing through as easily as if the thick powder was little more than an illusion. A simple trick of the eyes. The cold never touched the large male's skin however, his thick coat protected him from the icy weather. While he walked, a melody repeated in his head. Something like a lullaby, maybe one his mother used to sing but that didn't matter. He strode through the snow, absently glancing around every once in a while until a strange smell hit his nose. Lupine, and obviously feminine, but not one he was familiar with. Curiosity peaked, the pup-like male quickened his pace, heading in the direction of the wolf's scent. It was only a few minutes before he saw her...laying down?

That can't be right... He thought, running full out the last few yards. Fear flashed through the male's chest as he realized why the female was on the ground. Cyan fur speckled with a metallic violet whipped about in the strong winds, fur that was much too thin for such an unforgiving environment. Gods... Multiple curses flew through Gann's mind even though he tried to keep his language in check, thankfully he at least managed to remain silent. His black nose nudged the femme's neck, a small whine coming from his throat. Nothing...not even a twitch. He nipped gently at her ear, tugging slightly in an attempt to bring the she-wolf into some form of consciousness. The large male released her quickly before stumbling to the side and almost falling as a particularly ferocious hand of wind slammed into his ribs. He growled, biting viciously at the air, a loud snap resonating through his skull as his jaws clicked together. Giving another whimper, he cast his gaze about almost frantically. Of course, no one else in sight... Snow flew up in a wave as the large male twirled around, the small crystals sparkling as if diamonds dotted his fur. Gann stumbled through the thick powder until he reached the female's side. A ragged sigh came from his maw, carried away almost instantly by the wind still whipping through his fur. The male slowly lowered himself to lay beside the unconscious female, one paw over her shoulder and his head resting over her neck. "Just don't try to kill me when you wake up.." He muttered into the wind, not expecting any reply. Still, he hoped she would be alright. He didn't want any wolf to die while he was around, especially not a female; some small attempt at chivalry.

The femme's body was cold, but thankfully Gann's warmth helped to raise her temperature somewhat quickly. Snow blew up in a sheet and slapped into the male's silvery amber eyes with such a painful chill he let out a surprised yelp. Blinking furiously, he shook his head and then what he could of his fur without jostling the wolfess beneath him too much. His stomach growled faintly making him roll his eyes. In a halfhearted attempt, he gently nudged at the female's head again, right below her ear. "Come on, it's time to move now..." He said quiet, his voice almost a whisper. The howling of the wind having died down enough his words weren't yanked away into nothingness. However, this calm wouldn't remain for long and they needed to take advantage of it while it lasted. They needed to get out of the open.</sup>

[Le Mad]

~.. She was running, and running hard. Toward him. She knew he was there. She knew where they were. She could hear their voices laughing, hear his voice. She sprinted with all her might, if only she could run faster! Her heart raced as she ran, but her legs wouldn’t move fast enough. She was running through a black tunnel, but there was a light at the end. A spring light, from which the scents of new life and joy wafted. Closer, closer, closer she drew, almost there. She felt like an eternity had passed, and finally, she had reached her mark. She was there. She stepped out of the cave, a broad smile on her face. The run was worth it. She was here. Seeing him. And in stepping out, into the light, she saw his armour glinting. Two suits were there, to her surprise. One was silver, one was black as night… Solace. Solace and Meridian. They had their backs to her, stepping menacingly toward a wolf of which she could not see. She couldn’t call out his name. Her voice caught in her throat, so instead, she turned and circled around them, her tail waggling a mile a minute. Meridian looked upward, grinning maliciously, a demonic glint in his eye. Solace looked happy, which, though Solace hated her now, brought her some comfort.

And then she saw her. The wolf they were advancing upon. A violet pelt, with lime green trim. The wolf was large, but no match for the steel behemoths that they faced. The purple wolf turned, her skeletal jaw clenched tight. Wryn’s eyes widened as she looked in to the lime green eyes, surrounded by red where the whites of a normal eye would be. Her legs shuddered: She was looking at who she was so long ago. A demon. A sociopath. A murderer. The three of them began to fight, Solace going after Meridian for attacking his beloved. Wryn howled for them to stop, but couldn’t find her voice.

