Shinkou's First Threat: The Return of Ghost

[Kikuyoshi]

Bound at every limb by my shackles of fear
Sealed with lies through so many tears
Lost from within, pursuing the end
I fight for the chance to be lied to again

You will never be strong enough
You will never be good enough
You were never conceived in love
You will not rise above


They'll never see
I'll never be
I'll struggle on and on to feed this hunger
Burning deep inside of me

But through my tears breaks a blinding light
Birthing a dawn to this endless night
Arms outstretched, awaiting me
An open embrace upon a bleeding tree

Rest in me and I'll comfort you
I have lived and I died for you
Abide in me and I vow to you
I will never forsake you
-Evanescence, Lies

From the ashes of the brittle, parched ground, one solitary maiden swept over the land alone, silver dress looking like metal sheets, grazing over the brown dead grass as she moved. Gigantic, oversized wings with spikes on their tips decorated her back, but she seemed hardly of the evil sort. About her neck, a collar of the strongest metal was placed and a heavy, oversized chain dangled from it, jangling about her feet. Everything about her held a sad, dark metallic tone, right down to the very fiber of her hair, and as she wandered towards the masses, the very air itself seemed to become compressed and even the strongest of strong beings could feel her immense sorrow fill their core.

She knew what she was doing was wrong. But her mind and actions were no longer her's to controll. She was nothing save for a slave...to the one called Ghost.


Colorless orbs never bothered to even sweep over the faces of those about the area, her only instruction being to command the army of dead puppets Ghost had left behind. Seemingly ammune to the bloodshed that was most certainly about to happen, her arm lifted soggily, like a ragdoll, her finger pointing towards the distance.

For a moment or so, nothing happened. The puppets Ghost had left behind remained where they were, eerily still and unbreathing. However, after a second or two of silence, the maiden whom was now pointing opened her mouth and issued out the only sound she could now make; an earsplitting scream composed of pain, anguish, sorrow, hurt, depression and guilt. However, none of these emotions shown on her face, and she stood stock still, watiching almost as though she were looking through a window as the minions sprang into action, groups at a time darting after any wolf or creature in hiding.

How she wished to die...

[Warlock]

The blind wolfess swung her head towards Paula, staring sightlessly at her. A moment ago, a frigid wind had picked up, chilling her to the bone. She could tell that something about it was evil. Evil almost beyond comprehension. "I do not know what it was that just happened," she said in answer to the older wolfen's question. The way she had spoken these words may have seemed awkward, but then, she had not conversed with another of her species for so long.

She wondered, for a moment, whether to stop and talk to Paula, but something compelled her to investigate whatever it was that was making her feel this awful fear. Carefully picking her way across this wasteland, she moved cautiously toward that forest.

[Aveilthé]

The head that once belonged to that great, and noble Shawn, Yueh felt his heart instantly torn into billions of small fragments, like shards from splintering grass. "DAMN YOU, GHOST!" cried Yueh, just seconds before Ghost himself dissapeared out of thin air, it seemed. Tears dampened the Alpha's white face, and in an attempt to keep his voice quite calm, he shook his very tousled blood-stained pelt, and quickly tried to think of a plan. It was useless. They came here without a warning. But somewhere in the dark depths of his heart, Yueh knew that his clan were prepared in a way, for there were many fighters. Contemplating these thoughts, the Alpha feebly licked his lips... Oh my God, he thought, His blood is on me... He knew that the blood belonged to Shawn. Without glancing at Shawn's head, the Alpha hunched his shoulders, and trying to keep his head high, ran at full speed around the many wolves in his pack.

"Hear me!" he cried hysterically, "keep in formation if you can! His army is here, but all I can say is, fight for our loved ones! Fight for what is right! Fight for our homeland!" Issuing a storm-curdling battle howl, the large white beast prepared to lead his pack into battle.

At that moment, as the Alpha prepared the ceremonious march to battle, he noticed a metalic female rise mysteriously from the earth. He had never laid eyes upon her before. For a fraction of a second, he attempted to fathom the deathlike lady's face, but to no avail - she was expressionless, and he knew she will kill without hesitation or mercy.

OOC: Yayayay. Yueh is leading on the army. I dunno how many wolves there are, but I'll just say there are plenty, at least an adequate amount, whether there are those who have roleplay characters in it or not... Poor Yueh. He's old and wrinkly, and now he's gotta fight. =Pats him=

[Relairah]

The air held the stench of death and blood, of horror and terror, of anger and revenge, of evil and slavery, all mingled and swirled together to form a massive unwanted feeling, a feeling that rots your very soul, and causes your very core to go into panic and despare. Despite the fact that Ghost had moved elsewhere, his minions still remained, and those that had given their lives already to the horrid creature, to protect others, the memories and sorrows still remained, thickly and strongly in the air for all inhabitants of that land to sense, to smell with their very own nostrils as they went about.

