Finding a home

[ulrica]

^{The male was right, but she couldn't see how he thought she was threatening him. "Me?! Threaten you?! You were the one threatening me! You tried to kill me!!" She snarled, taking another step closer. The loudness of his voice hurt and she just wanted him to be quiet. She just wanted everything to be quiet. But she wouldn't let him disrespect her in such a manner. "And who are you to call me a pup you disrespectful dog! Don't you dare call me spoiled! Not after what you've just done! And I ate the kill I made! That was my kill you idiot!! Or did you not notice how it smelled like me either?! Gods! You know you're really something. You arrogant...arrogant...PUP!!!" With that she twirled on her heel and and trotted into the dark, heedless of the blood that dripped from her wounds with every step. Not caring that at any second that idiotic male would come and kill her, because yes, he should have had the stomach to do it sooner. All he had done was draw her pain out sooner and- Stop it! Stop thinking like that! You have to live you idiot! You have to live!}

[kcraner]

Kaal shrugged as the female left the cave and wondered out into the falling darkness Kaal could smeel the massisve thunderstorm on the way He figured something would kill her or she would come back to the cave. to him. As he lay with his head on his paws he began to wonder "Women hate me....ill never father a liter of pups....I need to learn control." Kaal left out a large Huff of air...Kaal ears perked up at the sounds of flapping wing of a very large bird of prey he saw the shadow of the bird swoop down low to the ground "Dammit it all...." Kaaluk got up and ran from the cave the bird was Very large larger then he and had already landed and was confronting the she wolf now, she was backed up against a wall and Kaal was trying to get into postion the birds bones should be frail enough that he could break its back by landing on the bird, if not he would bite the base of the neck and break it there, but he had to act fast the she woulf would be nothing short of ribbions in a few seconds. " I swear, Now she owes me....."

[ulrica]

<sup>Ula had been limping along for a few minutes when a loud screech from above told her trouble was on the way. She growled with irritation wondering if her day could get any worse. When a sharp pain came from her wound on her right side, she realized that yes, yes it could. Sliding into a jerking trot, the young female tried to outrun the giant vulture-like bird circling overhead. However, she just couldn't outpace the humongous bird. And worse!it had steered her directly into the side of a cliff. Now there was no place for her to run. There was a loud thudding scrape as the bird landed, tucking its wings against its sides and turning its head to the side to watch the frightened wolfess with curious interest. However, Ula was surprised to find no malevolence in that burning gaze. She starred into the eye almost the size of her head and was surprised to see something like wisdom and concern in them. The bird cocked its head to one side and then the other, curious with what this female was doing.

It was around that time when Ula noticed the male running toward them. No... He'll kill it! She realized, suddenly caring for this bird's safety. The dark female gave a quick snarl, flashing her fangs at the bird. But it only hopped back and cocked its head again. "Just get out of here you big duck! Go or he'll kill you!" The wolfess pleaded as the large male drew nearer. Gods no!</sup>

[kcraner]

Kaal Skided to a halt as he saw the female give a warning to the bird perhaps to war dit off, He watched from the cliff edge he was standing on to see what the female would to to a bird that size. Suddenly the bird sqwaked a loud screech at the Female wolf and Kaal noticed three more or the large birds circling ever lower one of which was almost doulbe the size of the one in front of the female wolf "The Alpha male." Kaal thought, He knew he had to do something as the birds had likely spotted him already, the one one the ground raised a talon nearly 3 feet long and began to hack at the female wolf, Kaal made the jump and broke the birds back, The bird flung its self around and batted Kaal with one huge wing, Kaal boddy slammed against the cliff with enough force to kill any other wolf, As Kall struggled to his feet he saw the other three birds land. Kaal made himself as big as possible as he began to bark growl from deep within his chest at the birds, the two smaller ones inspected the dead female bird ont he ground before advancing on the female wolf squwaking at each other and nipping at each other, Kaal looked right into the massive eyes of the Male bird just a moment before it stuck out at him with it long curved beak. Kaal dodged to the side and ran at the birds legs, where he tried to bite its ankles,he was kicked to one side by the bird as he aproched it on his back and defence-less Kaal looked up at the bird thinking he was dead, when perhaps the luckest of things happed, a large boulder tumbled down the cliff and landed on the birds back, It didnt kill it but it couldent move and was going to die no doubt, Kaal stood up and looked over to the female, She had some-how managed to kill on of the Birds but the other was still attacking, He sat back and watched in grim amusment as she fought the bird, Clearly on the losing side, He couldent tell but it seemed as if shee had a new gash along he right side. Kaal shrank to the ground and began to move towards the bird when it gave one last ear peirceing Scream and flew off. Kall stood up and watched the female for signs of weakness or anything that might show she had been hurt in the fight. He knew that if he approched her uninvited she would launch again into another fit and try to tell him she could handle her self and she didnt need him. He was not about to go into that again so instead he sat back and watched her froma distance.