Her eyes snapped open, as she glanced around, eyes wide. She inhaled deeply, snorting snow and beginning to splutter and cough. Her heart felt like it had been ripped in half. She had seen him in her dream once more. It was like the wound had been re-opened. She was warmer now, however, and the ice crystals were melted. But how? Suddenly, she felt a nose just below her ear. She jumped, startled, and got to her feet. She looked at the male before her back legs gave out. Her peripheral vision faded for a moment and blood rushed to her head. She bowed her head, vertigo taking over before her head cleared and she looked up to the male.

“W-Who are you?” She blinked, her voice wavering and blunt.

[Sanka]

Sanka cursed her. He cursed her a million times. Of course she couldn't have ventured some where nice and dark. Instead she had brought him out into the insane brightness of Unmei lowlands. His dark pelt stuck out from miles away on the vast white landscape. He could barely open his eyes in fear of them drying out, and when he did he saw nothing but white. He followed his nose the best he could, picking up on her scent here and there. The extreme gusts of wind made it hard to follow and the dense snow fall made it impossible to see. He was wandering blind in a completely new environment, how foolish.

He had come here on a tip that Wryn was here, and where Wryn was Meridian would surely be close behind. Ever since he last saw them at the ruins he had been on a search for them. The search started out with Solace, then onto Meridian, but now he was looking for Wryn. She'd be far easier to find than Meridian, and she would most certainly know where he is. But Sanka was beginning to wonder if it was all worth it. He still had not been granted dakkanism, or received the information he needed. So far he had come out completely empty handed other than a few battle scars Solace was so kind as to leave him with.

He gave up his foolish blind search. He'd never find her by wandering around out here. There was only one thing he could think of doing. He tilted his head up towards the sky, drew in a deep breath of the sub-zero air, and howled. His howl was unique, a trait of Umbra's, hi song broke into many different octaves harmonizing with itself as if he alone was a pack. Hopefully she would recognize his signature howl and everyone else would stay away. With no trees, or mountains it could literally go on for miles.[/size]


O0c::If you don't mind me butting in.[/font][/color]

[ulrica]

<sup>The female's muscles tensed and Gann's stomach flipped. Oh great... "Now wai--!" He began, the snow connecting with his face as the she-wolf beneath him suddenly stood and flopped him into the snow cutting him off. His sighed and pulled his gray head out of the cold powder, looking up at the female as he rose. She appeared startled and more than a little discombobulated at the moment. Looking up at him, however, there was a fearsome glint in her eye that was almost amusing given their current situation. Hmm, so there's still some spark in that freezing body of yours.. Gann mused silently, outwardly tilting his head as the femme spoke. "W-who are you?" Her voice wavered slightly, but she seemed determined and the male had a feeling she wouldn't accept an evasive answer. Shrugging and letting a small smile curl the corners of his mouth and cocked his head to the side and wagged his tail a bit; there was no reason to come off as a threat so might as well show his true colors. After all, this was his pack's land. "I, miss, am the reason you're still alive. But, for time's sake you can just call me Gann." He said gently, stepping forward in case the femme showed any signs of collapsing back into the snow.

He waited patiently for her reply, or as patiently as one could with the wind buffeting you from every direction. More than once Gann stumbled, caught off guard by the sheer ferocity of the wind. The gods are certainly angry.. "Well miss, shall we get out of this storm? It's really going to pick up in a few minutes." He looked around briefly, seeming very absentminded as he did so, then turned his silvery amber eyes back on the female. "Although the storms here don't usually last too long, they're fierce when they hit and usually escalate far above what they appeared to be at first. This could very well turn out badly for us if we linger in the open for much longer." Gann would have begun to lead the female to find some sort of shelter had not a howl - strangely lupine - broke through that of the raging wind. It sounded as if an entire pack was braving the storm, but for what? Turning to look, again, at the female with a bewildered look on his face, the large gray cocked his head to the side and sort of crouched against the wind. "Friends of yours?" He asked, almost having to shout over the wind.</sup>


((OOC: It's ok with me! ^_^))

[Le Mad]

Wryn shivered, her sudden heat source taken away as she had removed herself from him. The male had rescued her. She understood that at this moment she would most likely be dead if it weren’t for him. She lowered her head, slightly shameful to have been so snappy with him. Some bit of her almost wished he hadn’t done it. Wished he hadn’t kept her warm during the night, so she could have passed on into the second world. Maybe she could go somewhere other than the burning forest this time. Maybe. She lifted her head as the male spoke again, looking him in the eye as he revealed his name. She let a small smile, though her eyes still held pain. Some days she couldn’t get rid of the sorrow. Some days she could. Today… Well. Sorrow was still there.

