Dark Star
Even though Dark Star tried to relax, he was still anxious for what could come very soon. He howled for Sivinith, and when he saw her he lowered his maw in respect. He spoke to Sivinith privately before the others came. He spoke. "Hello Sivinith. I appologize terribly for your cubs long stay with us, I was placed in the Wolf Center because of my injuries from searching for you and the others and they helped me break free." He then continued. "Bandit and Star are also coming up, and will be here shortly." He then looked around and in a hushed tone added. "Please keep Bandit and Star and your cubs up here if you can for the next couple of days. It will soon be very hectic down in our new packlands and, well, there is something we would like to surprise you all with in the next week or so." He smiled, bowed again, and loped to his mate. He licked her on the cheek, said goodbye to the others and then ran back down to the packlands. That took no time at all. I suppose I should have stayed longer, but I would rather not get enthraled with coverstation, not when I have to prep. He ran off.
Kana
Kana fallowed after him and smiled at Sivinith, "it's good to see you again" she said in a friendly tone. When her mate licked her cheak she smiled and nodded, fallowing him back to there packlands...
Sivinith, Auna, & Snowden
Sivinith had actually known that her two youngsters were hanging around Dark Star, although the part about the Wolf Center she didn't know about. "Surprise huh? I'll be waiting then." she said, flicking her tail and giving a very faint smile. "Bandit and Star? I feared their mother took them away." she said, narrowing her eyes in thought. But her features soon turned to more pleased ones, "I will look after them, of course." she nodded her head once in a 'goodbye'. She nodded again to Kana, in the same respect telling her 'hello' and 'goodbye' in the same nod. Sivinith wasn't one for much talk, but she was glad to see these two wolves whom she had nearly killed in their first encounter.
Auna soon came bounding across the ground and sprung at her mother, wrapping her large paws around the much larger feline's neck. Sivinith shook her head and batted the youngster away. "You're back, I see." Sivinith said, raising an eye. Auna purred and rubbed against her mother, "And glad to be."
Snowden sprung over the ground and nuzzled his mother as well, "Bandit and Star are back!"
Bangit, Star
Bandit came dashing in after Auna and Snowden. His tail was wagging very rapidly and his heart beat fast for he was very excited. He yipped happily and darted over to Sivinith nuzzleing her. He was so glad to be back. "Im sorry Star and I wandered off."
Star came in after nodding in agreement with what Bandit had said. She ran over and nuzzled Sivinith as well so glad to see her 'mother' once again. She he brushed her head against Siviniths knowing it was how felines greeted each other sometimes since she had seen Auna and Snowden brush up againts others befor to greet them. "Its so good to be back."
Sivinith, Auna, Snowden, & Asplen
Sivinith licked the tops of their heads, purring happily. "You've worried me." she commented but didn't sound at all upset. It was obvious she was just glad to have them back. "Where have you been? No troubles with humans, right?"
Out of no where, a furry body suddenly catapults through the air and tackles Snowden. It was Asplen. The creamy-white feline, a stitch bigger than his brother, leaps up and spring a few feet away. His ears were down and his back was arched. Snowden hesitated until he saw a smirk on his brother's face. So it was just play. Asplen turned his sharp eyes to Bandit and Star, giving a single nod to them in greeting.
"What a welcome!" Snowden said in an exasperated voice to Asplen. He then launched himself at the other cat and the two began to wrestle.
Bandit, Star
Bandit smiles. "Just exploring a bit with our sibling Night... and um nope. No human trouble." Bandit says in a hapy voice as he wagged his tail. He then yips a greeting to Asplen and looks back to his 'mother'.
Star smiled and nodded in agreement with Bandit as she sat next to Sivinith. She also yips a greeting to Asplen.
Bandit grins playfully and begins walking toeards Auna then tackles her playfully. He barks a sharp playful bark.
Star watches Bandit for a moment and smiles looking to her 'mom'. "How have things been here?" She asks.
Sivinith, Auna, Snowden, & Asplen
Auna wraps her front paws around Bandit's neck as he tackles her. She tries to burry her fangs into the fur of his throat in a mock-bite. Her strong hind legs kick out as well, but the claws are definately sheathed; if they weren't, they could easily dissembowl her friend.
"Pretty well." Sivinith replies, looking at Star with a kind, releived sort of look. "Humans haven't been a bother to us yet, but I've heard they are begining to sweep the lower Valley and are heading for the mountainous places soon." She sighed slightly, not wanting to have to move her family again. But if the humans came, they would have to leave for the time. "Tolaca is getting better, as well. She sleeps a lot still."
Bandit, Star
Bandit feels Auna's fangs dig into his fur on his throat. He mock snaps at her kicking out his legs as well. Though they werent as nearly as powerful as Auna's.
"That dosent sound good... Humans are so terrible..." She sais shakeing her head in disgust. She then heared about Tolacca. "Where is she? Can we go see her now. It seems like its been so long."