[ulrica]

<sup>YOU IDIOT!! Ula screamed in her head, blood from her multiple wounds running freely. Her one good eye now blurry from a scratch directly over it which refused to stop bleeding. The giant female bird, which she was now fighting, was quick and her serrated beak darted in one hundred times a second it seemed. Each attack drawing blood. Finally, the dark female could take no more. Blood loss and exhaustion finally took its toll on her toned body as the she-wolf lost her footing and staggered to the left. But she didn't fall. Surprising, a sturdy shoulder was there to catch her. Looking up, the Hachisu beta was surprised to see the winged form of Aiu. The two females weren't close by any means, but they had traveled together a few times and so could easily call each other at least acquaintances. Still, it was never this snowy female she had expected to see.

Aiu gave Ula a quick look and a small smile before darting toward the giant bird. She was more than capable at taking down such a bulky foe, targeting the wings first. Once it was flightless, she went straight for the throat with deadly accuracy. A single bite and her weight alone pulled the beast down. Concern flashed through Ula's eyes briefly and she took a step forward, stopping when a wave of dizziness washed over her. She groaned and felt herself fall backward, the sudden jarring the only way she could tell. And then Aiu was back, blood covering her snowy fur as a small token of her sin. "Ula! Ula!!" She was yelling, flaring her wings and growling at something a little ways away. Oh yea.... That male.... But the charcoal female found it too hard to stay awake any longer, and the ground rose to meet her...


Her paws carried her silently across the ground, her wings flared slightly for balance. A gentle breeze blew under them, softly stroking at her smooth feathers; completely oblivious to the scent it carried across the femme's nose. Blood...? "You smell that...?" She asked out loud, her ears suddenly becoming hypersensitive to any small noise that might have been made. And there it was: someone growling in the distance...and yelping... Why is that so familiar...? She wondered absently, her nose daintily sniffing the air for any more traces of blood. Oh gods! "No!" She gasped, suddenly lunging forward and racing for the cliff's edge. Alastolan was forgotten behind her as she ran as fast as she could for the edge. Finally, she reached it and the birds were clearly visible...and Ula. The fearless female gave a blood thirsty snarl, instantly snapping into kill mode. Her wings spread wide with a snap as the wind caught them, aiding her in her dive for the black she-wolf's side. Aiu's paws touched the ground just as Ula showed signs of collapsing. "Hold on, I'll take care this thing." She promised, darting in to attack the giant creature.

The fight was over in a blur and she returned to Ula's side, but now another scent hit her nose. It was musky, and obviously male...and familiar. Kaaluk.... She snarled silently, turning to face the large male watching them. They hadn't parted on good terms themselves and now to see him bullying Ula was enough to send the snowy female into a rage. If it hadn't been for the young charcoal female beside her, Aiu would have leaped for his throat then. But she had bigger things to worry about. Ula's weight disappeared and the winged she-wolf knew she had passed out. Just hold on, I promise I'll help you... She pleaded with the gods desperately, unable to take her eyes from Kaal. Taking a defensive stance over Ula the adolescent femme gave a blood thirsty snarl, one the likes of which she had never uttered before. "Kaaluk... You have three seconds to explain what happened here..." She growled, struggling to keep her voice coherent. "Or else I rip your throat out... Start talking..."</sup>

