Apollo

The creamy white brute slunk past the ban, his form kept rather low to the erth. His scenters twitchs, testign the air for an Idea of where the chickens coudl be found. And once he locked on his peds slowly took him towards the coop, his golden eyes gleaming as he paced side to side in front of it. With a shine of sharp canines, the brute lundged for the the wire, jaws ripping at the weak material before his bodice slipped through the hole. Once inside he lashed out for the first chicken he set his sights on, jaws snapping at teh necks in hopes of killing it quickly.

Becca

Becca slinked after the brute her old senses bothering her after her trip. She feared inside though if she woul acctually survive this. She had weakened instead of strengthened on her long journey. She was a frightful wolf-dog now and suubmissive. She slinked through the metal and growled at Apollo.

"Back off from the chickens."

She made no move to attack him as of yet. No she was not ready for that kind of thing right now. Her heart wouldn't stand it.

Apollo

The creamy brute lifted his dial, more hesitant then the skilled killers, but not holding a fearful look yet. He was new to the killing of human livestock, and although his mother had killed around these parts, he was just staking his claim. His golden spheres looked the fae over, noting that she looked slightly weak. Hoping his observations had been correct, he allowed a taunting snicker to slip past his kissers.
"Be gone mutt. Your too weak to survive a fight with me why risk it?" With his tones can a slight growl, and with a bust of ego he lundged for the faes features, jaws snapping viciously as he tucked his neck. If he knew anything, it was that he needed to save his lifeline at all costs.

Taijya

Raven hued murderess slipped through the forest, scenters stuck on that of Apollo. She had saved his rear from the humans once, and had made it a small mission to teach him a bit. He was Moon Phases son. And although one of her partners less involved, it seemed her son would be a bit more fond of killing with no family to protect.

Finally she came upon the spoken word of the young male, and a slight snicker fell as she watched the attack upon the weakened Becca. Although she could just envision herself attacking full force on the dog, she let Apollo have his glory, and woudl watch the outcome of his attack. For the time being she stayed within the sanctuary of the brush, visually unknown though her scent would not be too difficult for either of the two to detect.

Becca

Something inside her brain snapped as Apollo lunged at her. She ignored his taunting words and growled. She lowered her self to the ground when he jumped into the air and lunged foreward though slightly up aiming for his unprotected belly. She caught a wiff of Taijya's scent and for now, ignored it. This was her fight. This was her blood to spill. If Taijya joined in, then so be it. Becca was still slightly hesitant at the moment since her old self had not just completly snapped back to normal, just part of the fighting process. This was something she had done enough times in her earlier times protecting the barn, cows, and sheep. She was just doing what instinct told her to do.

Taijya

The raven huntress held her eyes still, blinking only when it was nessasary and even then she held back. Right as Becca ducked down to avoid the atatck and create her own, Taijya launched her attack. her pistons carried her swiftly, noticed or not towards the dog. With familiar ease her form slipped through teh hole Apollo had created, jaws launching for the human pets side, jaws snapping shut in an attempt to break a rip if she had gotten hold.

Apollo

Apollo snarled as his belly skin was grabbed. Lucky for him thats all it was, skin. With a yanking motion he ripped away from the jaws, just in time to see Taijya make her move. His bod tensed as he readied to go in to attack once more, however he was stopped. The air filled with a once familiar scent, and although he couldn't see he, he could smell her. A shiver crawled up his spine before his focus was back on Becca. Without hessitation now, he lept for the fae's jaw, hoping to clamp down and latch onto it. Is he had hold, the pressure he could put on the bone would eventually break it.

Kaida

The border mix had finally managed to track down her confederate, though it had taken her some time. She eyed Taijya's new student, concealed quietly in the bush. She knew that Taijya would know she was there. Taijya had a kind of sixth sense. Apollo, though.. she wasn't sure. Watching intently, she waited.

Becca

Becca felt her back leg grabbed while she was distracted. She yelped and snapped her jaws towards Taijyas face. A quick snap aimed for her eyes and it made Apollo snap thin air. She Then swung her head back around for Apollos unprotected neck her eyes blazing with inner demons slowly being released. Her body shuddered with a growl brought up from the stomach. She hoped to get a grab on Apollos throat and if she did she gave her head a couple of rough shakes. If she didn't...then screw that. She aimed another bite for his jaw bone. She couldn't lugne after anything though since she was held prisoner by her leg. Hopefully the struggle in the hen house would alert other canines of the ranch. The commotion would cause the horses to freak, since they would hear the fighting and yelps of pain from all of them. It wasn't easy to ignore.

Timber, Stallis, Niavy, & Nass

The tan, orange-striped tabby had secluded herself to a nearby butterfly bush when the predators first arrived. Sharp eyes focused on Apollo as she judged the fight between him and Becca. It wasn't long before her motion-sensative orbs were directed to the sly approach of another; Taijya. Now the fighting was not fair. As Niavy slipped quietly away, her delicate senses picked up on a thrid invader.

Niavy relayed the information quickly enough to Timber and Stallis. The two border collies were resting on the porch in front of the house, and so there wasn't much time spent in their travelings towards the Barn. Battle-scarred Timber was slightly inhead of his brother. Although Stallis wasn't so savage at fighting, he had spent almost his entire life in the wild, and knew well how to fight. And if anything, both brothers had an aching tooth for Taijya's blood. Though Stallis had suffered the most recent pain from the trechorous fae, it was Timber who led to attack upon her.

Moving without a snarl or bark, the collie came rushing like the wind towards Taijya. He knew how smart and quick she was in battle, and so his guard was up now more than ever. Timber struck hard and fast, his curved dentals aimed to slash across fae's flank. If his aim was true enough, his teeth meant to strike to the bone.

Stallis grudgingly averted from Taijya and went straight for Apollo. He and Timber knew there was a third attacker her, as Niavy had warned them. But Becca needed help. Rather than go for the hit-and-dash methods of his brother, Stallis went for a more classical approach. Plunging across the ground as fast as his little paws could carry him, the dog tried to bring his jaws down on Apollo's throat.

Nass was tucked away in his stall; which was probably a good thing for everyone. Although he could certainly do a lot of damage to the enemies, he tended to panic in these situations and be unable to tell just who was under hoof, and who wasn't. The stallion reared in his stall, then landed and lashed at the wood with his hind hooves. His ears were back and his eyes wide.

Niavy had returned, crouched nearby the commotion to serve as a sentry for new attackers.

Whisper, Fajebin

Whisper had kept herself low for some time, an attempt to think of new plans as well as ready her body for new battles. The gathering of such familiar scents brought her out of hiding, and right back to the place where most fo the wars had begun. Without much through she had taken to a quick pace, arriving within the seclusion fo the wood, and running right through it to the action. Her speed brought her in time to seeing the two pets enter the scene. With an enhanced need for blood, her jaws went straight for Stallis's hind limb. Hopefully his attempted attack for Apollo would keep him blind to her attack. And although she did not know the brute yet, the scent had some familiarity to it. For this reason she aimed to also divert attention from the obviously rather young killer to one more expirienced such as herself.

Following his sisters acts, he ran behind her, having grown quite bored of sitting around latly. His nares caught onto Kaida, the fae who he had spoken to a few moons earlier. However his attention remained on the fighting ahead, and cramped quarters it was taking place within. The question arised of whether to plow himself within the area as well, or to wait outside the entrance for the first idiot pet to leave. His decision was made quickly, and within moment, he himself was within the coop. His attack went for the back of the collie while he attempted to go after Taijya. The cramped quaters would make many dodges difficult, for any within, even the wolves themselves.