Sivinith, Auna, Snowden, Asplen, & Tolacca
She nodded her head once, "Sure, she's resting near the old den site." Sivinith said, calling it 'old' because she didn't use it anymore until she had her next litter of kittens. Then it would be just the 'den' again. The large feline stopped near the den and found Tolacca there, sleeping with her long tail curled around her side. "Tolacca, wake up. Look who's come back." Sivinith said lightly.
Tolacca slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the light of day. For a moment she studied Star and didn't say anything, and then a smile creeped over her blung muzzle, "Star! It's good to see you again!" The snow leopard said happily. She was smaller and scrawnier than her siblings.
Auna bites the fur hard, once she was sure there wasn't any skin between her jaws. Then she released and sprung away. Her tail was arched up at the base and so was her back. Facing him from the side, she gave a playful grin, ready to spring or run.
Bandit, Star
Bandit smiles. When Auna leaps away he grins and then darts after her trying to catch her with mock bites.
Star smiles and follows Sivinith. She dashed over to Tolacca. "Hello. She said happily. Its good to see you agin as well." She said sitting befor Tolacca.
Sivinith, Auna, Snowden, Asplen, & Tolacca
Auna tore across the ground as quick as she could before springing up at a tree. She scrambled for a hold on a high branch then pulled herself and looked down at Bandit. "Can't get me now!" she said challengingly with a large grin.
"Is Bandit here as well?" she questioned, purring slighly at the pleasure of having Star back in their 'family.'
Sivinith was terribly curious about the secret Dark Star had mentioned. "Star, do you know of any secret that Dark Star might have?"
Bandit, Star
Bandit grinned and tried to run up the tree but slid down. He smirked playfully. "Your lucky you have sharp claws!" He said as he wagged his tail.
Star smiled. "Yup! Hes playing with Auna right now. The last I saw they were play fighting." She then heared Sivinith. "Secret? No... not that I know of though he didnt seem to happy earlier." She explains to Sivinith.
Sivinith, Auna, & Tolacca
Auna crouched down, shaking her haunches from side to side as a cat does before pouncing, "I'm lucky you don't!" she replied, grinning still as she flattened her ears back and hunched her body down more in a'pre-pounce' posture. Then she sprung from the branch, stretching her paws out to land squarly on Bandit.
Sivinith gazed upwards in thought. "I wonder what this surprise is then. Surely not a bad one." she decided, looking to Star again. "I'd like to go see where they live, but Dark Star wanted us to stay away for a while." She pushed the thought aside, "Have you eaten recently?" The feline questioned. It seemed they had, but she thought she'd ask just in case.
Bandit, Star
Bandit grinned but then fell over by Auna. The impact had hurt alittle but nevertheless he smirked amused. He blinked twice then growled playfully and began nipping at her face.
Star smiled. "Yeah me to... Dark Star didnt tell me, Bandit, Auna, or Snowden about any surprise at all... and yup. We all ate yesterday befor we came." She smiled and wagged her tail. She smiled and looked to Sivinith. "Though I am a bit hungrey still..." She added.
Sivinith, Auna, Snowden, Asplen, & Tolacca
"We could hunt some rabbits then, to satisify a small hunger." Sivinith decided with a smile. "Or bharal sheep if we can find any; they are small as well." Sivinith called for the others who were playing, "It's time to hunt!"
Auna sprung back, pinning her ears back and switching her tail side to side quickly. One paw was raised in the air and she was ready to pounce at Bandit again, but heard her mother's call. "Ooo, hunting!" she exclaimed, putting her large paw to the ground and pulling her ears up again. "Exciting, I wonder what we're hunting!" She bounded past Bandit and flicked her long tail at his face playfully as she approached her mother.
Snowden had easily pinned his brother and had a hold of his throat. At the call of his mother, he lifted his head, pulling Asplen up as well. Then he abruptly dropped his hold on the slightly smaller feline and bounded over to Sivinith.
Asplen picked himself up, shaking his fur and looking around casually before also heading for his mother.
Bandit, Star
Bandit grinned and darted after Auna though he pawed at her tail once playfully.
Star smiled and wagged her tail. "That sounds good." She said as she watched the others come over.
Sivinith, Auna, Snowden, Asplen, & Tolacca
She waited until all the young ones had gathered around her. The experienced cat wanted to hunt for her favorite food; bharal. But, she also thought about Bandit and Star who wouldn't be so sure-footed on the steep slopes where the sheep lived. It would be too hard and too dangerous for them to go for the sheep now, when they had more weight to carry about. No, rabbits would be better. Or perhapse a deer that didn't take to the steep slopes. "Follow me." Sivinith said and headed out.
Snowden, Auna, and Asplen followed quickly after. Auna was lured to investigate things here and there and pounce upon any flicker of movement that caught her eyes. She was still full of kitten-spirit, although she should start paying more attention to her mother's teachings.
On the wind there came a very strong, musky scent; it wasn't a skunk, either. What ever this was, it wasn't far away.
A few fresh rabbit tracks could be seen crossing this way and that. No sign of deer or other animals were yet to be found. Sivinith picked up on the clues, but waited until the others might find them on their own.