Body of silvery-gray hue and masculine build lay resting on the edge of a small Shinkou wood, beneath the shade of a few trees and upon the pineneedles and leaves that had spread beyond the edge of that wood and yet still slightly blanketed the ground, though grass was mostly what cusioned this great wolf while he slept. His white ears would twitch with the landing of a bug or two, and his white paws move every once in a while as he rotated slightly.

As a cool breeze, but not one of a feeling of refreshment, but rather of despair and strife, swept over this land, it rippled through and tossed the mascu's silver-gray fur. His eyes flickered open in an instant, eyes of dark brown gazing about. His eyes held that of wisdom and knowledge that he had learned over his long years. Yes, he was one-hundred and fifty in human years, and great in the past had his life been.

In an instant, he sat up, ears perked up and alert, listening carefully. His white maw lifted, nostrils flared as he sniffed this chilling breeze, and he lowered it then, the hair on the back of his neck and all the way down to his tail stood up and on end. His lip curled back into a snarl, his fangs sharp, white fangs gleaming and a low growl came from his vocals. He stood upon sturdy, legs, white from the knees down, his shoulders and thighs full of well-built muscle. He ruffled his large silvery wings and then a voice was heard. It was strong and powerful, giving hope and reassurance.

Shirokiba instantly recognized the great Alpha, Yueh's voice. He barked, and instantly took off at a terrific speed, heading towards the others. He used his wings to aid his speed, and he now became a mere silvery blur as he sped towards them.

He swerved, pulling to a stop and looked around. It was worse than his senses had told him. His heart sank as he saw the headless body of the great beta, Shawn, and his head lying still aside the great Alpha, Shawn's blood upon him. He growled, looking about, and then once more the Alpha's words rang in his white ears, resounding through his eardrums and mind. 'Fight for those you love! Fight for what is right! Fight for our homeland!' He thought of his origonal home, of his lost mate and children.

He heard the great wolf's howl, and he lifted his maw, gathering his breath and releasing a howl as well, strong and loud, sweeping along and entertwining with the great Alpha's. He went and stood next to the others, ready now for anything. The minions, he glared at, a new strength surging wildly through his veins, a blazing fire roaring in his heart. His ears were now lain flat against his head, and he waited for the orders of the Alpha.

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((Heh heh. Yep, I FINALLY got around to posting! ;D

And yeah, poor Yueh. What happened to "The New Alpha" and "Yueh-The Old Alpha Rests (Finally)", eh???))

[Aveilthé]

"ATTACK!" came the hoarse, throaty voice of this Alpha, as he raced head-first towards the battle. Scenes around him swam, mere flicker of other wolves as dust was accumulated from the heavy thud of every wolf's paws. Upon the white beast's hardcore, bushy neck, swung a heavy amulet of some kind. It's diamond core seem to flutter with a kind of mysterious light, as if ready to aid it's bearer. At that instant, thick ivory fangs knocked over (and sunk into) one of the many minions flesh and bony bodies, racing headlong into him, and despite the Alpha's weight, he staggered and was brought pinned to the earth, to which the other minions trampled and smashes his face and gut...

Many of Ghost's minions were already upon him. Yueh's large, fist-sized diamond amulet began to glow. All of a sudden, it erupted in a flash of blinding, powerful white light, which caused five of the terrible minions upon the Alpha to cover their eyes, each screeching and swearing in fury. Many toppled over eachother. But such light wasn't enough to repel them all.

Yueh slowly and surely rolled onto his belly, which he weakly stood onto his large paws, his blazing eyes locked onto many of these beasts before him. All was in vain, however: he hardly noticed the others, for when Yueh was in battle, he was one mean fighting machine, and quite merciless... but power was another thing. Being quite ancient, he didn't know how long his power will last.

As there were many of Ghost's minions, twelve more surrounded Yueh, circling him, taunting him... Yueh simply snarled, the many hairs along his spine on end, and his tail rigid behind him. "Come get me, cowards!" said he throatily. Snickering, the beasts all at once pounded upon him once more. Yueh reared onto his hindlegs, thrashing paws like a pissed off stallion, and issued a great bellow. Such did not hinder the creatures. They were all upon him. They were heavy... very heavy. Each tore at his throat, bit his nose, clawed his eyes, bit his tail, until he became one bloody mess... Despite his thick fur protecting him, these strange suckers had thick, long fangs, which successfully penetrated his protective fur, and peirced every inch of him.