Taijya

The keen huntress caught onto the oncoming of the collies before they entered. However she held her grip, yanking back and hopfully tearing at the flesh before releasing as Timber entered the game. Her pearls flashed a taunting grin, for ever since she finished off the ones parents, she had wished to add to her trophys the head of this one. Although Stallis too was a brother, Timber had been more trouble then he, so it was his head she wished to tear off his corpes first. Taijya allowed his fangs to graze her skin, a new tactic that could possible bring the dog to a false sense of security too early in the game. However it was only flesh, which left her able to swing her dial and jaws towards his unprotected nape. Her golden pools had caught a glimps of the white male who had come to assist on the way, adding a spark to her already blazing fire. Jaws snapped shut, now hoping to end this quickly.

Becca

Becca was glad for the help and yelped as Taijya yanked back tearing skin from muscle and bone. She turned ad quick as she could looking for the exit to the coop to try and get some of this battle out of the coop. She finally managed to dash through, quite clumsily with her hind leg, and stop turning to watch for any opponants that would chase after her. It would be better for dodging and attacking out here then it would be in the coop.

Kaida

Kaida had been biding her time. She knew that Niavy had seen her, and so had simply remained still, watching the battle. After all, Niavy could not know whose side she was on simply from seeing her, and so she waited until the perfect moment to leap forward, powerful hinds carrying a sleek body forward to latch onto Stallis' hindquarters.

Becca

Becca lunged when Kaida lunged. Hopefully, she got her before she got into the hen coop. She too aimed for Kaida's hindquarters trying to use her slightly off balance heavyweight body against Kaida.

Timber, Stallis, Niavy, & Nass Two more! Two more!" Niavy alerted while making a dash for the coup. But rather than go inside, which would have been suicide for the feline, she sprung nimbly to the top. There she perched, her limbs pulled in and her tail thrashing behind her. Her eyes were wide and her ears flat out in the manner of a clearly perturbed cat.

Timber had not let his small frame be idle in the moment he attacked his enemy, and in his usual manner, his limbs had carried him around the backside of Taijya to avoid her initial assault. But where her fangs failed, Fejabin's succeeded. A searing pain hit the side of his lower back, cutting through his black fur and striking into the warm flesh below. With a startled cry, the collie plunged forward in the small confines, pulling himself away from the wolf's teeth before they could do too much damage. Without pausing for a moment, Timber spun and shot the other way as soon as Becca had. In a flash, he had sprung clear of the coup and halted a few feet outside of it.

Stallis wasn't use to fighting in this style he found it hard to manuever in the pressing coup. Just before he would have reached Apollo, something snagged his hind limb. The collie felt his forward moment halt, and his front end slammed into the ground. With a violent kick, he pulled his limb from Whisper's jaws and cried out at the sharp pain as teeth tore to the bones. As he was scrambling up, Stallis saw Becca and Timber whiz by. Oh great... The thought flickered through his mind as he realized he was in the coup with a pawful of wolves. With a frenzied beat of paws, the collie made for the exit as well.

Whisper, Fajebin

The huntress snarled low, tongue slippign past ehr fangs to lap the crimson liquid that had spotted her lips. However the moment Stallis made a move for the exit, she was right back on him. With a quick lundge of her own, she aim her jaws for his lower leg, near his paw. If she succeeded, ehr jaws stuck tightly together, hopefully enough to break the paw and the bone attached to it. This one would not get away so easily.

Fajebin had also tasted a biot of success, and although Timber had made his way out, Stallis still remained. Just as his sister, the huntress lundged for his other limb, jaws snapping for it. It would be impossible for Stallis to get free of both of them if they did both succeed. In anycase, keeping one dog in a cage with 4 wolves was a death sentence in it's own, and with the dog clossest to the door, and for the most part blocking it, it would be difficult for the others to come back and attempt to help once more.

Apollo

Apollo was caught off guard as Stallis had almost gotten hold of him. However thanks to the unknown fae(Whisper), he had been saved. And now that it seemed the pets comrads had left the close confines of the coop, his enemy was now alone with many wolves. Taken a wordless cue from his superiors, the young killer pushed himself above stallis, hopefully coming down on his back with his body weight first, and then his fangs next. He aimed to first pin him, then cut off all motion to his bottom limbs by biting at the spinal cord. However it would not be simple even if his attack did land as he wished.

Taijya

Her orbs gleamed with amusement as she idly watched the dogs leave coop. Even the commotion caused by the others now attempting to gang up on Stallis did not deter her from a great deal of silent, taunting laughter. For a moment, her dial turned directly towards Timber, ambers dancing, laughing and taunting him silently. A toothy grin accompanied. Then without though her jaws lightly latched onto the chicken wire, snapping enough of it to create another hole if needed. It would require strength to get through it, and even then the chicken wire would cause some scratched for the one who chose to use it. Howvere it was an extra percaution for after this one either got out, or was killed.

Once her little percaution had been taken however, she seemed once more serious. Without a word, without so much as a small growl, Taijya came from Fajebin's side. Her own neck was tucked, and her attack was low enough that if Stallis either lifted or lowered his dial, she would still have a good chance of latching on. That was however if he wasn't too focused on the others. Her jaws snapped shut, aimed well for the lifeline. Timber had been her main target tonight once he had appeared, however killing a friend of his would make his death even sweeter. Now all she could do was await the sweet taste of blood... or a sad gasp of bloody air.

Becca

Becca looked up and even though they were in the way of the entrence she ran at them. She barged through the chicken coop hopefully suprising them enough that they let go of Stallis. Either way, she managed to stand over top of the down Stallis and plunged her jaws for Taijya's spine. Her eyes gleamed with anger as she did so and obscenities were thrown at the wolfess during her attack.

Taijya

The lupe found ehr orbs falling to the entrace where motion other then Stallis had been detected. She could spare the brute for some time. Had it been Timer... things may not have gone as they would. The beauty leapt back, abandoning her attack on Stallis for a defense against Becca. A snicker fell past her lips as her peds touched down, away from the aws that ment to paralyze her. With a swift, graceful push, she sprung right for the fae's throat, neck tucked, and bodice too low for the faery to duck away from her attack. Her mug snapped shut repeatedly where she had seen becca's nape, hoping simply to grasp the lifeline and kill her now.

Becca

Becca did feel the jaws on her throat and felt them close around her neck but that didn't mean stop fighting. This was her land and she would go down for it. Becca yelped feeling the pain finally come into play and her giant paw swung at Taijyas eyes hoping to maybe take one out or temporarily blind her. She could see the world dimming in and out. Going black, then light shoing up again. Or blurring out and coming back into focus. She could feel death coming to meet her again. This wasn't the first time she had come in contact with death and she could at least try and conquer it one more time.

Taijya, Magick

Having latched on, her grip would not be released so easily. She tightened her jaws as much as she could, putting all 1,500lbs of preesure that a wolf can muster. Having latched onto what brought life, she was determined to be the bringer of death. No that was not good enough. She WAS death. Her dial shook viciously, fangs slicing about, hoping to cut off sweet oxygen to the fae and finish her off. Even Beccas paw which swung out at her face was no match. It stratched across her face, however her lids shut, protecting the delecate sphere. Dog nails were dull, and the scratches it left on ehr face did not even penetrate below the surface. Even if they had, she wouldn't have noticed. No, her focus was on killing this dog. Finishing her off and then Timber. This was just another victory for her.