Bandit, Star
Bandit was quick to follow after Sivinith sniffing the air intently for any scent he could possibly find. he suddenly picked up on the musky scent. "I smell something..." He said not exactly sure what it was.
Star followed after and she got a bit distracted watching Auna pounce on a few things but soon the scent reached her nostrils as well. "Me to." She said in agreement with Bandit.
Sivinith, Snowden, Auna, Asplen, & *Creature*
She sniffed at the air as if she hadn't picked up on that scent yet, "Hhhmm, it's a strong smell. Be careful." she warned, knowing perfectly well what animal this was. It could be very dangerous, but she was confident that her 'young' would be cautious with it.
Asplen sniffed about before the scent struck him and he wrinkled his nose; it sure was strong! "This way!" he said, heading down a slight slope. Snowden and Auna followed with Sivinith hanging back behind everyone.
Soon Auna plowed past her siblings and scrambled through a thicket of short bushes before coming face-to-face with the musky-scented creature, "Woah, come look at this!" she piped up, then sprung back suddenly with a frightened cry and poofed fur when the creature suddenly snapped at her.
It was a wolverine, and had been caught off guard by Auna's bounding approach. He turned around, growling deeply at the young leopard. His dark, beady eye turned from her to the approaching Snowden and Asplen, "Get back! I'm warning you." he rumbled.
Bandit, Star
Bandit and star immidiatly darted after their 'siblings'. Bandit padded right beside Auna while Star stayed back a bit. Bandit cautiously approched the wolverine curious for he hadent seen one befor. He was careful for he had seen the creature snap at Auna. He feighed a snap at the creature and leapt back just incase. Star watched the creature curiously circling it at a safe distance.
Sivinith, Snowden, Auna, Asplen, & *Wolverine*
The wolverine snapped back at Bandit, making a loud nose when his teeth snapped together against the air. He growled deeply and watched Star circle around, "Back off, I'm warning you!" he stated threatheningly.
Snowden reached out a tenitive paw and batted the wolverine's nose. He pulled his paw back just in time to prevenet it from being crushed between those powerful jaws. The creature rushed him, forcing Snowden to turn tail and bound up a nearby tree. Auna struck out at the creature, catching him across the flank. The wolverine wheeled around to go after her, but then Sivinith appeared, flashing her fangs in a hiss. Still growing, the wolverine halted, looking around at the others, "What do you want?"
Sivinith ignored him and spoke to her young, "This is a wolverine. They have a very strong smell." The wolverine snorted at this, but didn't comment. Sivinith went on, "They are extremely fast and powerful, but don't often have conflict with us; unless they want our food." The wolverine shook his head, "I've had enough of this, are you finished yet?" Sivinith raised an eye at the creature but waited for a respone from the others.
"They don't look very fast. Can we eat them?" Asplen questioned.
Bandit, Star
"You're sure right about the smell." Star said still circleing and ignoring the threats. Finnaly she stoped behind the wolvering and sat still at a safe distance.
Bandit watched the Wolverine snap his jaws on air then chase Snowden then he heared Sivinith. "Should we kill it?" He asked watching the wolverine curiously.
Sivinith, Snowden, Auna, Asplen, & *Wolverine*
Sivinith flicked her tail lightly from side to side, pondering his question. The wolverine turned and glared at Bandit, "I'd like to see you try!" Auna smirked, "Yeah, all to the point where we kill you!" The wolverine turned to her now, growling deeper, "It'd be a bad mistake! I'd kill you in a heartbeat!" Snowden sprung down from his tree, startling the wolverine more, "We can take him, mom."
Sivinith stood and shook her head, "I'm not sure about that yet. You've only hunted rabbits and bharal sheep so far; nothing that bites back. Especially as strong as this creature." She glanced at the musky animal before continuing her lecture, "They kill deer and other large animals; an impressive feat for their size. Do you think you know enough about him to try and kill him?" she questioned all her young.
Auna hesitated, "We could, I suppose, if we worked together." Snowden nodded, "Yeah, then we could." The wolverine looked around earnestly for a means of escape, but he was more or less surrounded now, "Don't underestimate me, I'm quicker than you think!" he rumbled, shifting his eyes from leopard to wolf.
Auna looked to Star and Bandit, "Think we should?"
Bandit, Star
Bandit nodded ignoring the wolverines comments. "Yeah I bet we could tear that little runt up into pieces!"
Star wasnt so sure at first but finnaly nodded. "Yup. He cant take on all of us!"
Bandit began running circles around the wolverine to make him nervous then stopped by Snowden.
Sivinith, Snowden, Auna, Asplen, & *Wolverine*
Sivinith sat back on her haunches, "Very well then. Be careful."
Snowden grinned broadly, the thrill of a fight raising his adrenaline. He gave a look to Bandit before springing at the wolverine, slashing at him with his sharp claws. The wolverine's claws weren't sharp like a cats, but they were long and formidble still. He swiped out at Snowden's paw, and both creatures recived a wound.