[Xenoxice]

Alastolan had been traveling with Aiu through the rocky terrain for a few weeks now and had gotten to know her pretty well. But as she had been stroking her feathers she seemed to speak out of nowhere. "You smell that...?" He sniffed the air that the breeze had carried and immediately identified what was drifting in the air. Blood... This can't be good. "No!" Aiu had darted off without warning and headed directly in the direction the scent was being carried from. Straight toward the cliff nearby. Alastolan had chased after her and arrived at the cliff face only a few seconds after she had leaped off. He looked down to see the commotion that was going on below. Never a dull moment... he thought to himself, lunging off the cliffs edge falling head first toward the ground. Merely a moment before he would have otherwise smashed right into the rocky ground, he flared his wings and with a single powerful beat of them, stopped his fall instantly allowing his paws to gently land on the rocks beside the black femme.

He looked her over and had assessed the damage. "She's in pretty bad shape Aiu..... but I think she'll be able to recover just fine with rest. We need to get her somewhere safer than this. With all this blood around here there's bound to be other creatures high and low coming out to find their next meal." He stood there watching Aiu as she took on a defensive stance. Curious as to why as he saw her looking at the other wolf nearby. "Kaaluk... You have three seconds to explain what happened here..." He listened to her speak with such unease and anger in her voice. I've never heard her with that tone before... but seeing as she knows his name, they must know each other. And not in a good way. "Or else I rip your throat out... Start talking..." As Aiu had spoken that last sentence his suspicions were confirmed. Oh yeah. Definitely not in a good way. Alastolan began to whisper quietly enough so that only Aiu could hear him. "I'll try to clean her up as much as I can here while you sort things out with him. But we HAVE to move her out of this place as quickly as possible. When you're ready to move her let me know. I'll carry her." He layed down beside this new wolfess and had begun to gently clean her wounds as she was lying there passed out. Making sure not to further any damage already done.

[kcraner]

Kaaluk Winced when he saw Aius bloody form rise fromt he dead corspe of the bird "Damn it all" Muttered. She asked him what happened and then Threatened him....god how he hated to be challenged. He left her with a nice big meal when he parted ways with her and he had let her live in two fights they had....and she thought she was going to rip his throat out. She was going to be mangled someday by something bigger then her.....and knowing her luck Kall would be the only thing around....and he would watch her die... he had had enough of this female, He decided he was going to have to kill her this time when another male appeared. With a deep chested growl Kaal bluntly told Aiu to take her tail and shove it up her ass, He then turned and trotted off towards HIS den, knowing she would be behind him, He was tired and had enough of all this meaningless conflict, He should have kileld that other female for tresspasing, But no...he was better then tat, he tried to help he back to health and then left after Kaal warned her many times of the dangers of doin so and then the birds came the two new wolves were clos behind. This was becoming a very bad situation. but Kaal was wet and in pain, the poisen had weakend him and he was feeling its effects now, and the rain wasnt helping much. Kaal Sighed as he saw the cave mouth and entered itand plopped down, when he did so a pain flared into life on his right side, when he inspected it he saw it was a Gash 6 inches across and he could tell he was bleeding out....he quickly went to the left over of the ram he had for breakfast and used the fluffy fur to lie down on to help slow the bleeding, when he looke dup a pair of eyes sat at the mouth of the cave fangs bared, her wings pressed against her sides. "Why cant I just fade from this world....."

[ulrica]

<sup>Aiu simply glanced at Alastolan when he offered to carry Ula. "Make her walk." She said simply before loping off after Kaaluk. When she was about a yard behind him, she slowed down to a steady walk. Legs stiff and hackles raised in a very un-Aiu like manner, the snowy female followed as the large male walked into the cave. It smelled strongly of the charcoal black female even from outside. Stupid dog... He couldn't even smell the back of a cow if it was in his face... Aiu snarled silently, her emerald eyes glaring daggers into the back of Kaal. Finally, he laid down and turned around, their eyes meeting. Her teeth bared to the gums as she growled at him, fury showing with every tensed muscle in her body.