From the depths of the woods yet another ebon canine form slunk. Like Whisper and Fajebin, she followed the commotion and scents of the battle raging on. Upon arriving, she witnessed Taijyas victim fall into her jaws. She had also caught site of the three others, two which she knew well, attacking another of the ranch pets whose scent was not as familiar as the dog which stood outside the coop. With a light chuckle, she slipped through the brush, bounding towards Timber with quick strides. She figured her scent had been caught by now, so her attack would be far from surprising. But instead of an attack straight away, Magick aimed solely to charge at Timber and tackle him against the chicken wire Taijya had ripped out. The split metal would be a sudden shock to the male’s side if he did not quite see her coming. As she charged, her neck was tucked, and sighters watched Timber with great care. She had been proven less skilled with watching motion then Taijya was. However she was had watched for a few good moons, with and without Taijya near. She trusted her skill now.

Becca

Becca gasped for air only making it worse. The shaking was what was killing her though. The jaws were clowly getting closer and closer to her life vein, even the thick fur around her neck wasn't enough. She swung her paws at Taijyas eyes again, this time with the rest of the strength she had. It was like a whip coming towards her face and the instant the first was gone, the second one was right behind it leaving no room for mistakes.

"If I die, my soul will haunt your forever and bring curse upon your family. If you have any true family."

she had managed to speak out in gasping breathes her eyes rolling into the back of her head and back out again. Her jaws opened and closed snapping the air trying to get a breathe in. Her mind was becoming cluttered and she couldn't pick out who was who and what was what. It was all one blur and it was all one thought.

Taijya

taijyas jaws held fast. She could fear the struggles for life giving oxygen. She could feel the line throbbing for air. It begged for it, it cired out for it. But alas she was no angel of life, rather a demon of death. Taijya's lids fluttered open to have an attack from Beccas paw add a blow to her face directly next to her eye. It had been so close in fact, that the dirt from her paw flew into Taijyas eye, causing her to shut them tight despite the pain. She felt the second blow, though by now her dial shook so viciously so she could have this female dead before her eye pained her too much. It was nothign serious, and enough eye liquid, or even some water would remove the bothersome particles.
"Pain is my brother, Agony my sister, and Terror my son. Your spirit will be the air that fuels the flame of my desires. Your curse will bring me pleasure." This was spoken through clentched jaws, spat out randomly as her dial shook viciously. Rumbles mixed in with the words, and they were muffled enough with her jaws so tightly held against Beccas throat.

Becca

"Then I shall send someone from the heavens to kill your siblings and leave you in the light. Then they shall kill you, it shall be a slow torture filled death only if I wish it. If I wish to have you killed swiftly without pain then so be it, but I may decide not to take pity as you have never taken pity upon a soul."

Her eyes had rolled into the back of her head once more but didn't reappear. Her strangled voice had even seemed to change. She didn't stop talking yet though.

"Heavens wrath will take you down and cage you in bars of light so you may never see shadows again. For you would have to much fun in hell, it would normally be where a soul like yours would go but not this time. I prefer the torture of light for you. Now you've had a kill. Leave this place before my spirit drives you insane."

She gave one last shudder taking in a last gasping breathe. Her body went through a couple of spasms as her life vein broke and the blood ran like a river down her neck and most of it into Taijyas mouth. she went limp after another shudder. Becca was to never breathe again or see the light of the sun through a mortals eyes. But her spirit would still linger.

Kaida

Kaida had winced as Becca grazed her hind end, but it was merely a bloody gash and nothing more. After seeing Becca die, she eyed Taijya, waiting to see what she would do next.

Timber, Stallis, Niavy, & Mark

Stallis saw his freedom beckoning before his eyes as he made one last plunge of his hind limbs, making for the exit. In the next moment, a vice-like grip encompassed his hind limb, trapping his leg and haulting his near-succesful escape. Faultering before picking himself up, the collie whirled in a frenzy, knowing his death would certainly come quick if he didn't get out of the coup. Before his fangs could find his first assailant, a second one struck, getting a grasp on his second limb. He simply couldn't use his evasive, small body in such tight quarters. If only he had been outside... But no time for petty wishes right now. Stallis struck hard and fast, looking to lay open the side of Whisper's face if he could. And then a third attacker struck, sending the small dog to the ground with a gasped yelp. A last second shift of his body left his spine out of Apollo's reach, but the muscles of his back were still snagged by the other canine. Howling in the agony beset by three vicious jaws, Stallis continued his assault upon Whisper. Already, two limbs were broken and mangled by the duo, leaving Stallis in a less than hopefully situation.

Timber turned back quickly when he saw his brother hadn't made it out. Becca rushed past him once more, and Timber made to enter after her. So focused was he on saving Stallis, that he failed to recognize the newcomer before she struck. With a cursing snarl, he felt his body slam against the damaged wires of the coup. Several pointed ends found their way into the collie's flesh, sending a tingle of pain in their wake. But that pain was nothing to compare with Timber's tortured soul. Trapped inside the coup, he could hear his brother's pleading voice, crying out his name, begging to be rescued. Caught up in a desperate fury, Timber wheeled on Kaida, sending his keen canines slashing right for her throat, trying to spill her blood by cutting through her life-line.

Above him, Niavy thrashed her tail still, "Becca has fallen! Oh, Timber, you must run!" She said, preparing herself incase one of the wolves decided she looked like an easy target.

By now, the comotion had gotten the attention of the husband. Carrying a loaded shotgun, he ran towards the coup, cocking his gun forward, but not yet firing. "Timber! Heel, come back!" He could not see that Becca and Stallis were in the coup, and that it was already too late for the fae.

Timber heard his master's words, but he didn't obey this time. All he could hear now was his brother's voice. And he had yet to learn of Becca's passing, for Niavy's words had been ignored.

Taijya, Magick

Taijyas jaws released the grip on Becca's throat, tongue licking up the crimson liquid which now obviously coated her raven chin. Human scent flooded her nostrils, and now without anyone to stop her, her bodice was flung at the now mostly helpless Stallis. Taijya's jaws snapped once, aimed percicly for the back of the brutes neck. He was too busy with Whisper to realize what was really happening at the time, so with all the force she could muster, her jaws slammed shut, hopeing to break the vertebre of the neck.

The raven beauty lept back from her assult as Timber hit the wire, and with her form low she circled a bit while Kaida made herself known. However the human gave her reason enough to attack now, for he would not shoot if there remained a chance of him hurting his pet. With a slight chuckle, emerald polled beauty set her bodice in motion, jaws snapping at his back limb while he went for Kaida. If she managed to get hold, her jaws closed tightly, attempting to break the bone.

Whisper, Fajebin

Whispers jaws were closed tightly, and only the snap of a broken bone gave way to any sort of elease. Stallis's attacks on her features just angered the demoness, and so with her range far better then his, her jaws snapped at his features. Her aim remaine don the jaw, hopeing to get his mug between her own and then crush his between her more powerful jaws. IF that did not happen, then he would at least be unable to move his neck up, and he would be unable to bite at any of his opponites.