Just let me die... thought the old Alpha, as he was once more pinned, more creatures piling up on top of him, wanting a taste of his rich flesh and blood. My body is breaking...

OOC: Whatta? o.0 Those are sort of... over. =P And the New Alpha hasn't been chosen yet.

[Relairah]

Shirokiba raced forth, slashing his fangs and clawing at the many minions, growling and fighting with all his might. Minions surrounded him, lept at him, bit at him, clawed at him. He snarled and growled, tearing them with his fangs and claws, fighting ferosciously.

He looked around, and slowly, his eyes came upon the Alpha, he ran towards him, cursing under his lips at the minions, yelling and growling at them. He reached the Alpha through a crowd of minions, now fighting more and more. The other wolves that were there fighting as well, everyone fighting for all he or she was worth. Fangs and claws slashed at the air, minions flying about, and wolves whimpering in pain, but also fighting back with dignity and anger.

He looked down at the Alpha, growling and fighting the minions about him, helping the Alpha. It would seem his mind might either be out of place, or he was just helping anyone, or perhaps fighting any minion in sight, though why should he help the Alpha, did he really need help? He appeared so, but then, that bright light, it seemed not to bother him in the least, the bright light reminded him of his own amulet, the diamond shaped jewel that dangled from his own neck.

He snarled, tearing away yet still at the minions. He dared not use the Alpha's name, neh, but he did speak, "Back you devils!" he cried angrily, then looking down at the Alpha, "Your highness," he said, turning to kill a minion and then swerving about to kill more, or even damage some...

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((Are you really going to make Yueh die now (??))

[Aveilthé]

Somewhere in the back of his feeble mind, a voice had called out, very faintly: "Back you devils!" A moan escaped from his lips, as he once more tried getting up to his paws. Crimson blood gushed from the white beast's face - a deeply long, terrible gash was seen, starting from the top of his cranium, snaking down and over his eye, to the top of his muzzle, and to his nose. It hurt... it was so painful... What was worse, a large part of his tail seem to be missing, simply a tuft of hair. Other parts of his body were scratched. He missed quite a bit of hair. It seemed as if beauty was no longer there, but only despair.

But, if one thought that all was in vain, a valorous smile spread across his weak muzzle. From his chest, that diamond burned brighter, as if the sun had flipped on within the crystalline depths. His left eye was closed, and purple, as if he had been punched there, yet the other was open, and fully functional, and continued to glow in all it's glory. But the Alpha would let his gaze meet that of whom had aided him. "Calling me 'your highness' is unnecesary," he spoke softly, "simply Yueh would do." And bowing his head in thanks, returned to battle.

The Alpha faced his nearest enemy, and so many others behind such demon, and crying out in a pissed-off voice, "Get out of our land, you filthy, snivelling bastards." At that moment, he issued a mighty roar, and his diamond amulet once more burst into a powerful, blinding white light, which caused the area around them to be smothered in such a light. It could be described as heaven - the light surrounded all, for at least a few miles, but only those of an evil heart were blinded by Yueh's light. It was a good strategy - the wolves around with good heart can see properly, and commence fighting with more advantage.

Despite the long gash on Yueh's face, and being weak physically and mentally, he was still on his legs, using tooth and claw to bring demons down at a time. Using his amulet at regular invervals, he'd cause a wave of powerful blue fire at his enemies. From his hot tongue, more like dragon's, a long spurt of flame was seen, causing the demons to either incinerate, singe at the fur, or to back away. It was widely known that the lighter the flame, the more powerful, thus blue flame had immense power and intense heat.

[Relairah]

A smile issued from the wolven's face, and he dipped his head with a nod. He wagged his tail, and turned, again bearing down upon the minions and digging through them, slashing his claws and growling. Surely, evil, if, which of course they were, right, to win, would remember this day, for long times in the future. ((If that wasn't too confusing ;D)) He uttered another howl running about and battling.

Yet, even after this would have to be the destruction of Ghost, and that, he was sure, would be so much more challenging, than anyone really thought, or perhaps that anyone had faced in all there lives, or at least in a long while. He himself was really not young anymore, but neither could one say he was old. He barked and growled, and fought, yet a smile still remained on his face as he went along. ((Sorry for my sudden change in the length of my post. My brain kind of went dead ))

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[Aveilthé]

And the battle continued on. There was so much of them - and the prospect of Ghost once more fleeing from Yueh's view caused a great distress in his mind, but he knew that if the army was not destroyed now, there'd be no hope for Shinkou Ookami.