Auna circled then pounced at the large weasle, slashing at his flank.
Asplen swiped at his shoulder and face. The wolverine snarled and twirled around, snapping and slashing at them in return. Asplen was the second one to be wounded, with a chunk of fur and flesh torn from part of his paw. For his bulky look, the wolverine was a surprisingly strong, fast, and agile creature with quite an attitude.
Bandit, Star
Bandit lunged at the wolvering snapping for whatever flesh he could. Star had a different idea. She lunged trying to clamp her jaws around the wolverines neck. Whatever she could get she bit down hard.
ivinith, Snowden, Auna, Asplen, & *Wolverine*
The three adolescent leopard continued slashing at the raging wolverine.
The wolverine, outraged by pain and the peril of death, was in a frenzy. He turned this way and that while snapping his bone-crushing jaws. His well-armed paws slashed out as well, though they couldn't cause much damage. Part of Bandit's ear was torn when the furious fangs of the creature caught it. Then it was Asplen again who recieved more damage. This time his lower arm was caught between the jaws and crushed. With a hurting, angry cry, Asplen dug his sharp fangs into the wolverine's muzzle and held on.
Star was able to get a hold on the neck, but only into muscle and fur. Bandit landed a bite on the side of the creature's back.
Sivinith stood now, rumbling deeply in aggitation. She couldn't attack the wolverine because all of her young were swarming him.
Bandit, Star
Bandit yelped as part of his ear was torn and leapt back in surprise for a breif moment then lunged again snapping at any flesh he could get.
Star realized that the neck had only muscle and fur but she bit as hard as she could jerking back and forth trying to tear its muscles. She then released and snapped trying to grab the wolverings head in her jaws and crush its skull.
Sivinith, Snowden, Auna, Asplen, & *Wolverine*
Sivinith's tail began to lash more violently from side to side as she watched the struggle, fearing for the safety of her young.
Auna clasped her paws around the wolverine and sunk her fangs into his side. Snowden grabbed a back leg and bit down hard. His claws dug in where ever they could.
Asplen still clung to the muzzle, huffing and grumbling in the voice of a truely enraged cat. His unmangled paw had found a hold at the side of the weasel's head while the other one was held off to the side.
The wolverine thrashed and snapped, but found it impossible to get away with so many enemies on him. Bandit got a hold of his haunch, further imobilizing him.
With the enraged creature successfully pinned down, Star was able to get a hold on the back of the skull. Although her jaws may not be at their full strength, they were powerfull enough to finally splinter through the skull.
The wolverine shudderd before going suddenly limp as his furious growls died away into one last hushed sigh. He was dead.
Bandit, Star
Star released and bit one more time to insure it was dead just incase. She then licked her maw and looked to everyone. "You guys ok?"
Bandit released when Star had made the kill. He then heared her questions. "Besides my ear hurting I am fine." He said feeling a bit of pain in his ear that had been torn a bit.
Sivinith, Auna, Snowden, & Asplen
The three leopards also held to the dead wolverine for a moment, making sure it was truly dead. Asplen sat back on his haunches then, holding his wounded leg back and wrapping his lengthy tail around his side in a way that his leg couldn't be seen. "I'm fine."
Snowden sniffed at his paw, then licked it. "I'm good. Just a scratch."
Auna licked her blunt muzzle, "No harm here. How about you?" she questioned Star.
Sivinith padded over and sniffed at the wolverine, "Good teamwork, everyone. Wolverines often try to steal our food we catch, so it is important to be able to defend yourself. But be wary of them, because they are fierce enough to scare off bears sometimes."
Bandit, Star
Star smiled. "No I am ok. I didnt really get attack for the wolvering was to focused on all of you." Star said. The wolverine had been attacking the oters so Star hadent recived really any injuries.
Bandit smirked but added a playful grin. "Lucky you." He said and flicked his torn ear once.
Sivinith, Auna, Snowden, & Asplen
Satisfied that they seemed to have only minor injuries at most, Sivinith spoke up, "Shall we continue?"
Snowden nodded, "Yeah, lets keep hunting!" He looked around and sniffed at the air.
Fresh rabbit trails were around, but all the fighting had scared most of them off. There may be some mule deer further down the ridges on less steep ground, but it would take some traveling to find any.
Auna sniffed at the rabbit trails, "Rabbits? Or should we search more?" Personally, she found it fun to hunt as a team against larger creatures like to wolverine. But rabbits could be easier to catch, though they wouldn't feed many.
Bandit smiled and nodded. "Yeah lets continue!"
Star heared what Auna said. "Lets keep looking." She said for she two liked hunting as a team.
"Alright!" Auna replied cheerfully and began to bound down the side of a slope. Snowden quickly followed his sister.
Sivinith was behind them, walking at a leisurly pace and looking out for danger and prey.
Asplen was behind everyone, padding along slowly with a very noticable limp. He hid behind his mother so no one could see him.