"What did you do to her Kaaluk?" She demanded, clamping her wings in and then flaring them only to clamp them back again with a snap. "Why did you hurt her so badly? The bite marks on her flank and the wound across her eye, those were from you and I know it! How dare you hurt her so badly? Is this all because I denied you? Because I wouldn't submit to your pig headed nature?!" Aiu stamped her paw angrily. "You are such a child you know that! Gods... I can't believe you could be so cruel! She will never see right out of that eye again Kaal!! And it's all. your. fault!!" Finally she finished, her breath coming in pants as she watched him, pain in her eyes. He had been her friend once and she couldn't forget that, but she also couldn't forget the wounds he had inflicted on the dark she-wolf. Ula... I'm so sorry...


The world was hazy, lop-sided....red? Oh yea... I was attacked again wasn't I... That seems to be happening a lot these days... Ula mused absentmindedly before the pain could register. When it did, a gasping whimper escaped her dark muzzle. A rock moved somewhere to her right and she jerked her head in that direction. Bad idea. The young femme's head spun with the sudden movement, but none-the-less she forced herself to stand. If Kaal had come back to enact his revenge for Aiu's behavior on her, well that was just something she would have to deal with. But it wasn't him... No, this male had a gentleness about him that was impossible for the cruel creature who had attacked her the day before. This male was softer in his features, though by no means in a weak way, it was simply that his kindness showed on his face and in the fluid way he moved. Blue and red markings were on his face and chest, but the rest of his body was a darker more regular color. If that had been all, he would have been a pretty normal wolf, except that he had wings. Ula blinked. Was her eye playing tricks on her, or was what she was seeing really true? Who cares? That doesn't matter right now, just focus on getting out of here.

Ula looked up, her sterling silver eyes glinting with wild fear as she watched the male to see if he too would attack her. When he didn't make an aggressive move, it confused her. "Well?" She prompted while her legs wobbled precariously beneath her. "Either put me out of my misery or help me walk. I can't see where I'm going so you might as well help me see too." Her voice was confident and sure, but there was a subtle weakness that played behind those tones from exhaustion. A small smile curled on one side of her mouth, it was obviously painful for her but she still kept the act of friendliness on her face. As a beta, she needed to portray the strength she harbored in her heart or risk weakening her pack's reputation. "The killing seems a lot easier for you, and I'm somewhat weaker than usual. So if you're feeling up to the task, bring it on." The open threat was foolish on her part, but blood loss was playing with her judgment. She was struggling simply to stand, if this male really did intend on fighting her there was no way she would be able to walk away.</sup>

[Xenoxice]

Alastolan looked at Aiu as she had made her comment to make the dark femme walk. Well, if she has faith in her friend to be able to walk in this condition I'll believe her. He watched as she walked away and followed the other wolf. He turned and looked at the new wolfess and waited patiently for her to wake up, keeping an eye out for any other creatures that might come to try and harm her. I wonder what her name is.... what her personality is like.... What her voice sounds like.... His mind was running rampant with thoughts. Mostly of curiosity about the new wolf lying before him. His thoughts were cut to a halt when she started to awaken.

As she stood up and looked at him he couldn't help but just stand and look at her. That is until she snapped him back to reality. "Well?". "Either put me out of my misery or help me walk. I can't see where I'm going so you might as well help me see too." He chuckled a bit as he turned himself so he was directly beside her and gently folded his wing over her to hold her against his finely toned and muscular body. He spoke to her with a kindness unlike any he's displayed before. "I'm glad to see your getting beat up hasn't made you lose your confidence or dulled your personality." "The killing seems a lot easier for you, and I'm somewhat weaker than usual. So if you're feeling up to the task, bring it on." He laughed a bit more and with a gentle smile on his face responded with a tone of passion. "By no means am I here to harm you in any way, shape or form. You can relax and trust me. I'll lead you back to the den where Aiu went to. Just take it easy and don't be afraid to lean on me to take some of the strain off. I won't misguide you."