"Do not give way!" he cried again, keeping his ground as his bloodied bulk caused one of the many monsters to be taken off their paws.

Yueh was getting tired. His eye felt intense pain, and his face felt like millions of bees were stinging it. He felt blood constantly rush from his body, but he did not give up.

[Relairah]

As he fought, he thought for a moment. 'How was it, that Alphas, especially ones with dignity, the Alphas who were true Alphas, always were able to rally everyone, and give hope to the pack, to have strength to move foward and not give up, even in the hardest times or in greatest times of need, they were always there, watching over and protecting their pack, and it seemed so wonderful, even if he had once been a great friend of a now lost Alpha, of his previous pack, yet that was something he admired in an Alpha, and he thought about if he ever would become an Alpha, that would be one goal he would have, to be strong and to give a life to protect a pack.

He shook his head as a sudden pain struck his shoulder, bringing him back from his thoughts and to the battle. How foolish of him to let his mind wonder in the middle of a battle, a great battle that depended on the very survival of this pack. He sighed, snarling and growling ferosciously once more, ripping a minion to shreads. He began to beat his wings, sending even more minions flying and crashing into trees and such, or rocks and ending their lives.

He moved foward, always tearing away at the minions, though the pain in his shoulder still held. He knew of the wound that was now there, for he could feel the blood that now dribbled down his leg and onto the ground. It mingled with all the other stenches of blood and death that already filled the air. He ignored the pain, moving foward and fighting with all his worth.

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[Kikuyoshi]

In the bowels of the earth, in a location even worse than hell itself; where the core is so hot it actually freezes you, a most terrible minion stirred and was summoned to the surface by the only now living creature it had come to know as master. It would come to grace the lands of Shinkou and overlook the other minions, taking the place of Ghost's slave so she might rejoin their master.

Amid the ongoing battle, rage was apparent and it heated the air with a firey desire, although such emotion was not present about the figure of the maiden in silver, for her own depression and sorrow consumed her and the air around her, leaving everything or everyone she stood near or touched at a complete loss and usually took away their desire to live any longer.

However, the heat from bodies being closely pushed together and blood being spilt onto the ground, suddenly calmed as every single one of Ghost's minion's froze to a dead hault in their tracks, their gouged out eyes and white bodies shuddering as if terribly cold. And indeed, it was only a moment or two when even the living could feel this most terrifying sensation as a most horrible beast rose from the blood drenched earth, frost spreading along the grass in all directions from where it stood, gradually freezing the bodies of every single minion Ghost had set down. As for the living, it would've felt like being frostbitten for a moment or two.

In the dead center of the battle field, a creature, for that is all it could be described as, stood most horrificly, a leathery, wrikled face greeting the opposing straggle of wolves, glaring at them out of his one and only good eye, the likes of which seemed to glow eerily as though it were the moon itself. Whisps of frosty white hair tangled about his face for a moment or two then settled down, and as the moon peeked out from behind a cloud, one could see the self inflicted wounds on his face, carved out in intricate tribal designs and looked to be centuries old. In a garbled tongue he spoke, vocals dry and almost crumbly as though he hadn't used it for ages; and he probably hadn't.

"Drui caagc uid drec uha tippat Kangetsu. Drui crymm ymm banecr macc E pa cmyeh." ((Thou seeks out this one dubbed Kangetsu. Thou shall all perish less I be slain.))

A grunt parted his dry, wrinkled lips, the gnarled wooden staff in his hands now taken up and plunged into the earth, freeing every single one of the minions as well as splitting the ground in two, leaving a well defined gap and a tree which was split down the middle. Cranium then slowly turned towards Ghost's slave, to which she vanished from view and all senses, whereas he then turned to face the group of waiting wolves.

[Aveilthé]

Before the Alpha could comprehend precisely what was occuring, in no time did he find out, though his mind was filled with doubt and utter confusion. Just before him rose a creature to be the most unnerving of all the minions Yueh had laid sight on. Panting heavily, and utterly vexed due to all the creatures he and his pack were battling cease fight, the great Alpha's head rose up slowly, casting his gaze upon that of whom had risen above the earth. For a split second, the Alpha felt a chill permeate through his body, which caused him to shudder slightly - alas, Yueh was of an Icy element, thus it did not perhaps perturb him as it should have. Perhaps Yueh thought it was just a draft of wind, albeit the summer's day turning to summer's sunset, but all this Alpha could do for the moment was pant, and gaze, at this creature. Crimson liquid dribbled unremittingly from the drool escaping his jaws.