Auna suddenly stopped, sniffing around the base of a tree. The bark around the bottom of it was knawed away and a bit of sap was oozing from the wounded trunk. "Hhmm." she said aloud, then turned to her mother, "Mom, what animal did this?"
Sivinith looked carefully at the tree, "Rabbits sometimes eat bark, but that's in the winter when food is scare for them. I suspect this is the job of a porcupine." Snowden's head perked up, "Porcupine? That sounds interesting!" Suddenly there came a hissing growl from above. And there was a young porcupine, clinging to a low branch of the tree.
Bandits head immidiatly shot up when he heared the hissing growl. "So thats a porquipine. It looks really pointy." Banidt stated.
Star nodded in agreement as she looked up. "It dosent look like something I would wanna get to close to. Cant those spikes hurt us?" She said looking to Sivinith as she asked the question.
Sivinith nodded, sitting back on her haunches. "Yes, you're right. Those are called quills, and they can hurt you badly. These creatures will swing their tails at you stab you with those quills if you get too near."
Auna was awed at hearing this, "Wow, that's a funny sort of creature! Are they good to eat?"
Sivinith sighed, "If you can find them dead or weak enough, they are worth making a meal of. But this one is healthy."
Snowden snorted, "I'm hungry! Lets find something we can eat!" He began to sniff about.
Bandit nodded takeing one last look at the creature then he joined Snowden in sniffing around for prey.
Star smiled and circled the tree once watching the crature. She then heared what Snowden had said and nodded. "Yeah I agree." She said and began to sniff the air.
Sivinith suddenly froze as the fur along her spine stood up tall. "Humans!" she hissed under her breath before turning to the others, "We must hide again. Hurry, into that cove!" she urged, speaking of a small, cave-like formation in the side of a shallow cliff base. Auna and Snowden dashed in quickly and pressed against the dank walls of the cove, making space for the others.
Asplen was slowed down drastically by his wounded leg, but managed anyway to make it to the cove.
Sivinith hesitated, "Stay in there; don't move or make any sounds! I have to hide Tolacca." She bounded away without another word. It was a long ways back to get to Tolacca.
Auna perked her ears up and whispered, "I hear them! In the distance; I hear them talking!" Snowden nodded silently, listening as best as he could but not yet hearing what his sister did.
Star sniffed the air for a moment after Sivinith had spoken then turned and darted into the cove with the others and waited. She sniffed the air and perked her ears up.
Bandit perked up his ears as well waiting a few seconds longer then the others. He then heard the humans voices faintly as well and turned running straight into the cove where the others were. "Me to..." He said in reply to Auna's statment. He then continued "and I bet they just came to cause more trouble..."
Snowden and Asplen now heard the sounds of the approaching humans. Their voices sounded out and their feet cruched noisily on the dead and dying plants of fall. The three felines stood stock-still as the waited.
After several moments, the humans came into view, traveling mostly in single file. It was a large hiking group; nine in all. Half of the group pased by the cove where the young ones hid. Then one women, who happened to glance to the side, spotted some fresh blood and a small clump of white fur. Half of a rounded paw print was emedded in a patch of moist ground. "Look here!" she exclaimed suddenly.
The group gathered around and looked over the evidence she pointed out. "What is it, you think?" "Cat tracks, definately; see how round they are?" The entire group, curious of the prints and ignorant of the dangers, began to follow the trail... it was leading them to the cove.
Bandit began snarling as he saw the humans come into view. He knew the humans were getting far to close for his confort. "One or two of us should distract them." He said. He slunk out of the cove and darted over snarling.
Star heared the voices closer and saw them come into view as well. She began to snarled butquieted. She would have stopped Bandit but he had darted out to fast.
Auna rushed from the den without hesitation, pushing Snowden to the side. With her small ears pinned back and her teeth bared in a threatening grimace, she rumbled at the humans. Her long tail lashed from side to side as she eyed one human then another.
Snowden and Asplen stayed in the den, alarmed and anxious. "There's a lot of them!" Snowden whispered, not taking his eyes of the humans that he could see from the cove. Darkness veiled Star and the two leopard from the humans for now.
The humans backed off suddenly, quite surprised to say the least. Then one, aftering making a loud exclamation, spoke out, "That's the... the wolf that lives with the leopards, right?"
"Yeah, it's him! No dought the others around around too, what should we do now?" The group was now abuzz with questioned and talk of Bandit and his family. They knew him from an earlier incident where several humans were killed.
Auna took glanced at Bandit, "They sure are making a lot of noise, but they aren't leaving. I don't think we can take them all on; especially with mom gone." she was very unsure about the situation, but would attack if neccessary.
He snarled ut quieted up glanceing to Auna. "Well mabey we shouldent attack then. But as long as were here they wont think of going to the cove where the others are I hope." Bandit said eyeing th himans wearily and circling them once trying to scare them into retreating.
Star stayed hidden. "Yeah." She said in agreement with Snowden. She watched carefully. "I hope Bandit and Auna dont get themselfs hurt with a reckless decision..."