“Thank you, Gann, for keeping me alive while I slumbered. It means a lot.” She spoke quietly, and then nodded at his offer. “It may be good to get out of the storm.” She said, standing up on shaking legs. Her eyes flickered, and she lifted her head, scenting the air. A howl was rising. A howl that caused her eyes to widen, filled the air in many long tones. She knew that voice. That howl. She shuddered, her ears flattening. Sanka. Her tail rose slightly, and she lifted her cyan head to the sky, a silky, bittersweet howl rising from her jaws. She knew he hated her, that he wanted her dead, but it had been nearly two years. She looked in the direction that the howl came from, her green eyes focused on the distance. She could just make out his form between powerful gusts of wind while the wind blew her fur in all different directions, threatening to put her into the throes of hypothermia.

“Yes… A friend.” She uttered.

[OoC: S'fine Sankeh.]

[Sanka]

Sankas ears snapped to attention as a wide grin took over his wolven face. She answered. He sweet melodic call rang out through the air guiding Sanka right to her. And surely Meridian would be at her side! He stood up and shook loose the snow that had began to collect on him. As his fur shook the cold air from outside was allowed to make contact with his skin. The icy wind reminded him of deaths cool touch. His grin grew wider, for death was at his side.

He ran to the noise blindly, following the map his mind made. His eyes were still closed to shield them from the icy blasts of wind so he fell into many holes. But when he could finally smell her scent strong they snapped open. He stopped in his tracks and drew in another large amount of air. There was someone else with her, and it wasn't Meridian. It wasn't anyone Sanka realized in fact, therefore he was an enemy. Sanka crept closer, moving slowly while being buffeted by the wind. When she came into focus he began looking for the male, and sure enough there he was not too far from her. He was tan, averaged sized, and not too battle scarred.

"Who is he?" Sanka called through the wind.[/size][/font][/b]

[ulrica]

<sup>The pain in the femme's eyes haunted Gann's thoughts, but for the most part he was focused on the wolves approaching them. It was obvious she was cold and as Gann stepped closer to her, she replied. He smiled gently, something like relief flooding his tensing muscles. So there's only one then, eh? Moving to stand parallel to the female, his shoulder beside hers and his bulk offering stability and warmth if she wanted or would allow.

As the second wolf approached them, Gann scanned him over as best he could through the raging winds. Black fur, broad shoulders, large paws. A formidable opponent if it comes down to it. The gray male reasoned, his bright eyes watching the other male's every move now. "Who is he?" The wolf called through the wind. Snorting, the large male turned his head minutely and breathed something into the female's ear. "Perhaps you should handle introductions seeing as this is your friend, eh?" He asked, his eyes still never leaving the muscled form of the wolf running toward them.</sup>


((OOC: Ugh >.< sorry it's so short and sorry about the wait! My wireless is being mean ))

[Le Mad]

Wryn let a deep sigh. Why did Sanka have to come off as such a brute? She knew he had a good heart, and she knew he hated her, but she hadn’t seen anyone who had known Meridian and Solace for so long. It was like a link to the past. She glanced to Gann as he surveyed Sanka with slightly wary eyes. She knew they had to leave soon. Very soon. As Gann approached and stood next to her, she shivered, feeling his warmth radiate to her. She inched closer, waiting until he finished speaking, telling her that she should do introductions. She nodded, inhaling.

“Gann, this is Sanka. An old, old friend- er…” She paused, moving on. “And Sanka, this is Gann… He kept me alive while I struggled with hypothermia.” She shivered once more. Why was her fur so thin? She shook her head vigorously, feeling vertigo begin to press its way into he head. She slowly began to turn.

“We need to go. Before this storm gets too rough. Nn… Gann.. Will you kindly lead the way? Sanka.. You should come too.” She let a small smile curve the edges of her lips before looking at Gann, waiting for a response.