He slowly walked making sure to support and guide this wolfess over the rocky terrain. When he got closer to the cave he began sniffing the air while guiding her. This cave reeks of her scent... she must have been staying here a pretty long while for it to be this strong. He had walked over in to a corner and began to lay down, slowly and gently pulling the femme down with him with his wing. "You should lay down and rest so you can heal faster. You don't need to worry about anything. I'll personally make sure NOTHING comes to harm you while you're resting. No birds, no rams, not even that other wolf over there. Please, just trust me." He had finally gotten into a lying down position with the wolfess laying against him, his wing still gently wrapped around her, only more fully now and in the cave where it's warmth could be felt and it could conceal the wounds. As he lay there he looked over at the other wolf that he knew had done most of the damage to her with sheer power and malice in his eyes that CLEARLY warned him not to take even one step towards the wolf he was guarding and just to make it sure it was known he even told him out loud with a tone of dominance and strength. "I don't know who you are but if you even take one step.... if you even LOOK at her funny.... I can GUARANTEE you will NOT live to see the light of day ever again. I won't hesitate one second to rip your throat out and throw it in front of your face as I watch you die gasping for air." His protective instincts brought out the ugliest side of Alastolan. The savage side that had little to no mercy at all depending on the opponent.

[kcraner]

Thats fine....I'm outta here, and for the record....I found this cave empty, I merked it, she tresspassed, I attacked, Kept her from diening TRIED to warn her NOT to go outside but im still the bad guy, This is why I exilded myself the first time, And now we left on good terms Aiu. last time anyway. When yout three are done making death threats to me you can find me in a cave about two miles from her and further up the mountian. I found it earlier today. But if you come with death threats you will be dead. I just want to be left alone, maybe find a mate but every single wolf I come into contact with in this strange land attacks me on sight or is to pig headed to understand that they cant just make a death threat and not back it up. Do not dare come find me with death threats on your lips.....I swear to the god it will be the last words you say.

<------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
three hours later
<------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Kaaluk found the cave through the rain storm and managed to crawl deep into its depths before passing out, He was exhausted, from the fight...form those new wolf too young to understand anything. He dwarfed both of them, the only wolf back there even capable of doing damage to him would be the big black one and she had gotten beat by him so he wasnt worried, but it would have been two on one, IF the black female didnt attack.....she had gotten him into this mess. Kaal began to dream of his old life, his father, his mother....the pack....before the attack....his life was good then. he dreamed of the swamo and Aiu....he dreamed of a nice life, with a pack of his own....but just as he old pack and family died infront of him, his dreams of his own pack and pups was almost gone now too.

[ulrica]

<sup>Protecting me..? The very concept of the thought was unreal to the wounded she-wolf. She'd never depended upon another for protection - aside from Gann, but that was long ago - and to do so now created something of a surreal atmosphere. "You can relax and trust me..." The male's voice was gentle, but strong, and there were no hints of hostility within those tones. The way he had rested his wing over her back and held her against him so as to support her weight also was a plus. Al-in-all, he didn't really seem like the sort to go against his word so Ula allowed herself to lean into his well muscled side as he led her back to the den.

It hurt to walk. It hurt to breathe. Hell, it even hurt for her to think at that point. But something drove her on. Maybe some small shred of defiance that forced her to prove that she wasn't weak; that she wasn't going to give up. As to who she needed to prove this to, well, it was probably mostly to herself. The male supporting her was merely a ghost in her thoughts, his presence was noted and his actions closely paid attention too, but other than that he was ignored. Aiu and the male who had attacked her earlier were also of little importance as the dark female struggled across the rocky terrain, her breaths coming in short gasps where such a short time ago she would have been bored with such a pace. Suck it up, you've still got quite a bit to go before you get to rest. She told herself brutally, deciding the best way to keep her body moving would be to simply face the facts and trudge through the pain and exhaustion that threatened to consume her. Squeezing her eyes shut against said deterrents, the female commanded her paws to continue; ruthlessly ignoring their screams for a rest. Eventually, her perseverance paid out and shadow fell over the pair as they passed through the den mouth.