Fajebin on the other hand tugged tremendiusly at his hind, hoping to cause as much pain as possible to the male. Taijyas attack of death was likly to be a success, so instead of trying to go for something else, he continued his tugging, hopeing to cause the most pain and agonoy until Stallis fell limp at wolfish jaws.

Apollo

The creamy hued mascu held all of his weight on the males back, lifting his jaws away from wheer he had gotten hold before once more trying to grip the spinal cord and paralyze the dog. From the corner of his eye he saw Taijya's attack, and with this newfound hope hs jaws continued to search for it would seem the battle was already won.

Kaida

The fae leapt as Timber did, aiming to meet him as he came and hopefully shove him back into Magick's path, making it easier for her to land her attack. She winced as she let Timber's fangs land on her nose, but kept forward anyway.

Timber, Stallis, Niavy, Mark, & John

"TIMBER!" The cry rung at again, frought with pain and fear. Depseration again. Timber winced inwardly, but he could not help his brother while two attackers were on him at the moment. After meeting Kaida fang-to-fang, the collie noticed a second one preparing for assault. Not about to be taking by surprise for a second time, Timber dodged away from Kaida and sprung fast over the ground, narrowly escaping the second wolf's jaws. He knew it was no use turning back and taking on two at once; his body simply wasn't built for taking damage like that. As much as it tore his heart, Timber sped from the coup, shooting out across the yard. He had planned to wheel back around and somehow rescue his brother.

Within the coup, Stallis's fight was drawing to a quick end. His pleas were cut short after Whisper snatched a hold on his muzzle, promptly subduing his only means of defense. Writhing and fighting as best as he could, he had little resistance left against the wolves. Now a forth came, her jaws catching the back of his neck at near the same moment as Apollo got his hold. Crunch. Just like that, the fighting collie passed from the world.

John had also arrived, carrying a shotgun as well as he stood beside his father. He lifted the two-barreled gun and shot towards Magick and Kaida...

Timber flinched as the shot rang out. Although he could not quite match the gait of a wolf, or some of the specialized canines like the grayhound, he was certainly up there in the ranking.

Mark took a step closer to the coupe, but not too close. He still had ample time to react if one of the wolves decided to rush out and take a shot at him.

Taijya, Magick, Apollo

Taijyas jaws helf fast, her golden globes dancing about like in a trance. THIS was her ground, her territory when it came to killing. She was one of the best, if not the best, and it showed in her skills. She owed credit to her allies, yes that much was true, but she was strong along and in a group setting. After enough stuggle she felt the collie fall lmp, her jaws releasing as her ambers stared straight at Mark, a dangerous look in her eyes. However... she would not go for him now. With a low growl her bodice shot from the entrace, using her potion rather close to the opening as a chance to excape over the lifeless Stallis. She had finished off two of the pets, it was only a matter of how much more determined the humans were of getting hold of her. Within seconds the blank minx dissapeared within the brush, not slowing in her excape, which now left the others mostly alone.

A low growl emerged from deep within Magicks vocals as Timber made a run for it. Her first instinct was to follow, which she would have done had it not been for the bullet. It came quickly, but luckly for it it hit the ground to the side of her, however it had been so close she had almost felt the metal glisten as it shot past her. Like taijya, Magicks own bodice shot away, limbs carrying her in the same direction.

Apollo released his hold, standing taller now. He felt extremly proud of his acomplishment. He had successfully helped kill one of the ranch pets, which for now was a good thing. His orbs grew a bit shifty as the winds changed and he took notice to Magick and Taijya's disapearance. His orbs then shifted from Mark and John, starting to realize the trouble she could be in right now. He got off the lifeless Stallis, eds backign up a bit slowly as he eyed Fajebin and Whisper with extreme question. Being a young killer he probibly should have chosen to not get involved with family matters like her had... however if he got out of this one alive he was sure to be a secess when he grew old.

Whisper, Fajebin

Whispers fangs released the moment she felt Stallis go limp, just about ready to follow Taijya's example until she felt eyes upon her. It was Apollo, the smallest, and the newest obviously. His scent was pretty new, although he held his mothers scent so she suspected his liniage. With an agrivated growl to herself her dial turned to look over her shoulder as she shouted to him in their wolfish tongue. "Don't freeze like a deer! You wanted your battles and now you have them. A killer does not fear death, only not living up to one's title..." With this her lids lowered in a sort of scowl before dashing through the doorway heading out towards the woods.

Fajebin's trap parted, lamps falling directly on the human who had fired the shot. His lips curled back in a snarl, showing his obviously feelings for the two legged beasts. However, it was Whisper who brought him to literal silence with her 'honorable tones'. All he could do was look to Apollo and nod in approval to how Whisper had put it, and before long he too shot out, running to the wood, leaving little Apollo to choose his course of action.

Whispers silver form had in face ran right into the woods, but taking a turn to go behind Mark had been her plan all along. She was downwind, so all the scents came to her, but for what the humans and their pet knew, she was long gone. When Fajebin ran past her, her plume flicked, as if counting the moments till he came to her side to see the next course of action.

Just as Whisper predicted the maloe had made a swift turn when he caught onto his sisters scent, now haulted close enough to mean she wasn't ready to leave quite yet. Silently he crept beside her, his own gold eyes locked on Marks form, which most likly was preoccupied with Kaida and Apollo who stood like a deer in headlights. For now they would watch, giving them a chance to find the perfect oppertunity to attack.

Apollo, Taijya, Magick

The male stood, dumbfounded by whispers words as much as it would seem her own kin was. When they both dashed out, his peds took him slowly forward, sticking his dail out before retreating back inside. He was not in a very good situation at the moment, and right now his pupish fears were showing up, even now that he was growing out of most of his pupish features.

It was ironic how much great minds thought alike. Whisper had gone for Mark, where as she had gone for John. She had indeed dashed into the brush, but she made a wide turn to bring herself behind John without stopping. Without warning except for a rather silent rustle of leaves from her emergance, she made a mad dash for the back of Johns neck, leaping up in an attempt to grab hold of him. Even if she missed, her fangs sliced at much as they could at his back.

Magick was the equivilent of Fajebin when it came to following plans. She followd Taijya instinctivly, speeding up when they came out of the safty of the woods. Unlike Taijya, Magicks attack was aimed for Johns arm that held the trigger of the gun. Her jaws snapped shut when she thought she could get hold. If she did in fact get her grip, her dial shook viciously, hoping to make his drop the gun if not break the limb.

Timber, Niavy, Mark, & John

While Whisper and the others first retreated, Mark shot directly into the coup, seeing that Apollo was too frightened to come out. By now, all the chickens had either retreated to the higher roosts or were crowded along the sides of the mesh and more or less 'safe' from his fire. He could see two lifeless bodies, but couldn't tell who they were yet.

John took a shot at Taijya when she feld, then swung his gun around to offer another shot at Kaida. Had it not been for Niavy, this shot might have been the teen's last.

The cat was facing towards the two humans, and so she saw their swift reamergence from the brush. "Wolves! From behind!" Of course, the feline's voice was no more than a hasty, snarling-hiss to the humans. But Timber heard it loud and clear.