[[OoC: It's fine Ulrica! And I know what you mean. I have wireless satellite internet. The worst of both worlds! xD.]]

[Sanka]

"So he saved your life huh?" said grinning.

Sanka now had a new enemy and his name was Gann. Sanka had no previous encounters with him, nor had he he ever heard his name before, but if he saved her life then she was no friend of Sanka's. Sanka proceeded closer. With each step he took the grin he had faded away. He was angry now. Why was this Gann character saving her life, where was Meridian, her guardian, her protector. Why was he nowhere to be seen? Surely he wouldn't tag up with this Gann.

In the midst of his thoughts Sanka completely forgot about how cold it was, but when he heard her ask him to tag along he snapped back to reality. He was freezing. His skin had gone numb and he was cold to the bone. He shivered. Now he was even angrier. He finally found her but couldn't get his answers and finally end her life. There was no way he could spend another 10 minutes standing out here braving the rapid gusts of wind and sub-zero temperatures. He was left with no choice but to postpone his actions until they found shelter.

Sanka kept his distance deciding that he would travel in the back of the pack as to make sure she didn't try to run off.

[/size][/font][/b]

[ulrica]

<sup>Gann'sear flicked toward the female and his eyes glanced over at her briefly as she shuffled closer to him. In any other situation he would have smiled and perhaps made a joke, however, as his burning gaze fell back upon the dark male the seriousness of the moment settled over him. In a second, his entire aspect had changed from that of a happy-go-lucky pup, to a battle-worn soldier. He lowered his head as this new wolf slowed to a walk and strode toward them. Eggshells... That's what we're walking on here... So whose going to break through first? Gann wondered with a cynical sort of amusement. "Gann, this is Sanka. An old, old friend..." The femme was saying, a subtle anxiety playing in the rich tones of her voice making the gray male wonder if her categorizing him as a friend was completely true. “And Sanka, this is Gann… He kept me alive..." She continued on to introduce Gann, mentioning how he had kept her from freezing in the storm after she had passed out. The male's reply was little more than a sneer, his grin reminding the gray wolf of something daemonic. Of something evil; bad. The smile soon faded from his muzzle as he reached them, the air suddenly turning a hundred times more tense than it had been previously.

Opening his mouth to say something he probably shouldn't, he was abruptly reminded why he was even around that male in the first place. Gann turned his head as the darker she-wolf began to move away, snapping his mouth shut while doing so. Just as quickly as he realized the female was still there did he realize that she had spoken. She had asked him to lead them somewhere out of the elements, and then invited Sanka to join them. Well, if she trusted him enough to ask him along, then the gray male would simply have to deal with that. So, nodding to the femme and moving to stand on her right side in an attempt to block some of the wind, he glanced back at the black male and snorted slightly. Walking with his back on this wolf was not something Gann liked at all. Not one little itty bitty bit. Stop complaining, the storm will be over within a couple days at the latest and then you will no longer have to deal with him. A voice chastised in his head, making any more grumpy comments about Sanka cease.

"There's a place I know of around here. Some rocks jut out of the ground and a tunnel leads farther back into a small sort of den. We might have to dig to get into it, but once we break through it'll be warmer. I promise." Gann said quietly in the femme's ear, raising his voice just enough so that it carried to her and her alone over the wind. Minutes passed, and with each step, the gray male expected fangs to close around his spine. Through the entire trek, he kept one ear back on Sanka, and the other constantly on swivel. Storms like these were perfect for ambushes, the wind too loud to allow any breathing or crunching of the snow under a paw to be heard, and it generally blew in the same direction. Keeping his eyes peeled for anything that might prove to be an enemy - besides the black wolf behind him of course - Gann trudged easily through the snow. His broad chest worked to shove aside the white powder and his thick coat kept him relatively warm. Making sure to block the female from the wind, the gray male tried to stay as solid as he could and not stumble. He knew that if the she-wolf stumbled, she might not want to get back up; dragging her was a future he seriously considered. Relief flooded through him as the dark shape of the small rocky den came into view through the storm, if it was this visible it had to be little more than a few yards away. Good... We can make it, just a little farther. He silently encouraged, praying that the she-wolf would at least make it to the far side of the ice covered rocks so she could be safe from the wind at least a little more than she was with only Gann to work as her shield.</sup>

[Le Mad]

The wind whistled in her ears as Gann explained that he knew where a warmer place was. At this point, Wryn was quite okay with it. She was shivering, though not as violently with Gann guarding her from the wind. She kept glancing back to make sure Sanka was there still. She knew he had a reason for following her. There was always a reason with him. She recalled Sanka tracking Solace everywhere he went to fight him, like a lost puppy. She paused for a second, as she remembered the last moments she saw Meridian, so angry with him for wanting to become a Dakkan. She shook her head, speeding up to catch up to Gann.