The male led Ula to a corner of the cave, not exactly in the back but far enough away from the mouth that the elements couldn't reach them. Aiu was there, glaring at the male who had caused all this. Tear him to shreds, Aiu... Freeze him solid from the inside, out. A cruel smile lit upon her lips briefly as she thought of that, the male's face contorting in agony as the blood froze within his veins and icy spikes pierced his heart. Hmmm... Yes I must say I like that idea quite a bit right now. A slight tugging broke Ula from her thoughts, and she turned to see the male's wing pulling her gently down to lay with him. The dark femme blinked, laying down while one ear pricked to hear his words: "...You don't need to worry about anything... Please, just trust me." There was something in his voice as he spoke those words, some desperate plea for her to just let him help her. To let him take care of her. As his wing draped over her body and pulled her against his side to share the warmth his toned figure offered, she curled up against his ribs and rested her head on her paws, laying her tail over her muzzle. She closed her eyes then, ignoring the pain from her left eye as she did so, and gave a soft sigh. Every inch of her lithe figure ached and stung, but in the warmth of this male's company, such trivial things held little importance. She thought she heard him growl a threat to the other male across the den, but her mind was hazy from sleep creeping upon her and it could have been just a dream...

Aiu was outraged. No, that was an understatement. She was furious! How dare Kaal hurt Ula in such a way?! How dare he even think about threatening herself! She had to find a way to teach him, to make him see he was little more than a pup in his current state of anger. This dog is going to have me running all over Tandokuno in this storm dammit! She growled silently, the curse a scream in her thoughts. Aiu stopped suddenly, realizing she had been pacing, and looked out to the storm. Rain fell in torrents, definitely not good flying weather. Not good anything weather... But I have to make him apologize to her... I have to make him see what he did wrong...

The winged female groaned, snapping her teeth together in sheer anger. For a second her hackles raised and her wings bristled as if she would jet out into the sky, but that soon passed and she relaxed before turning back to Al. "You watch over her here alright. I don't like splitting up, but I'm scared he'll hurt himself out there. Just don't wander off so I can find you when I return ok?" And with that she dug her claws in and ran out into the storm. Kaaluk's scent had all but washed away in the raging of the storm and it took all of the snowy femme's concentration and ability to find him. Still, it took a considerable amount of time. Aiu's soggy paws made wet squishing noises as she stepped cautiously inside the cave. It was dark, but that was no problem for her, but she could clearly smell her old friend now that the weather couldn't wash it away. "Kaal?" She called softly, unsure of what she would do if he came to her looking for a fight. Her wings were water-logged as was her fur so she was too heavy to fly away, freezing the water off wouldn't work because then her energy would all be drained and she wouldn't be able to do anything. The she-wolf's only chance was to stand her ground and hope Kaaluk wasn't in the mood for a fight. "Kaaluk?!" She called again, this time louder, and sat back on her haunches to wait for him.</sup>


((OOC: lol xD I just realized I was writing with Christmas colors!! xD))

[Xenoxice]

Alastolan was happy to see that the new wolfess gave in and decided to rest and trust in him instead of try to stay awake and do things on her own. She's not NEARLY as stubborn as Aiu is. I can tell she is a little bit... but still... not nearly. His thoughts were interrupted as he looked back at Aiu as she spoke. "You watch over her here alright. I don't like splitting up, but I'm scared he'll hurt himself out there. Just don't wander off so I can find you when I return ok?" Alastolan nodded his head in silence. "You be careful Aiu and take care of yourself. That's not a very kind storm outside. And come back as soon as you can. I don't want to have to come looking for you out there and take care of TWO beaten up wolves." He laughed quietly and winked at her knowing full well she was capable of handling her own and was joking with her.

He sighed slightly as Aiu left and he looked down at the wolfess lying against him. You know.... I don't think I noticed it before with the commotion but... past the slight smell of the blood on her... she has a very pleasant scent. Alastolan's mind started to reminisce about the good times in his past. It reminds me of my mothers. It's pleasant... yet gentle and kind. I haven't found a scent like this in YEARS. It's comforting to me. He smiled looking down at the femme before turning his head toward the mouth of the den watching for anything that might come in.