Every inch of his body ached; perhaps it had to do with him being an ancient fellow. Blood continue to drip. He indeed look like a torn rag. But as this enigmatic being spoke, Yueh simply looked convulsed. "Who is this Kangetsu you speak of?" said he, every word spoken hinting that of a growl. "And whose side are you on?" he added, being perfectly blunt. If this human-looking (or at least, he looked like a wizard of some kind) creature was a threat, there was no reason for him to live. He understood his language, more or less; there was no doubt that this being understood his own. Yueh simply didn't know what to think anymore... or for the moment.

[Relairah]

Shirokiba stopped for a moment, looking around, for he felt a sudden chill, like a winter wind before a blizzard might come, though it was summer, and so, it was odd. He turned, hearing something arising from below, until at last he laid eyes on the new creature. His ears twitched, as the creatures words slowly came to his ears. He had heard this language before, but he had never learned it, nor understood it, so it gave him little help now. He wished he did know it, but even then, if he did answer the fellow, it would give him an awkward feeling as the Alpha was present, and perhaps it was that he had such great respect for Yueh that he dare not speak lest he be given permission, it was something he had learned in the past, to have great respect for authoritys, especially the Alphas.

He looked around, at all the frozen minions, his own breath coming in pants as well, his sides heaving in and out, and even with the chilling feeling, sweat was seen, glistening upon his silvery-gray fur. His ears were lain flat against his head, but he only glared at the new comer, suspiciously, though uttered no word or growl, or snarl or threat. He wondered what would happen now.

Suddenly, as all the minions were released from the icey hold, and the sorrowful fae disappeared, or so it seemed, he jerked, his body once more coming alive with furry, as he prepared for a fight, lest it come. What was all this? How did this come upon the Shinkou Ookami packlands? Why had it come? And What was it doing here? These questions bothered him, but still he would fight defending this pack, along with the others who were already slain, their loyal blood filling the air, and his flared nostrils.

[Kikuyoshi]

A bit of dry earth crumbled and cracked near the laceration inflicted upon the earth, bits and pieces toppling into the gaping hole near this ancient looking creature, though he hardly seemed to pay it heed.

Once more, the dry, brittle voice called into the electrified current of air, ignoring the irritation lain on Yueh's vocals. Either he was a fool, or fearless...or perhapse just that damn powerful, but he uttered words that most likely would have the strong Alpha after him in a heartbeat.

"E pa Kangetsu, tasuh uv vena yht ela ehdandfehat. E lusa uh dra lymm uv so sycdan, dra uha mypmat Ghost" ((I be Kangetsu, demon of fire and ice intertwined. I come on the call of my master, the one labled Ghost))

The gnarled branch he weilded as a staff suddenly liquified, it's bark peeling off and was instead replaced with what looked like a giaint twisted icicle...although it was meshed together with what appeared to be white flames...both of which he was touching with bare skin as if they were still in wooden form. His one good eye flared slightly, it's glow pulsating and seemed to shock every single one of Ghost's minions so that they quickly fled into hiding. Without even issuing an attack, he had struck fear into emotionless creatures for a brief moment, for they soon returned to their posts though left the Yueh's pathway quite clear, leaving a direct path to Kangetsu, for they seemed to steer clear of the weathered creature as well.

((if anyone of you has seen Atlantis...i sorta imagine Kangetsu's voice like that of the old man that is the king of atlantis xP -shrug- ))

[Aveilthé]

Biting back a fierce retort he was longing to utter, Yueh simply stared, breathing at a limitless time. "Good eve," mocked Yueh, attempting to keep his voice cool, yet his lips still curled upward to reveal a venemous grin. "Your master has scampered like a coward, to let his minions do his dirty work, and we were just in the middle of thrashing these brainless hoardes of mutts," he spat, approaching Kangetsu, his pulsating amulet glowing unremittingly. "If you've anything to say or do, do it, I am not going to beat about the bush talking to you, for I know you're our enemy. That is precisely why you were brought here, ey? To aid these creatures to destroy us?" Yueh was only being half-serious. He tried to tred carefully around this Kangetsu. One thing was for sure, he seemed to control some kind of ice element, which Yueh can withstand, for he had just the same.

Although, the more Yueh observed Kangetsu (except Kangetsu's eyes; they glowed like the moon... almost like his own eyes), the more he seem to realize that there was some kind of insight in this being; the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; or, perhaps, that may just be how Kangetsu looked. Looks can be deceiving, Yueh knew this.