Rocky Road

The large canine padded in the maze of alleys, his head close to the ground. He had been in the alleys for months now, his masters long gone. Little less then six months ago they dumped him in the alleys, never to be seen again. The reason could of been because his aggressive personality, or maybe because of his heritage. Either way, he was much happier then he was with the humans. He dreamed of going out to the forest with the wolves, but would they accept him? His looks were St. Bernard, but most of his personality was taken from his father, a wolf. And he senses weren't quite as good as a wolf, but hey were developing bit by bit as the days passed. The hybrid stopped and raised his head, looking about his surroundings.

Yersinia

Her pack had just gotten finished with a rather large-scale battle. Coming out on the winning side despite a wound to her neck, Yersinia was in very pleasant mood.

She was mostly wolf, but looked sort of collie-like. Shepherd was in her as well, but it didn't really show. As she headed deeper into her home terra, she picked up scent of a stranger. The hybrid raised her hackles slightly and began to follow the scent until she came upon Rocky Road. Yersinia gave a short, clear bark to catch his attention, then waited to see his reaction.

Rocky Road

Rocky Road turned to face the bark, ignoring the fae until then. His hackles were raised and his head protectively over his neck, but his expression was somewhat curious. He could see she too was a hybrid, but wolf scent was strong on her. She must be in a wolf pack. He raised his tail to a somewhat dominate manner. He belonged to no pack and did not feel the need to respect those that may be higher then him if he did belong. He stood his ground and studied the female, not making any move to attack, though he was ready for it, nor speak.

Yersinia

Yersinia cricked her tail, standing ridgedly now. She had just recovered from a broken leg and couldn't afford to get mixed up with this fellow; at least not without her pack.

"This is the territory of the Shadow Lurkers pack." she announced boldly, closing watching his movements and reactions, "Show your respect." Normally it was her aunt's job to confront strangers, but the rest of the pack was still on their way from the Ruins.

Rocky Road

He saw her tense and shift into a more protective and threatening stance and in response bristled himself and snarled slightly. He was not in the mood to force submission out of anybody, nor did he want to show any. He paused his snarl, his ears forward as she spoke her bold words. He smiled, his snarl, though still lurking, gone. The comment amused him, there was only a smaller female here, why should he? He was pretty confident of his strength, and usually ended up the winner, despite the odds. Sure, if the pack came, he would leave. He wasn't stupid. His smile continued and his tail raised a smudge, only those looking for it would notice it. The hybrid was acting almost in play, as if testing her limits. He relaxed his muscles slightly, looking for a response. Rocky replied with a dangerous smile, as if he knew something you did not, "Well, if I had anyone to respect and any respect to give, maybe I would." He too was watching closely for any reactions, especially those that threatened him in particular.

Yersinia

Her fur bristled more but she stifled a snarl towards the brute. He was too big for her to attack, yet she was getting obviously frustrated by his almost jeering display of dominance! Yersinia took a few edgy steps closer to Rocky Road, "You'd hold your tongue if you knew who my pack was!" the hybrid snapped. It was easy to get a rise out of her. "Why don't you go scrounge the dumps or somewhere and leave here before we make you!" Now she was trying to avoid physical confrontation while pack duty called for her to not abandoned this tresspasser since he was acting in such a way.

Rocky Road

Now sure of his assumption, she did not want to attack. His smile lessened in its playfullness and his tail dropped slightly, "As you wish madam," he said almost mockingly, he beginned to like the girl. He liked spunk, but she was a pretty one too. "Though I have already 'scourged in the dumps', and I don't plan leaving here for a while." he watched for her reactions, his smile less mocking. Though his apparent fun, he was still ready to fight, his head still layed protectively over his life line.

Yersinia

She let the growling in her throat subside as she began to pick up more on his nature. She was indeed the most hot-minded of her siblings, but she could also be rather coy. Watching his tail go down a bit made her ease up, although her muscle were still tense and ready for anything. "We'll see about that." she retored about his last comment, although there wasn't so much of a sinister tone in it.

Yersinia's eyes narrowed a bit, studying the brute. "Are you a pet? Or have you been a pet?" the hybrid inquired, not sure what else to say. But if he didn't intend to attack her yet wasn't going to leave, she thought it best to at least get some knowledge of him.

Rocky Road

Rocky Road changed position, getting bored rather quickly. The question suprized him, where did it come from? First she wanted to bite his head off then asked more about him. But was he a pet? He growled, his coat bristling, suddnely at the thought, he was no pet. Those crazy two leggers, he didn't wnat anything to do with them. Has he been a pet? Unfortnately, yes. But should he tell? Why the sudden change? He let his growl fade away, though his coat still bristled slightly. "I am no pet." He spat the words out, his apparent dislike filled the alley. he calmed down a bit, though he did not answer the second question.