Suddenly, Gann’s eyes lit up. He could see the den in the distance. Wryn shuddered, a tremoring sigh escaping her throat. She couldn’t go much farther, but surely she could make it. She felt the weakness come back to her legs, and her head sank. She kept trudging on, though her vision was fading slowly. She whimpered, though it was barely audible with the wind blowing as hard as it was. They were a mere ten feet from the den when Wryn turned her head, to look behind her at Sanka one last time. The sudden movement caused a massive dizzy spell, and she stumbled.

Landing in the snow with a muffled thump!, Wryn groaned. It felt so good just to lay there. She didn’t know how she would get back up, but thinking of the others looking at her form in the snow, it brought a sense of embarrassment. She lifted her head, heaving herself back to her feet. She wobbled, and began to press forward, closing in on the den whether the other two followed or not. She growled as she did so, cursing herself for being so weak. She snorted as she entered it, stumbling in toward the back before she collapsed on the den’s cold floor, completely unconscious. It would be a while before she came to.

[Sanka]

There he was in the middle of nowhere; being buffeted by gusts of wind and ice and most certainly freezing his tail off. On any other day he would just seclude himself in his mind, shutting out the elements battering his body. But with his mind completely filled with thoughts of Wryn, Solace, and Meridian, there was no chance he would be able to focus long enough. He pressed his ears down to the side of his head and fought on through the storm. His brilliant red eyes were now slits trying to peer through the pure white wall of snow steadily falling.

Sanka's ears popped up as Wryn fell behind. She couldn't possibly want to speak with him, could she? As he closed the distance she shook her head as if waking up from a dream and quickly rushed off to catch up with Gann. Sanka slowed his pace once more and fell farther back. When the den was finally visible Sanka began to speed up his pace, anxious to make it into the warmth of shelter. Wryn turned her head to glance at him; as Sanka looked up they're eyes met for a split second before she collapsed into the snow. He hung his head.

He was embarrassed at her. Not too long ago she was a formidable opponent who he was excited to do battle with. And then, out of nowhere she gave herself up. She allowed them to take her when she so easily could have fled and escaped with her life. She was given back her old body although it seemed more like they robbed her of her old one. The armor that once made her strong was replaced with soft skin and thin fur. There were now breakable bones, and blood running through her veins. And all that did nothing other than to make her weak.

He continued on nearly catching up with her, but with a feat of pure will she rose again, and facing the bitter wind. She trudged on through the snow and into the safe haven Gaan had found. Sanka imagined when she got in she would collapse once more, glad to finally be able to rest. But that was not what would happen, she would be questioned until Sanka finally had his fill on the knowledge she possesses. Then, he would leave. Killing her had no joy in it anymore. It would be like killing a newborn pup, murderous, and far too evil for Sanka to do. [/size][/font][/b]

[grix]

[[[ooc: hope you don't mind me dropping in?]]]

Snow, he marveled silently. White and fluffy. Makes everything prettier... Perfect for hiding in. They never noticed!

The mirror-armored behemoth had crept silently behind them for quite some time. As he followed, he had been tempted to pick off the wolf he did not recognize. Why was he so close to Wryn? The urge to protect her welled up in his mind, trying to blot out all reasoning. No! He had to stay focused. He could not be seen. Not yet. He'd have his Wryn at his side soon enough. A familiar howl cut the air and pricked his metal clad ears. Wryn? He could see and smell her and the other wolf, but there was a new scent. Meridian nearly broke into a whine of excitement when he picked up Sanka's scent. There would be plenty of blood to shed once he caught up.