Arcing his run, he sped right back for John with a relay of sharp barks. Again, John had no clue what Timber might be saying; to him, the barks were no more than the dog's anger put to voice. It was Timber's change in direction that caught the young master's attention. He turned just enough so that his life was spared. Missing his neck, her fangs grazed his back, cutting through his light winter coat. Before he could wheel around, Magick had his arm, preventing him from swinging it around at first. Giving a hoarse cry, the teen struck fiercely with his left fist, twisting about as he did so and trying to smash his hand into Magick's tender snout.

Mark had turned around by now and swung his gun without a second's hesitation. He aimed to bring the barrel down against Taijya's back.

Timber had reached his masters now, snarling like a devil. He wanted nothing more than to attack Taijya, but it was Magick who had the hold on John now. With a quick spring, Timber launched his lithe body into the air and went for the classical throat hold.

Whisper, Fajebin

the huntress had gotten her distraction. Now that Timber was busy with Magick, the huntress lept from the brush, leaping for Mark who was paying attention to hitting Taijya. The fae's jaws snapped viciously at Marks neck, hoping to catch him off guard and kill the man. They wre out numbered by wolves now, and it would be impossible for them to get away without any harm. She was just doing her part by insuring that they didn't leave without remembering this day well.

Fajebin fled after his sister, pulling a Magick and leaping for Marks arm hat had the gun in hand. His jaws snapped shut with all the force he could muster, wanting nothing more then to breakl the bone. Low snarled emerged from his vocals as his dial thrashed about without whatever they held in them, be it air or the arm he so desired.

Apollo, Taijya, Magick

The brute stood motion for what seemed like forever, however the bullet managed to miss him. From the corbner of his eye he saw the fire stick that had brought Magick running, and with some quick thinking he leapt back against the wire and into a corner, managing to keep away from the shot. There he hid until he caught the new fury of attacks. And with a new determined idea he made a dash from the coop. His eyes blazed, his gaze kying on the man who had shot at him. With a low snarl he leapt for the mans other arm, jaws snapping and pearls gleaming. Hopefully the abrupt attacks would befound the man and enable him to get hold so he could take some of his won revenge.

Taijya snarled, feeling fangs slash across the cloth. But as soon as her peds touched down she leapt back from the gun butt, an instinct really. As she saw Timber coming, she made yet another leap for John, this time leaping up in an attempt to latch her jaws on the boys shoulder. if she succeeded she wrentched her dial back, hoping to topple the boy over with the sudden attack and frenzy of backs and snarls.

Magick shook her dial furiously, yelpuing as her mug was punched. Because of this she was forced to release landing on the feet but not expecting what was to come. Without warming she was caught off gyard by the fangs of Timber which gripped her neck just as he had hoped. However, it was a last second turn then had her turned sideways, her own jaws facing Timbers throat. She had fallen to her side, but even there with her lifeline in the jaws of another, she attempted to lundge at Timbers own open line, jaws snapping as much as possible. IF there was any chance of her dieing, she would leave an ever lasting mark.

Kaida

Kaida winced a little as a bullet lodged into her shoulder, but cursed silently as Timber danced away. Letting out a snarl, she swooped around from one side to send her full weight into John's legs, hoping to make it easier to topple the teen.

PRAETOR

So much blood...the humans can’t smell it. They don’t know. They’ve forgotten the scent of death. Every other creature on earth knows it, though, and Praetor is one of them. He’d simply been passing through, a momentary shadow slipping between the trees, when he’d caught on to their fight. It changed his path dramatically, drawing him eastward rather than into the northwest. But he’s here...and he craves the taste of their ebbing lives.

The male who’s stumbled upon the scene is obscenely large, his pelt a rich shade of pure black. Eyes burn a brilliant orange and seem to glow against the dark outline of his face. He’s 35 inches at the shoulder and has to weigh at least 120 pounds, all of it muscle and bone. Though large, however, he’s still fast. Or at least his movements are fluid enough that his every action seems effortless.

If ever there was a killer, it’s Praetor. He exits the forest silently while all the others are caught up in the frenzy of the fight. They won’t suspect another this far into the attack, not someone so large and difficult to see. Praetor slinks up behind Mark, footsteps masked by the sounds of the other wolves. In a flash, his jaws part and aim to wrap around the man’s ankle, his intent being to snap the Achilles tendon. If Praetor’s aim is true, that’ll be about 1,500 pounds per square inch of pressure on his lower leg, more than capable of shattering bone.

Praetor doesn’t waste any time. He jerks his head to the side with tremendous force, attempting to tear right through the flesh of the man, and then dashes back into the shadows, disappearing into the darkness of the trees at night, watching, orange eyes fading behind layers of leaves and branches.

Timber, Niavy, Mark, & John

Timber didn't take time to revel in his succes at gripping his foe's neck. Down he squeezed his fangs, seeking with every ounce of hatred and burning desire in his body to drive his curved fangs deep into the flowing viens of his adversary; the channels that fed and withdrew the crimson substance of life to her brain....

John pulled his gun up just in time, relfecting Taijya's attack by drawing the metal weapon up near his body so that her fangs would hit that instead. Having just blocked one injury, the teen didn't have time to focus on the second, much less evade it. A strong pressure hit his lower limb and instantly a pain seized hold of him. John lost his balance and lurched forward, now swinging the gun in a heavy arc in a desperate attempt to strike Taijya down as he fell.

Mark was in worse straights. He was aiming his gun for a swing at Taijya when the first fae hit him. Mark's movements, as well as the thick collar that was bunched around his neck, saved him from immidiate death. Whisper's fangs sunk deep into the cloth and hit flesh, but didn't go so far as to strike anything vital. This was on account of Mark's movement's towards Taijya; which quickly were put aside as the man whipped around to face his attacker. However, three new sources of pain and assault hit him. Two wolves at either arm, and a swift, sneak attack to his leg. Mark fell to the ground with the momentum of the attacks. Three ankle bones were broken and his vital tendon severed by the new wolf, causing the man to scream in agony as the tendon withdrew itself up along the leg. He began to kick and punch as best as he could, trying to wrestle his limbs away from the wolves...

Now it was back to Timber, who found his apparent success marred by pain of his own as Magick did ineed managed to set her fangs into his own neck. Teeth struck deep into muscle and flesh, tearing dangerously close to his vitals and spewing his blood out into his dark fur. During this skirmish, the collie's eyes flashed towards his masters and a gut-wrenching guilt hit him. He has failed them! For a brief, despairing moment of time, Timber felt the world was crumbling around him. His masters were so very near death; so vulnerable they were on the ground like that. Instead of swaying into this despair, a desperate idea flashed to Timber's mind and he gave the loudest snarl his lungs could afford, "I'll kill her!" His words would be hard to hear since his jaws were closed about Magick's neck, but he tried his best. He had to get their attention. There was just no other way he could think of to save his masters right now; except for trying to use Magick as leverage. Indeed, Timber didn't know if he really had a death-hold on her or not; but at least she was on the ground, and was snarling above her with his fangs sunk deep into tender flesh. It had too look like a death-hold, at least. He only hoped the others heard his threat; and if the did, his hopes were that they valued their friend's life over the glory of slaying his masters.