Yersinia

Her demeanor had shifted now, quite a bit. This was almost how her uncle Bullet acted sometimes, although he of course pursued the faes. And everytime this far, he was utterly hopeless. Yersinia held her brushy tail high, but let her hackles rest back down. Her fangs showed, although the glint of her eyes suggested it wasn't a fiendish display. "Good. Pets can be a nuisance." Her words were slow and judging, as if she were trying to decided if he was telling her the truth.

Yersinia gave a quick glance about, wondering where her pack was. What was taking them so long? Oh well, she could still stall for time. "And you are a loner, no doubt. No pack is allowed here, you know."

Rocky Road

Rocky road began reacting to her response of dominance, but paused as she did not display total aggressiveness. The growl subsided and he stod quiet, though his body still shook slightly with anger. What was this? An interview? He wasn't about to go join a pack, sure at some time he would, but not now. He caught the glance, and looked around himself, he stared back at her. What was she trying to do. Getting suspicous his throat gave a low, vibrotary growl, he was not in the mood for tricks. No pack is allowed here? he could not stop himself from giving a laughing snort, "Then why are you here? Your pack is coming, are they not?" He decided to say his assumption out loud, wanting to see her reaction.

Yersinia

Yersinia smirked as her eyes revealed a twinge of delight. Knowing she couldn't physically force the other to leave, she was using tactics of her mother and aunt. "The reason no other packs are allowed here is because my pack rules this roost." Her head tilted slightly in a quizzical way, "Have you not heard of the Shadow Lurkers? We are the most feared pack in the valley." It may be stretching it to say that, for not everyone knew of this pack, but it was true that the Shadow Lurkers had been in the most fights and more often than not came out the victors. And just recently, they had gained the alliance of two other packs, though small ones.

Rocky Road

The male caught the look of delight and growled. She was trying to fool him! He took threatening steps forward, his patience about done with and his want to kill rising. He spat a reply, "I highly doubt that." He raised himself in a proud manner, though his life line was still safely protected from an attack, his entire body bristling to enhance his already amazing height. He did not attack, not yet, but looked as if any moment he would. Most canines were not given as much time he had given her to speak before an attack, it was past due for one. He advanced again, the space between them closing rather quickly, "And what tribute did you offer to give your pack such 'fear'?" He obviously did not believe her words, nor think very highly of her abilities.

Yersinia

She held her jeering attitude still while trying to suppress fear. Yersinia knew better of her abilities now, and would count on speed and agility if he should attack. Her body crouched slightly and her head lowered. But still, the taunting smirk remained, "See my neck?" the hybrid spoke out, watching him carefully. Her neck was torn and puncured about the top and stained with her own dark crimson blood. "There is some proof for you. My pack and allies drove out the oldest pack in the valley from its land so we could secure if for a friend of ours."

Glistening ivories revealed more in a deepening, maliscious grin. "But I won't lie, I'm not the strongest in my pack. But... you'll be very sorry if you dare mess with me!" sensing an iminent attack, she said all she could to keep it at bay.

Rocky Road

The space between hardly there, he listened to her trying words. He smiled devilishly, amused by her last words. He sniffed the air, "Oh, is that fear in the air?" Her last phrase was what he considered a puppy phrase, trying to act tough. He suddenly stopped his jeering attitude, he fought many who let their confidence grow too wildly; they always were the easiest to kill. Though he did not speak his thoughts, he hardly thought a wound proved her worth, but he would never persuade a potential enemy to not give off weak spots. He was studying the female, waiting for an opening. He came as close as he wanted to, turning to begin circling. Suddenly his weight was shifted and he rushed her, a normal attack for a strong beast, trying to overcome her. But since he knew it was common and she most likely expected it, he prepared for another attack. If he were not knock her over, another quick weight shift would be given so he could easily follow her movements. And either way, he would proceed to biting her, his target: her wounded neck.

Yersinia

Her eyes widened a moment, then narrowed into dark, gleaming cresents. It was foolish to embrace his rush with an attack of her own, for his momentum would surely bowl her over. So instead, Yersinia did about the only thing she could. Telling upon the predomiant genes of her wolf heritage, as well as the collie bit from her father, the hybrid used agility. With her limbs already poised for action prior to the attack, she propelled herself away and to the side of his lunge. Her lithe body twisted slightly so she could snap at his muzzle and keep it from reaching her neck. Yersinia did not stop either. Barely had her pads come in contact with the solid ground when the pushed her forward again, altering her direction just slightly. She attempted to run a circle around him while keeping her head arched low and her fangs directed at him if at all possible.