Since they were in a group, the humans weren't too fearful. Also, they could tell these young ones weren't full grown. Three of the humans held their backpacks out in front of them as a sort of sheild. They, along with two others began to advance on Bandit and Auna. The other four began to head for the cove.
Auna hissed again, baring her strikingly white fangs. A hiss seethed in hatred and fear came from her furry throat as they got closer. Her body was huntched to the ground and tense. "Humans act so differently than other animals! What do they want?" she questioned uncertainly, keeping her light eyes on the two-leggers. She began to back up slowly, but would swipe a paw at them now and then.
Snowden stood suddenly, bristling his fur. "Some are coming our way! Just wait till one dares to peek its funny little face into the cove.." he warned with a nose wrinkled with disdane. Asplen stood as well, on three good legs. Hurt as he may be he would react as wildly as his sister Auna when it came to flight or fight. Pain would only enrage his efforts.
Bandit snarled feiging a snap when the humans began to come closer. " your right. I dont know but if they come any closer they arent going to be to happy, mabey bloody but not happy." Bandit states for he was on the verge of attacking.
Star began snarling at the humans came towards the cove. "Yeah." She said in agreement with Snowden.
Auna nodded to Bandit's statement, ready to attack the humans as well. "They're so arrogant!" she growled out suddenly, missunderstanding their ignorance for boldness. Still, the humans came closer and closer as they talked to each other. They wanted these two creatures to come back with them so they could sell them to a zoo or to someone as a pet. Money was on their mind.
The other humans reached the cove and knelt down to peer in. "I see something!" One shouted loudly, spotting the glowing eyes of the three within. Snowden hissed loudly, swiping a paw at the man, but missing by inches. "We're trapped!" he said with a worried voice. An ominous growling came from Asplen in the back of the cove. He was getting far too anxious and fearful to just sit there much longer.
Getting to nervous now when the human peek in she immidiatly lunged snapping for the humans neck or face, which ever she could get.
Bandit nodded in agreement. "They are getting to close... mabey I an call mom." He said then let out a deep howl calling for Sivinith. The howl sounded very urgent. He feiged another snap at the humans.
Snowden sprung forward suddenly, brushing past Star and striking the human in the shoulder. He sunk his fangs deep into the muscle there.
The human gave a pain-filled cry and stumbled back. After falling down, the human flailed about and tried to get the wolf and cat off. Asplen, fearing that his siblings would be overwhelmed by all the humans, rushed from the cove. For perhaps the first time, he was showing his loyalty to them. Though he kept his wounded leg off the ground, he moved quickly and rushed at one of the humans, sinking his fangs into the leg.
Auna turned quickly, seeing the three rush out of the cove. "No! Get back in, hurry!" she warned, knowing they were out numbered. "They can't fit into the cove, hurry and hide!" The humans could fit in the cove one at a time, but they weren't agile enough to manuever and be of any threat. She swiped a paw at one human, leaving deep grazes across his hand.
One human swung a stick at Bandit, and another swung one at Auna.
Star reached for the mans neck and bit hard on whatever she grabbed. She had heared Auna but she wasnt about to leave Bandit and Auna out here all alone.
Bandit snarled grabbing the stick and snapping it with a really hard bit. He tackled the human then quickly ran back beside Auna ready to bite the next time.
A thick turtle neck and quick reactions saved the man from being killed by Star. He grabbed her and shoved her harshly to the side, then stood up just as Snowden jumped down. The young leopard leapt at the man again, but a swift kick sent him to the ground in a daze.
Asplen was assualted by two humans who kicked at him. He wasn't about to give up. Ignoring his sister's demands, he let go then sprung up for the man's throat. That's when a well calculated swing of a flashlight crashed down upon his head. He dropped limply to the ground, knocked unconscious.
Auna sprung back, hissing loudly in response. She was about to rush for the tackled man, but the other humans swarmed over and fended her off with kicks and swinging sticks. It was hopeless! Sivinith was on her way after hearing the howl, but it would take a few more moments until she reached the scene.
From a high peak in the terra, she had heard a desparate, faint howl from Bandit. Feeling that the pack had neglected visiting, and nervous about the howl she had heard, she had seeked permission to visit and Dark Star hurridley granted it. She sensed that something could be terribly wrong, and when she saw no one at the den, she raced as fast as she could, following the tracks of sivinith.
She soon caught up to her, and breathlessly gasped "Sivinith!? Where is Bandit and Star and your other cubs!? I smell humans!" She gasped for air, still runing as fast as she could, and she soon approached the site, staring akwardly as she took in the large group. Knowing from first glance that the humans were the culprits, she sprung into action, trying to suprise them from behind. She saw the two wolf pups, as well as the unconcious cub. She released a deep throated snarl and yelled "Bandit!? Star!? What is going on?!?!" She had not heeded any reply from Sivinith, if there had been one, for she was too busy gaping at the large group of humans.