Magick, Taijya, Apollo, Artemis

Magicks jaws held onto Timbers nap as strongly as they could. However she could feel his fangs uneasily close to her own lifeline. It was a lifeline battle, to see whose line would break fastest. Timbers snarls brought her orbs open wide, and almost out of instinct her own muffled snarls raged forth. "Then do it!" Her tones were directed mostly at Timber. Although she hadn't come tonight, thinking death would take her away, she had made the decision to face it head on tonight. If it wanted her so badly, then so be it. Besides... her death would not be in vain. One of the humans would have to die tonight. They were both so helpless, lying on their backs like turtles. As a last resort, her dial thrashed, jaws still holding onto Timbers own throat. If she would die at the jaws of this mutt, she would die trying to kill him. Even now that her neck was dripping with both his and her blood, she would keep up her fight to the very end, she would keep trying to kill him.

Taijya's jaws landed on the weapon, and even though she knew it was not her target, she found it useful enough. As John fell, the goddess held onto the weapon, wrenching it from his hand as she swung her dial and released the stick, sending it flying a few feet out of reach. It wasn't incredibly far, but enough so that he would have to actually get back up to have a chance of getting hold to the thing. With that done, Taijyas attention fell back on the man. A low snarl fell from her jaws, as she too but a moment to realize it was Kaida who had brought the man to the ground. With a short chuckle, the huntress leapt straight for John’s throat, hoping to have done it quick enough that he had no chance to block the attack. But for a moment it was as if time froze.

"I'll kill her"

Taijyas golden spheres turned to gaze at the fight going own between Timber and Magick. Her orbs widened in disbelief and fear. Had it not been for Magick’s own tones, she would have abandoned her attack on John altogether. But it was the way the dove had spoken then made her continue with her initial plan, except with more wrath then she had previously set in. It was the need to kill faster, to possibly save her from that dogs jaw. She had to try, even though by the looks of it, Magick was on her last limb.

From the brush came the silver done, her form finally darkening with the coming of spring. Her harks were flat against her skull as a snarl erupted from deep within her vocals. It was so strong, and it far from the faes normal snarls. Artemis ran straight for Apollo, her eyes narrowed as she leapt for the brute. Her jaws latched around his shoulder as she shoved him off of Marks arm, pushing him to the earth like he was just a tiny tick. She released as soon as her peds touched the earth, her snarls never ceasing as she stood tense and ready. She looked nothing like her normal self. Her own shoulder was bloody, and she held the scent of sheep for she had just come from the sheep pasture where she had been in a fight with Vicious. Her mood was foul, and was far different then the Artemis he knew as a pup, or even the Artemis who had been so claming speaking by the house not long ago.

Apollo had felt such a rise in confidence as he felt the human fall, and his jaws tightly latched around his arm. He felt as if he would be part of something great, and so with confidence he thrashed his dial about, hoping to crush the bone even though the human was struggling greatly. But with a sudden attack he released, falling to the ground with a yelp. Crimson liquid trickled down his shoulder as she finally regained his footing and realized just who had attacked him. However it was not her appearance he knew her by, but only her scent. Her appearance seemed far too rough to be the sister who left home so long ago. Back then she was so gentle, she wouldn't even watch a sheep being killed. And now it appeared otherwise, although she did not smell of sheep’s blood, rather wolf blood. His nares twitched, but it actually took him a moment to realize she had attacked him, and she didn’t look as if she was playing for old time’s sake. So regrettably his own body tensed, jaws parting as she tried to speak some sense into his sister. "Artemis it's me! You own flesh and blood! Don't you realize it's me?"

Whisper, Fajebin

Whispers jaws held onto what she had for as long as they could, but as soon as her feet touched the earth she relased her grip and plundged her dial right back towards his throat for anouther attempt at his life lime. He was soo worried about trying to free his arms, hopefully she would be able to get the grip she wanted so badly. Unlike taijya, Timbers threats ment nothing to her. Magick was a fellow killer, but far from a friend. had it beenm her brother she may have even been hesitant to care. There was only one who she cared for, and it was styrange at that for he was or no blood relation to her.

Fajebin's grip on the arm did weaken in the least. Marks thrashing kept his grip firm, and her tightened his grip further in an attempt to break the bone if it was still in tact. The fall he had taken was surprising, although he had yet to notice that it was a wolf which sent mark into an annoyingly abnoxious cry of pain. All he could hope was that Whisper found her mark and shut him up.

Aidan

He was worn to the bone with exhaustion and covered in many wounds from his most recent battle at the Sheep Pasture, and moreso from the war at the Eskers. Previous wounds were still healing from his last encounter with Whisper, whom his eyes were quick to lock onto as he entered the area. Mustering his dwindling energy, the hybrid bristled his hackles in a statement that he would be more than a match still to take on. Then he set his limbs into a fenzy of motion, pushing past the aches and pains and weariness to deliver himself to the third matter of the day. With two of his siblings dead on this day, Aidan awoke to the anger that the late Stallis must have gone through only a while ago when his childeren were murdered. Though he knew not of the collie's passing, this thought of vengence helped to stir the remaints of energy in the canine's body. Running as fast as he possibly could, but uncertain wether he could reach Mark in time to save his life, Aidan lunched full-tilt for Whisper. Being so tired didn't lend itself well to quick reaction or aiming on Aidan's part, but he was of very large build, and hoped that he could use his bulk to slam into the wolfess and send her tumbling to the ground. There, in a short window of time, he'd have an opportunity to do some damage. In the back of his mind, Aidan fought with the desire to call upon his bloodpack for assistance, for they weren't too far away at the moment. Still... they too were badly worn and wounded from the war, and Hydras wouldn't be all too happy to add Taijya and the others on her already large list of enemies.

Darkeyes*Taipa

Darkeyes leapt into the fray, eyes horrible as he watched Artemis leap after Apollo. He was about to leap after them when a white blur passed him, leaping into the battle.

Fleet-footed Taipa came running to separate her siblings, driving her wedge of nose into Artemis' chest to hopefully drive her back. Her voice was cold when she turned to Apollo, but the deep brown lamps spoke another message. I took damage for you once, Apollo. Do not make me do it again. And she turned eyes to Artemis. If you must fight on opposite sides, then do it. But if you love me do not harm one another. I care to much about you both for that.

Timber, Niavy, Mark, & John

Timber's eyes misted with pain, but he withstood the abuse from Magick and clenched his teeth all the tighter. "They are no friends of yours, they care nothing for you." The collie growled deeply, quietly to the fae, if she could understand his muffled words through all the thrashing and fighting they were doing. He wanted her to writh with the agony of not only his teeth, but the mental anguish that so haunted him now. Down, down, he drove his fangs, striving with every fibre of his being to put an end to at least one of these cruel murderers this night. He felt his neck grow warm and wet with his own blood and felt the sickening pressure and tearing of his flesh that yeiled under his attacker's fangs; but not once did he relent to this. He only fought harder, harried on by desire and blinding determination.

Mark's cries of pain grew all the more frantic, so much so that even Niavy shied back from the coup and found her time to spring into the darkness and hide. His right arm gave way as the two lower bones splintered under Fajebin's pressure. The other arm was shredded right to the solid bone before the attacker was struck away. And then, teeth at the back of his neck once more. Digging in with a mercilous grip. Mark knew his death was imminent if he didn't act fast and sure. The large man rolled, preparing to wrench Whisper's hold away. In mid-roll, Mark's efforts suddenly halted. Just like that, his body went limp.