Rocky Road

The female's ivories snapped in front his muzzle, if he had not begun to go back on himself it would of reached its target. Seeing her path as a circle he threw his weight backwards, freeing his front legs to swing his body around with her. His head protecting, he reached forward to take hold of her lower spinal cord, his target further back because of her threatening fangs. He swung his body behind himself to keep them out of the range of her fangs, though if any contact was found he fought to keep.

Yersinia

Thinking his target was still for her throat, she didn't pay so much attention to her back end. Reaching out to slash at his hind limbs, Yersinia felt the hybrid's jaws close upon her back. Agility wasn't as good if it wasn't practiced upon, and Yersinia was only a young adult.

Rocky Road

Rocky Road dug in as far as the hybrid's body would allow, and a bit more, and then locked his jaws. Unless another, better opening was made, there was almost no way he was going to let go. He stopped running and begin twisting his head left and right, trying to get her attention all on just staying upright. He suddenly tried to lift the female completely, sometimes it didn't quite work out as he wished, but it always got some sort of positive result for him. Either way he then tried to slam her body down on her side, using a heavy paw as an aide.

Yersinia

Her dainty paws dashed out frantically, trying to keep herself in an upright position. Being it very hard to get any attack on him while she was being thrashed about, Yersinia let loose a desperate howling-call for her pack. Then she was flipped upon her side. Her limbs kicked out and her jaws saught to close on something, anything...

Rocky Road

He growled, a long, loud roar. He did not need any more company, he got her just where he wanted her. He moved forward quickly as she flipped over, at least one paw held her down at all times. Her fangs found one of his forelegs, which was replaced and removed as quickly as he could. He growled with anger, but showed no pain. He launched for her neck with his ready fangs, almost his entirely weight on her body. He must finish the job quickly before the pack answered her call..

Yersinia, Hydras, & Skeil

Having heard the call, Yersinia's aunt and the alpha-fae of the pack began to head swiftly for the location of the plea. Her good friend and loyal pit bull, Skeil, trailed behind, running as fast as her shorter legs could go. They hadn't reached the scene yet, but they were drawing near.

Yersinia twisted and thrashed, trying to free herself. Her teeth now slashed and snapped at what ever, not seeking any hold; only trying to leave cuts and gashes. As he lunged for her neck, she yanked her head to the side so that his teeth found mostly fur and flesh in the neck. Still, he could shift his bite and kill her quickly. "Please!" she choked out suddenly, "Please don't kill me!"

Rocky Road

Rocky Road grunted, holding back a howl, as her teeth found different marks. He held fast to the portion of the neck he got, every part of him planned to go further. He heard her plea and paused, he was so close, why shouldn't he? He suddenly got off her, and at the same moment shifted his bite, away from the life line he fought for. He lifted her up again and tossed her as far as he could away from him. He backed up and looked towards where help was coming from, trying to find them on the wind. There was at least two, wolf or not he could not tell. They had the scent of one, but they could be like the female he had been fighting. He looked at his opponent, deciding if he could go against three. It was a foolish choice if he did. He let out a frustrated growl and leapt towards the she-hybrid, but just as suddenly slid to a stop, he could hear the help coming now. He looked again in their direction, and then back to her, still undecided. He suddenly turned and ran down the opposite way, not his fastest, but it did not look as if he was coming back. He turned a corner, and soon disappeared from sight, only the faint scrapes of his claws as they hit the floor could be heard. If the reenforcements acted quickly, they could catch him, but will they give chase?

Yersinia, Hydras, & Skeil

Yersinia scrambled to her feet, bracing for the next attack while doing her best to shrug off the pain and anxiety. She didn't give chase as Rocky Road ran off, but waited for her pack to show.

Hydras came charging in, ears forward and eyes glinting with a viscious overtone. "What happened? Who was here?" she growled out. Yersinia pulled her ears back, "It was some hybrid; I tried to tell him off, but he attacked me..."

Skeil caught up in time to hear Yersinia's story. She looked intently at her alpha, awaiting orders. "His scent is strong. Follow!" she barked. Hydras took the lead with her neice and pit bull friend close behind. She knew the alleys very well and was quick to navigate them.

Propelling herself across the ground with strong, wolfish-limbs, the hybrid followed Rocky Road's scent trail at a feverish pace, trying to close in on him. Her tongue hunge from the side of her mouth from all this running, but her wild heritage gave her great stamina to keep up the chase.

Rocky Road

Rocky Road slowed as he turned the corner, listening to their short conversation. He heard the order and responded as well, though he was the one running. He looked over his shoulder as they rounded the corner, not really surprised to see the hybrid with them, and noted it was a wolf and a pit bull. He smiled at them in his own special way and then sped up. he began turning left and right, in what seemed to be no particular direction. His bounds were large and quick, his large shaggy coat moving with each step. Though he was being chased by three canines who probably sought to kill him, his expression was surprisingly pleasant, almost as if he enjoyed being the prey. He also had an amazing endurance, inherited by both his parents. He turned another corner, yet tighter corner, taking the brief moment to see how his chasers were doing.