She got low to the ground, moving back and forth, snapping at the heels of the humans and moving her way to where Bandit was while dodging any blows from the humans. She barked to them "Bandit, quick! You and star take Asplen and Snowden and get in the den! Auna, you too! We can't risk you being caught or hurt." She then turned from them, still viciously snapping at the legs of the humans, threatening as ever.
White ivories barred, she tried to distract them from Sivinith so she could attack. But Sivinith had Tolacca! She increased the integrity of her attack two-fold, so that Sivinith may get Tolacca in the cove as well. She had merely come to visit and now this! She did not mean to intrude into anything, but now that she was here, she knew she couldn't leave. She must help Sivinith, and if need be, howl for the rest of her pack that had grown in size since the last meeting. She knew that Kana would stay with the pups, but the others could certainly helped. She advanced on the humans a little, trying to get them to back off, making sure no one got by her to the cove. She moved back and forth, glaring into the crowd that would also die if they did not flee. She knew that much.
With Tolacca still mysteriously weak, Sivinith was torn between helping her daughter to safety and rushing to attack the aggressors. The large feline had a hold of her daughter's scruff and was half dragging her as the young feline tried clumsily to run, but was hardly able to.
The mother cat's fierce, outraged eyes snapped towards Nyscee before the softened slightly in recognition. She couldn't make much of a reply while dragging Tolacca along, so she stayed silent while Nyscee ran ahead. Sivinith finally reached the scene and pulled Tolacca towards the cove. Then her fury was unleashed.
Snowden grabbed his brother's scruff and strained to drag him into the cove with Tolacca. He peeked his head out and gave an urgent call to the others.
Auna hesitated again, ready to attack and kill these humans. She gave in though and headed for the cove.
Because there were so many humans, Nyscee recieved several blows from sticks and feet, but she was able to dodge most. By this time, the humans began to panic and give up their efforts of stealing any of the young. They began a quick retreat. Sivinith was in such a rage that she didn't care they were giving up the fight. She still saw them as a threat because of their numbers, and felt she had to teach them she and her family weren't to be messed with without consequence. She began to chase the humans...
Outraged from the kicks she had recieved in her chest and the blow from a stick on her back, she lept after them as fast as she could as well, wanting to get them as far away as she could from Bandit and the other cubs. She was not well aquianted to Sivinith and the others, but knew how much these allies meant to Dark Star. He had told her to howl if there was any danger, but she felt that Sivinith handled it very well, and that there would be no need for back up. Abruptly she halted and whirled around, she had not bothered to check if any humans had doubled back for the Auna and all the others in the cove. Feeling Sivinith may want to teach them the lesson herself, and worried for Bandit, she raced back to the grounds to fend off any humans that might have stayed behind. She kept her ears alert for any sounds from the brush, or Sivinith.....
The anguished scream of a human told clearly enough that Sivinith had caught one of the two-leggers. The dreadfully shrill human noise died away quite quickly, but was picked up by another human shortly after, marking a second victim. The was a longer pause before yet another shrill chorus of screams and yells doused the air. Even a high-pitched cry from the feline mother could be heard. After a long moment, the noises died away.
Auna krept from the den, wide-eyed and fur bristled high. She looked about before turning her frightened, fierce eyes towards Nyscee. She had met her, but only once. Memory of this wolf was very faint indeed, but at least Auna knew that Nyscee was some sort of ally. "Who are you...?" she questioned timidly, not wanting to take chances.
Snowden scrambled up beside his sister, also looking about. He didn't recognize her at all, and quickly shied away back into the cove. "Is everyone alright?" he questioned.
After a few minutes, Sivinith came back at a hurried pace. Dark crimson stained the gorgeous fur around her blunt muzzle, neck, and front paws. And it wasn't her blood. Without slowing down, she approached the den and narrowed her eyes on the wolfess, "Who are you...?" she asked the same question her daughter had, but with a voice without fear. Authority and agression were the strong tones. "You're from Dark Star and Kana's pack, am I right?" Until she was absolutly sure, the mother didn't want to risk making a quick assumption based on memory.
She turned to answer Auna, but by that time Sivinith had came back. She lowered a bit to the ground and shrinked away from the cubs to show she meant no harm. She nodded slowly but spoke rapidly. "Yes-I am Nyscee, I am a friend and subordinate of Dark Star-he would have came himself, but he has to protect the den from bears because of his pups. Two bears have already attacked. I came up to simply visit for him and send his tidings, as well as his invitation to visit down in his terra-of course I thought something was wrong-I didn't want any harm to be done. Forgive me for not being so formal as perhaps I should have been." She lowered her eyes a moment, then slowly raised up and sat, she continued. "Dark Star told me because of the humans he was worried for your welfare, as well as Bandits and Stars, and all of your cubs." She paused, nodded a greeting to Bandit and Auna as well as Snowden, and continued. "He sent me up not only to send his tidings as I have already said, but to offer you a temporary place down in the Avalanche Grove. He is positive there is enough room in the den, but if you wish, he said he himself will scan the entire terra for your own quarters." She stopped abruptly, feeling that she was pressuring the felines, and quickly added. "You, of course, are not forced to accept, he only wishes his friends to be safe." She stopped, and it was obvious she was finished. All though Dark Star should have told them this himself, he had too many other responsibilities. Until a beta was positioned, he would have to take care of everything himself. It was hectic. He had pups, bears, and a rescue to worry about. Not to mention all of the new members.