John grabbed frantically for his gun, but he was held in place by Kaida and put down quickly by Taijya's lunge. Fangs went into his throat, driving threw the thick muscles and flesh there to reach the edge of the narrow airway. The airway would have been totally punctured if it wasn't for the thick coat that John was wearing, like his father. Striking like a snake, John's hand went straight for Taijya's neck, his strong fingers curving around to squeeze her throat. The second arm struck at the same time, going for her face. But rather than beat at her nose or punch her as so many other hapless people tried, his fingers went straight for her left eye, seeking to gouge straight into the organ and even deeper. A very gruesome but very effective tactic; if he was able to pull it off.

PRAETOR

As Praetor hears the terrified shriek of the man, he knows his work is done and simply watches from the undergrowth, fiery orange eyes scanning the night expertly. He moves quietly from his hiding place in the bushes, Mark still screaming, though a movement on the far side of the field out of the corner of his eyes causes him to pause. It’s another wolf. As Praetor sees the male running toward the fight, a look of anger on his features, he too comes racing out of the bushes just to the right of and behind the male. As the stranger leaps into the air, so does Praetor. The male’s focus seems to be totally on the female and so Praetor takes his chances, aiming to knock the other wolf out of the air with a massive shoulder. This male seems to be hurt anyway...his attack is clearly desperate.
Aiden may be big but Praetor is massive and that’s a clear fact. His black form is almost invisible in the darkness and any noises his feet might’ve made are masked by the human’s blood-curdling shriek. If need be, Praetor will finish the other he-wolf off. There’s no way such an injured creature could win a fight over Praetor now.

Kaida

Kaida used the man's preoccupation with Taijya to make her own aim for his throat, trying to shove the man's jacket aside with her nose and get to the tender flesh beneath.

Aidan

A grunt escaped him as Aidan felt his body being hurtled to the side and then slamming against the solid ground. For a moment, he almost wished to lay there and let himself be taken by his attacker. But this want was not given into, for the hybrid rolled again on his own terms and gave a staggering, haphazard spring to the side to avoid any attack the Preator might try to tag him with. Standing uncertainly with his breath steaming in the chilly night air, Aidan stared defiantly back at the wolf who had tackled him. He knew he was beat; he couldn't hold up against this one wolf, let alone the whole bunch of them. Like Timber, Aidan fell to last-ditch efforts. Unlike his collie friend however, Aidan hoped his tactics would work. In fact, he knew they'd work, if only his family responded quick enough.

Keeping his distance from Preator, Aidan threw his muzzle skyward and rent the air with a ringing howl. He was calling for his pack, the Shadow Lurkers. Some of the most, if not the most, infamous canine fighters in the Valley. Not against humans; Taijya alone held that, but against other canines, the Lurkers were something to be reckoned with by their sheer numbers and alliances, as well as their extensive fighting history.

"Stand down, and leave this place!" Aidan cried out, his voice rising high above the melee of the battle. "Leave here before my family arrives, and you might be spared! The Lurkers are on their way!" Aidan knew that he, Timber, and the others could be killed before his family ever arrived to help them. He hoped, however, that these attackers would take the bait and flee without furhter bloodshed.

Magick, Taijya, Apollo, Artemis

Magicks jaws held on for dear life, and even as the souds around ehr seemed to fade, timbers words lightly bounced into her peaks and with her last bit of energy she releassed, and spoke, for her time had come and Death greeted her now with open arms. "Friend or not, it's peace I have while you agonize over your lost comrads!" The end of her tones came a low chuckle, followed by a curdling within her throat. It was then that death claimed her soul, and with that her body lay limp. Blood flowed out of her mouth as her eyes lay open, as if hanging onto her last laugh.

Taijya's jaws held on tightly, but the sudden grip on her neck gave her the realization that she had taken a risk. The human had both arms free, and although in normal cases she would have held on tightly, the silence from Mark gave her enough reason to release and wrench herself to the side. However on her way, johns finger aimed to make contact with her eye, and instead of allowing her ambers to be seriously injured, her jaws snapped shut, hopfully on the finger as she lept away from his grasp. Her bod tensed as a low snarl fell from her lips, and whether she ha dbroken the finger, ripped it off, or missed it completly she did not care. Her nares twitched although she focused on John still, keeping both him and the weapon in her sights, she could tell magick was dead. It was not enough to cause her greif, no that would come after the fight. That would come while physical wounds healed. For now her mind remained on the hunt. Golden spheres focused on the human, the blood running down his neck from the wound she inflicted. She stood, posed to any course of action she choose to take, determined by Johns own actions. he would choose his way of death, she would just comply.

Apollo watched Artemis carefully, although with taipa's appearance his eyes only widened when she spoke. He tried to speak, he truely wanted to, but what could he say. He had felt guilty for his sisters injurys moons ago, he wouldn't willingly do that to her again. But Artemis threatened his life, what could he do?

The fae did not reply, only snarled viciously, and uncharacteristicly at her brother. It was only be her sisters touch that her snarls ceased and her features finally softened. Her bodice did not completly untense, although it was far different from the dove which stood only moment before. Her eyes were soft, but hardened a bit at the thought of her trying to stopher from savign her family. She hadn't taken much notice of her father, for although his scent was there, it was masked by the intense smell of blood. "Fine..." her tones were low, and once more her bodice tense. She made a mad rash for Kaida, snapping at her features. if she coulnd't attack her brother, she would focus on the others.

Whisper, Fajebin

The huntress held on, feeling the pusing from the mans lifeline. This was her primary focus. She could see Aidan from the corner of her eye, but she could care even less. She wanted this man dead, and sure enough her wish came true. She felt the last attempts at life by the line before she herself ended the circle with just a bit more pressure. In fact as she lifted her dial to see the light, she hadn't even noticed the brute who pushed Aidan away, possibly saving her from soem sort of injury. However the only acknowledgement she gave him was a lift of her hidden wolfish eyebrow. A smirk came to cover her features, a biabolical laughter flowing from her jaws before abrupting truning to Timber and the dad Magick. Her laughing had ceased, and as if she had not done enough, she lept for Timbers neck, which already contained a near fatal wound by Magicks last energies.

Fajebin's own jaws relased only after hearing Whispes laughter. Her could not feel the end of his life, but Whisper was sure to tell the ranch who had brought it on. his salmon tongue ran past his kissers and over his blood stained fangs, a silent laugh given to himself. She could only imagine the trouble they would all have now trying to live out the normal potions of their lives. What a task they had taken on. Taking a oment to see timber in pretty bad shape, the mascu make the choice to help with Taijyas cause. With a swift motion her ran towards the gun, gripping it in his jaws and dragging it away from the human. He carried it into the woods, dropping it in the dense brush, out of sight from the unaided human eye. He then returned to face off with the human juast as Taijya did, snarling low, and circling a bit to the other side of the human. The three human lovers seemed quite busy, and even with the possibility of helps on their side arriving soon, he would take his chancong while their numbers lingered.

PRAETOR

As Praetor feels his shoulder connect with something solid, he knows his hit has been successful. Using the rest of his momentum from the jump, he hits the ground and rolls over onto his feet, gaining coordination quickly. It takes him a split second to see Aidan standing there in front of him, just in time to watch him bow his head back and cry out for help. Smart move...he most know he’s doomed. Of course, that only gives Praetor more confidence to attack.

He almost laughs at the he-wolf’s words, though instead responds with one snide remark, deep voice rough and quite. "You’ll be dead long before they get here, mutt." Yes...he can see the dog in that creature now, in the narrower chest and unique snout. All the more easier to kill then. Dogs are simply the smoother, less wild form of wolves anyway.