Hydras, Narsia, Skeil, Yersinia

Seeing the fleeing creature before her made Hydras all the more eager for this chase. Her banner was held up and she dove on, turning nimbly and cutting corners with ease. Her jaws were slightly parting to take in more air and the points of her glistening ivories hinted at her intentions.

Skeil pressed on, trying to keep up with her faster pack mates. Like Hydras, seeing Rocky Road flee before her spurred her own. Her breed's tenacious desire to please and the incredible resistance to pain and discomfort would drive her on until she dropped from exhustion.

Yersinia fell back slightly and rent the air with a savage howl. She was calling, urging the rest of the pack to show up.

The mother of Yersinia and sister to Hydras was well on her way. But she was far beyond the sight of her family and the stranger who attacked her daughter. Running her fastest, she would only catch up once the other group slowed down a bit.

Rocky Road

Rocky Road growled softly to himself, he knew exactly the thrill his chasers were having, he felt it himself plenty of times. He titled his head lifting a ear slightly as the another howl was sounded, more eh? He laughed slightly, she probably feels pretty mighty now, now that she has the whole pack after me. he still did not know why he let her live, but he had. He chuckled to himself again, it struck him funny, that was the first he let go with their life. Now he had a whole pack chasing him because of it. He shook his head and sped up slightly, continuing his crazy path. After such a turn, a long and narrow alley lied before him. Though this alley was much similar to the other ones, one difference loomed in their path, a large stone wall.

Though his expression could not be seen by his pursuers, a large look of accomplishment fell upon it. He sped up and ran most of the length of the alley. Then suddenly slid on his hind paws, as if he was about to turn and face his enemies. He did turn, but not all the way. He pivoted his body slightly to his left, and leaped upon a large garbage can, which leaned away from the wall because of his weight. He quickly brought his hind legs up and launched himself upwards again, the can wobbled then hit the ground with a crash, spreading its contents over the alley. A bystander would say he wasn't going to make it, the wall still was still to high.

Rocky knew this as well, his target was a small plant holder hanging on someone's window right next to the top of the wall, but an easy jump still. He hit it square and quickly leaped over the wall, clearing it with ease. The plant holder also fell, adding to the echoing noise of the garbage can. On the other side, Rocky landed upright, took a step, and then tripped, a grunt could be heard as the air was knocked out of him. He closed his eyes briefly and quickly got to his feet, his breath labored slightly. He looked up at the towering wall with satisfiction and continued to run. It would take quite a while for the pack to back track and then find him, and he was filling quite happy with himself, his mind already set on leaving the place...

Hydras, Narsia, Bullet, Skeil, & Yersinia

Hydras hadn't slowed her charge the slightest bit. As he jumped for the trash can, she jumped as well. But he had made his next move and was quickly over the wall before she could touch him. For a brief moment, Hydras studied the wall intensely, judging a jump. But, it was too high. The trash can was knocked over and she couldn't right it. Hydras knew how to get around to the other side of the wall, but it would be a waste of effort now. Instead, she gave throat to a malicious howl, letting the retreating brute know that he wasn't welcome in the Alleys anymore.

Skeil stood panting, looking eagerly at the wall. She wanted to continue the pursuit, but saw that her alpha had called it to an end. "What now?"

Hydras caught her breath sufficiently and made a quick explination, "Yersinia, you have his scent well enough on you. We'll let the rest of the pack pick up it and he'll be attacked on sight if he ever crosses our path. And..." she looked to the wounds her neice carried, "We'll describe the mongrel to Pirqua and she can alert us if she ever sees him. After all, he shouldn't be that hard to pick out."

While the three rested and waited, Narsia continued her run. A good distance behind her was their brother, Bullet. Like usual, he had been away from the pack to scope out the femmes. And like usual, he returned without success. The two were briefed on what had happened quickly memorized Rocky Road's scent. As the waited for the rest of the pack to show, Hydras spoke again.

"It's time we hunt. We'll head for Pike's Lake first, then to the Dump if we need."

Rocky Road

Rocky slowed as the howl arose, his head titled to hear it best. He let a low growl be loose as he heard the message, though he was pleased with himself as well. Though making enemies with an entire pack was not his intention, he was able to use his knowledge of the allies againist them, escape if you will. He padded on, knowing that the hunt for him was over for now. Though he hate to leave the place he knew best, he had already made the decision early this morning. The city was not for him, he couldn't stand it. He picked the quickest path out of the city, welcoming the true freedom out of its borders.

Kiarra

Kiarra had heard Yersinia's howl and arived soon after, stopping infront of her Alpha and Yersina, looking worriedly at Yersinia. "What happened?" She asked.