Star and Bandit had been watching from the cove with the others. Star listened to what Nyscee had said after saying a hello as a greeting. She then glanced to Sivinith and the others.
"Hi." Bandit said in greeting then also listened. Curious on what Sivinith might say he glanced to her.
She knew her young ones had to moved to a new area, like they had to before when humans were killed. She did trust Dark Star and Kana, but the thought of being around their pack members made her very uneasy indeed; still, it was a mountainous place which she desired. After a moment of thought, she spoke, "Well, thank you then." she told Nyscee, about the fact that she came to help. "And... I accept Dark Star's invitation. But let the others know I must have my space." she warned, but tried not to sound mean about it.
Snowden left the den, beaming happily as he heard the news. "Sounds cool! We get to see what a wolf pack is like now! Like you two saw what a cat family is like!" Sivinith narrowed her eyes slightly as something came to mind. She didn't speak on it though.
Auna stepped from the den with a small grin on her face. She too was excited.
A small groan came from within the cove. Asplen had woken up to quite a headache. After a bit of scrambling, he came teetering out of the cove and blinked dazidly at the others.
She too, like Snowden beamed brightly. "Wonderful, I will be sure to tell him right away. He, of course, will make almost any acceptions and be sure to find you wonderful accomodations. In fact, you might be able to have your own den down in the terra. It would be great for when the humans are as large of a threat as they are now." With that, she bowed a bit in respect and inquired. "Would you like to come down now so that Tolacca and Aslpen and the others may rest in the den? Dark Star has really fixed it up for the pups, it is quite spacious. Just until we find you your own, of course. If not, you may come down as soon as you wish." She paused, not wishing to overwhelm them. She continued as she stood, tail low but slightly waving. "Will you need any help bringing the injured down? I am sure you are capable, but perhaps you would like me to lead a sure-footed way down, so there are no accidental falls?" She knew that Sivinith could easily lead the way down the steep Breve Ridges, but the other rugged terra in Avalanche Grove would be difficult to manuever. She waited for a response.
The snowleopard mother looked back at her two kittens that were in the worst shape. Asplen certainly wouldn't want to be carried away by any wolf, but Tolacca would have no objections. "Would you carry Tolacca down? They're all getting a bit heavy by now, but she's the lightest." Sivinith pointed out, for it would be quite a chore to lug the growing kitten down the rugged terrain. She started towards Asplen to pick him up, but stopped breifly to say something, "I will help fend off bears, for I hear rumor they trouble your lands." As close-minded as she was to other species, Sivinith felt she needed to do something for this wolf pack's generosity. She didn't know how to express that in words, so she would show it through actions.
She picked up the grumbling Asplen by his scruff and looked to Nyscee. She was ready to follow, although it did sting her pride to be led through her own terrain by a wolf. Still, she knew Nyscee was just trying to be helpfull.
Snowden and Auna were estatic. "I can't wait to see a big wolf pack again! It's been so long since we saw one!" Snowden piped up. They were ready to follow.
"Of course, I am sure it will not be to much of a burden on me." She smiled and gently picked up Tolacca. She offered in a muffled bark. "Sivinith, I am sure you know your terra better than I. If you could lead us through it to the border of my pack, I will take lead there." She smiled as well as she could, but made sure she had a gently yet sturdy grip on Tolacca. She backed up a bit, leaving room for Sivinith to pass, and then followed.
She was supremely pleased with Sivinith's new decision, and the lightened expression showed that. She flashed a look to Nyscee, a sort of 'thanks', before padding down the slope at a cautious pace that the others could keep up with. Asplen and Tolacca curled up as best as they could so they wouldn't be half-dragged across the ground.
Auna, eager to reach the new place, attempted to pass her mother. Sivinith quickly swatted the youngster and gave her a stern look. Auna picked herself up and looked quickly around, a bit embarrassed. She quickly took her place walking near Star.
Snowden walked beside Nyscee and gazed up at her, intruigued by the look of the adult wolf. He wanted to ask questions, like 'How fast can you run?' and 'How far can you jump?' and such things, but realized she wouldn't be able to respond well while carrying his sister.
Sivinith headed for the Northern No Wolf Zone of the Avalanche Grove.
Bandit smiled and wagged his tail following beside Sivinith. He had seen Auna get swatted but kept quiet.
Star smiled and walked out beside Auna.
She saw the look on Sivinith's face and was glad that it had made her feel more 'confortable' around her. She was very careful to keep her head lifted high enough so she could keep Tolacca of the sharp rocks. She eyed Snowden and noticed his anticipation. In a way she spoke with her eyes. They seemed to say. 'Wait till we get there.'