[kcraner]

Kaal amber eyes flared into life at the sound of his name, he could see Aiu's form near the mouth of the cave. He felt so lost. So abondoned.....just as he did when his family was murdered. he forced himself to calm down. it was the violence of that day that molded him into the ruthless killer he was now. as sadness overwheled his heart and spirit he spoke softly "Yes, Aiu. I am here. I.....I am....Ashamed of what I have become these last few months.....I kill everything that moves these days....thats not me Aiu....Please....I dont know what to do anymore....I have los tmy way in the dark and cannot find my way back....I dont deserve to live life. Please, if you see fit take me frim this world. I..." at that Kaal shuddered deep within his chest at he tried to contain his emotions...."I tried to help Aiu....I knew I was wrong but she....she wouldent listen....I....." Kaal lowed his head into his paws as he laid on the rocky ground.

[ulrica]

<sup>Ula slept peacefully in the embrace of the winged male…briefly. All-too-soon her peaceful slumber turned into nightmares. She was running, though from what she knew not. Fear consumed her mind and pushed her limbs to near exhaustion, and still she ran. Spittle foamed around her mouth and her paws left deep prints in the soil. Her path was clearly recognizable, but that didn’t matter now. All that mattered was that she get away from the daemon racing behind her. But it was not to be… Fangs closed around her shoulder, sending her sprawling across the ground. The midnight furred she-wolf rolled and skid in all sorts of painful positions, through it all the painful bite of those same fangs remaining. Finally, they came to a halt and Ula tried desperately to rise, but those jagged teeth held her down and ripped into her flesh even more this time finding their mark on the side of her neck. Agony filled yelps sounded from her dark muzzle as she tried frantically to find some sort of vulnerable spot at which she could attack. A paw, a shoulder, even his rib would have been acceptable. Just one bite and her venom would take care of the rest.

Suddenly, the snarling stopped, and the fangs disappeared. Her shoulder was free and she could run to freedom. Staggering into a standing position, Ula forced herself to take a step away from where she knew her attacker was laughing at her futile attempts to escape. Any second and that daemon would close his fangs around her throat and sever the precious life vein that beat just beneath the layers of muscle and skin. But the fangs never came. Quickly the snarling resumed, and Ula turned as quickly as she could; her heart stopped at what she saw there. Gann, his large bulk still nowhere near the size of that vicious beast that threatened to kill them both now, was fighting for their lives. His angry snarl echoed across the deadened plains of Giaku as his fangs clashed with those of the evil wolf-like creature that had attacked her. Minutes passed and he somehow managed to chase away the Giaku wolf, leaving them alone again. The gray male turned and smiled at her, that same easy smile that he had always worn. “You see, I told you, you would need my help…” But then she collapsed and the world went black….

Ula’s silver eyes sprang open and she jerked her head upward while throwing her front paws straight out as if to catch herself from falling, and all from a crack of thunder. Realizing there was nothing to be frightened of, the pain set in from her sudden movement. She groaned and clenched her teeth, arching her neck until her chin touched her chest; still the pain did not go away nor did it recede. Dammit… When will this end?! She cried silently to the gods, knowing there wouldn’t be an answer. Looking to her left at the fluffy bulk that supported her, the dark femme expected to see Gann. Soft gray fur and strong muscles, always there, always kind and gentle. Opening her mouth to speak his name, something forced her to choke back the words and strangled them in her throat. Her sterling eyes instantly found a form, but not the one she had expected. No, it was not Gann whom her eyes fell upon. This was a stranger, and therefore someone to be feared. Ignoring the thundering drum that was her racing heart, the dark she-wolf made her mind slow down and think rationally. Someone had taken Gann and moved her; it was obvious this small cave wasn’t anywhere in Giaku, but where was it?! Ula tried to stand, but quickly found something was holding her down. A wing? But whe-? The dark femme’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of a rock being overturned, perhaps by a careless paw? Turning her gaze onto the cave opening to see what had demanded her attention, a familiar figure was crouched before the gray of the storm. Oh yes…. These aren’t those wounds are they…?