Silently he followed. A true master of stealth. Snowfall and sky reflected in his beautiful plates, the green flame of his eyes dim as he concentrated on moving without a sound. The cold did not bother this undead monster. He had no flesh, no muscle. Only bone and metal. He was perfect in his own right. A stealthy killing machine that could not be stopped by any normal wolf. He was not living or dead, but graced by the miracle that was Undeath. Being stuck in the Hell for so long had turned him savage with only one thing on his mind; to protect Wryn. Of all the things to be ingrained into his soul it was that. But why? It was something he could not understand.

Falling in a good distance behind them, the antlered demon continued to stalk his targets. As they neared a rocky outcropping he expected them to move around it and continue on, but they moved towards it and then proceeded into some sort of... cave? It was perfect. He did not have to herd them all into one spot, they moved themselves into a death trap! His jaw opened in a vicious grin as he picked up his pace, not wanting the opportunity to pass him by. Squeezing through and being quiet about it was going to be quite a challenge, but all stealth was dropped when he saw Wryn hit the cave floor. Dirt, rock and snow fell around the monster as he clawed at the entrance. Finally bursting through, he stood silently, staring down Sanka and the strange wolf for a moment before moving to nuzzle HIS Wryn. When she did not move, the Dakkan whined and turned to glare at the stranger. Did he hurt her?

When prodding her with his muzzle did nothing, he filled with a volatile mixture of rage and worry. A low rumbling growl escaped from his armored throat as he sniffed and tried to wake Wryn. It must have been a strange sight to behold; a large metal demon worrying and whining over a small, unconscious female. He sat down next to her, still as a statue, his green fiery eyes fixed on the two males.

[ulrica]

<sup>The femme's sigh fell upon deaf ears as Gann lunged forward, plowing through the snow at a difficult trot. He quickly reached the entrance and found it open just wide enough for them to fit through. A broad smile lit upon his lips at his findings and with a joyful wag of his tail, the gray male spun letting out a happy bark. A bark that quickly turned to a frightened yelp when he saw the weakened female collapse once again. Snow flew behind him as he raced toward her side, her weak groan making his heart thud painfully. "Come on, it's not that far now." He encouraged, an almost pleading tone lingering in his low voice. After what seemed like ages to the anxious wolf, she finally staggered back to her feet and set out for the opening in the rock. Gann once again took his place on her side in an attempt to block the wind. A low growl came from her maw and he quirked a brow, wondering what he had done but backing away none-the-less. The female stumbled into the den with the gray male following her, though not as closely as he had been before. Darkness enveloped them and before Gann's eyes were forced to adjust to the shadow a small orb of light appeared a few feet ahead of them to light their path.

Forgotten was the black male, forgotten was the storm. At the moment the she-wolf collapsed, the rest of the world ceased to hold consequence in Gann's world. Failure.... The word echoed in his mind as he whimpered and nudged the fragile looking creature gently with his nose. Nothing. Faaaiiiluuuure. There, it echoed again. Shut up! The gray male snapped back silently. Great, I am now certifiably crazy. This weather must be getting to me... He moped, pulling his head away to stare bewildered at the unmoving female. Well, she would be warmer here and within no time she would surely pass through the worst of her condition. He could leave and she probably wouldn't even remember as weak as she is now. Probably think of it as nothing more than a bad dream... He mused, glancing back at the entrance to see a shockingly monstrous sight.

The beast was huge and looked almost entirely made of metal. It approached quickly and for a moment Gann prepared for a very unwelcome fight. But no, the creature's head dipped and worried over the female at his feet. Again, nothing happened. She wouldn't wake not even for this newcomer. The gray wolf snorted, and indignant noise that seemed to bring the metallic wolf's attention on him. Great... Just great... He glared, then prodded the she-wolf again before a low, rumbling growl came from low in that giant chest. An answering growl came from Gann's throat as the fiery green eyes glared up at him, still unmoving from the femme's side. He had no idea what this stranger wanted, but he didn't trust either of these males. Until he could be convinced of the wolfess's safety, the gray male wouldn't budge from his position on the opposite side of the unmoving figure. A fight between this beast he knew would be futile, there was no way Gann would ever win. Still, the protectiveness that the young male had acquired in his years forbade him to move away and leave this she-wolf's life in potential danger.</sup>


((OOC: It's fine with me. ))