Kaal’s voice was broken and wounded, the guilt he confessed plain in his voice. Oh my friend….Why have the gods forsaken you so? Aiu asked silently, pain in her eyes at the pitiful state the male was now in. She walked forward slowly, ignoring the chill threatening to spread throughout her frame, and lowered herself into a crouch until her chin touched the ground and her nose was merely inches from Kaal’s. ”I’ve killed enough for one lifetime Kaaluk, and yours is one life I could never bring myself to take. However, the judgment is not mine to make. You have offended Ula, not I. Thus it is to her whom you must apologize, it is to her whom you must voice your shame.” Her words were spoken gently, but with a force behind them that made it clear she would not accept any other action than that which she had specified.

“I tried to help Aiu….” He pleaded, as if begging her to see that he had thought himself to be correct in his actions. The snowy female only rose, shaking her head slowly. ”Kaal…” She began, her heart pounding with sympathy for her friend. Loss was a terrible parasite, one the winged femme knew well. ”When you attacked Ula as severely as you did, you destroyed any chance of her listening to you in that moment. Now I know you must have realized that her scent was all over that cave, so why would you have ignored that? And then to simply try and kill her without warning? Without her even doing anything to provoke or threaten you?!" She sighed, looking back at the cave entrance and then looking back. The pain showed in her eyes as she spoke again. "You're my friend Kaaluk.... But you were wrong..." And with that she walked out, hoping he would have the sense to follow.

Walking for her was hard, especially with the weight of her soaking wings. More than once she had stumbled and a couple times even fallen. So, when she returned to the cave where Ula and Al were, there were a couple cuts on the pads of her paws, and quite a few bruises on her knees. Shivers wracked her slender frame and made her shudder as if utter fear had taken hold of her. Even so, a halfhearted smile curled the corners of her mouth as she flopped down a few feet away from her friends, panting heavily. "See...*pant pant*...I told you I'd...*pant pant*... Make it...*pant*...back..." She said quietly in between gasps. There was a slight thumping of her tail on the rocky ground and her eyes glittered with what light managed to seep through the storm and into the cave. When she had managed to catch her breath she turned to Ula and Al, cocking her head with a concerned look in her eyes. "I hope you both were able to get some rest while I was gone?"</sup>

[Xenoxice]

Alastolan layed there beside the femme embracing her as she slept so quietly. Not to long after she feel asleep though it seemed she started to move uncomfortably a bit. She must be having a nightmare... He smiled slightly. This reminds me of the few times Aiu had a nightmare and did the same thing. She never wanted to admit she moved even an inch when she slept, let alone while having a nightmare. With a few memories popping up he began to laugh silently to himself, still keeping watch over the cave mouth making sure nothing unexpected came in.

A while passed by and he began to grow tired as no signs of Aiu's return seemed to want to surface. Alastolan let out a deep quiet sigh quickly surprised by the sudden jump in the wolfess under his wing he looked down at her. Nice to see she's at least awake again. She attempted to get up for a second but he held her down sturdily. Can't have her getting up hurting herself.... she needs to take it slow. An rock being overturned caught his attention and he noticed it grabbed the attention of the dark wolfess under his wing as well. A figure stood there but a bit hazy from the down pouring rain. As it stepped closer Alastolan smiled recognizing it as Aiu. She trotted closer and eventually layed down close by and spoke. "See......I told you I'd...... Make it......back..." She was breathing heavily. I wouldn't doubt it to be a struggle getting back here in there torrent of a storm... Alastolan laughed for a moment. "Well I never doubted that you would. What I WAS wondering however, was how LONG it would take you to do so in weather like this." He chuckled a bit more before hearing Aiu speak again. "I hope you both were able to get some rest while I was gone?" Alastolan let out a massive yawn before replying. "Myself, not the least bit. Not while looking out for anything else that might have tried to come here. But then again I had my doubts anything would with any scents being washed away with the rain." He looked down at the femme now awake under his wing. "She however got quite a bit. Though from what I saw not much of it seemed pleasant. Now come here. You look like you're freezing." Alastolan used his other wing and manage to pull Aiu closer and share the warmth his wing offered. Turning back to the other wolf he continued. "You know now that I think about.... I don't even know your name. Mine's Alastolan."