Orange eyes burning with a lust to kill, Praetor takes a couple of steps sideways, still facing his opponent, and lunges forward, massive frame a great deal taller than that of the halfbreed. He doesn’t go at the other head-on, but off to the side slightly. Jaws part, revealing pallid dentals, and, using his great weight and the other’s exhaustion, he attempts to grab hold of the other male’s neck, feet planted firmly on the ground.

P R A E T O R
i hit the ground...bang bang...

Timber, John, & Martha

Timber wanted to enjoy his killing of the enemy, but there was no time for petty things like that. A new enemy was headed his way, one which had caused his brother a great suffering just recently, and one which Aidan was unfortunately both witness and victim to. Bracing himself for the worse, the collie stood his ground as Whisper came for him. Then, at the last moment, Timber hunkered down and spun away to the side, leaving the upper top of his shoulder to take a grazing wound by the wolf's fangs. Like a striking snake, Timber snapped his muzzle to the side, trying to tear a wound across the side of Whisper's vulnerable stomach as he attempted to run past her.

John saw his gun, his best chance at defense and survival, being dragged out of his reach. So panicked and shocked as to not notice the deathly silence of his father, the teen could only think of keeping himself alive. He hardly noticed his finger, which was hanging at an akward angle and coated in blood; nearly severed. While one arm was brought up in a defensive posture near his throat, the other reached into his coat pocket... All the while, he kicked at Kaida with his good leg.

A slamming door added a new sound to the confusion of canine battle noise. Then there was a familiar, two-toned click... a cocked shotgun....

Aidan

Aidan dropped his head with a heavy sigh, forcing his tired limbs to move step by step with his adversary. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into." He growled lightly, his voice holding the heart that his body was too worn to do. Knowing he couldn't outrun Praetor in his shape, nor evade the attack, Aidan met it. When Praetor was nearly on him, Aidan lurched forward and downward, letting the wolf's jaws fall into his thick mane and nape, and away from his vitals. With his head held so low down, the hybrid now lifted it up quickly, driving his teeth for the wolf's narrow chest, trying to lock his curved eyeteeth between the ribs and pierce through to one of the lungs.

PRAETOR

Praetor's first attempt at attacking fails...almost. As Praetor's jaws meet the other's nape, he clamps them shut and bites down with thousands of pounds of pressure. Maybe Aiden doesn't know but the nape of the neck is a deadly area for injury. It houses precious nerves which connect directly to the brain. A snap of one of those nerves will leave the wolf-dog paralyzed for life. The lifting of the other wolf only drives his teeth harder into the male's flesh, jaws wrapped around the back of his neck. As he sees the smaller creature's head jerk toward his own chest, Praetor clamps down harder on his attacker and moves slightly to the right, though does indeed feel the slight sting of the halfbreed's toned-down teeth. It's a wound but a superficial one. He had grabbed on to Praetor's chest but hadn't managed to get passed bone. There's too much muscle and thick, winter fur in the way.

aijya, Fajebin, Whisper

The instant the click echoed acorss the area into her ears, the huntress froze in place, not turning away from john, but knowing well the sound. FRom the corner of her eye she made a small motion to Fajebin, before charging at John. She ran past his limb, snapping at his leg, although if she got ahold or not, she did not hang on. Instead she mad a run for the forest, where her raven pelt blended in as perfect as anything.

The sounds in Fajebins ear however brought his dial to turn directly to taijya, who seemed to have concockted some sort of plan. With a growl he took lanched himself at John's arm which was reaching for the coat pocket. He has something... the brute thought to himself as he attempt to lodge his fangs into the limb and prevent any injury to himself.

Whisper could feel her fangs graze but nothing more, and it was quite a shame. However she had no time to worry aout that. For Timbers fangs get gripped her stomach though it was nothing vital yet. Her had hold of a great deal of her think winter pelt, along with skin and a bit of muscle that surrounded her stomach area. Knowing this well, she wrenched herself from Timbers jaws, feeling the slicing of his teeth through her flesh. A low snarl fell from her lips as she once more faced the brute. She too had heard the clicking sound, but had learned the humans were weary to shoot when the possibiliy of hitting one of their 'own' was there. So with this in mind the huntress stayed on the far side of Martha, her orbs focused on Timber. She lanched herself for him but at the last moment she halted and lowered right in front of him, and like a snake she snapped her jaws up, trying to get the hold the dead Magick had. The halt and all had been extrely quick, and she hoped it would be quick enough to allow her some grip on the dogs neck.

Taijyas golden spheres shones thought the darkness as she focused not on the fights bu rather the woods. she made a turn, coming up on the other side of the barn, opposite of Martha. She had slowed down considerably as she neared the edge of the woods, and for now she watched Martha who hopefully had thought she had fled from battle. Her ebon pelt was a useful tool now, for the darkness cloaked her but she was born to see at night. After a moment, she sauntered out of the brush, keeping it silent and taking on a cool walk like nothing was wrong. One of her golden pools remained focused on the gun and the finger which would set off the fire, while the other kept her on track. Taking a chance, when she reached aout 10 feet away, the duchess gained speed overthe grass and with talented jaws, snapped for the back of the ankle, the same tactic used by Paetor, the only lupe here she knew nothing off. If she had hold her jaws snapped shut to try and break the bones, making standing painful for the human, and to also bring her a surprise if she had not yet noticed her coming.

Timber, John, & Martha

Timber was moving fast now, not letting himself stop for a moment as his teeth left his victim's flesh. If there was anything a border collie excelled at, it was agility after all, and he used that skill to save his life. Through his wide, chestnut eyes, Whisper's movements were taken in and processed with incredible speed and acuracy, allowing the collie to shift positions and react before he really needed to think about reacting. Where Nak, Stallis, Cronus, and all the others had failed, Timber succeeded. Thrusting power into his hindlimbs, Timber brought himself off the ground and twisted back away from Whisper, his neck coming within a hair's breath from her snapping jaws. A tuft of outer fur, dislodged by the bite, attested to just how close the attack had come to meeting flesh. But as it was, Timber had evaded it, certainly saving himself from death as his already wounded neck continued to draw the warm blood from his body and send it in steaming droplets to the crushed snow below. In a second movement, the collie gave another leap before hitting the ground and running. As much as he wished to deny it, he had heard the change in noise; Mark was silent now, which could only mean one devastating thing. At least his young master was still alive; but that could all change so very fast; Timber had to think hard about what to do as he ran from Whisper, as he had first run from Kaida.

Martha was quite frantic, to say the least. In the darkness, it was hard to tell how badly wounded everyone was, although the light from the backdoor lamp was enough for her to see everyone; except those sneaking up from the shadows. Raising the shotgun, she turned for Whisper and shot. It was a very risky move, for Timber was just starting into his run. Before she could tell if her hit was good or not, something hit her from behind, taking her ankle by surprise. Pain was instantaneous, searing into her flesh and reaching bone. Unlike the others, Martha stayed her balance and swung around instinctively. The barrel of the gun was swung with both arms, for more power, at the wolf's side.

John shoved his other arm forward, letting it take the punishment of Fajebin's jaws that was meant for the pocket-reaching limb. Before he could be stopped, the hand was drawn out again. There was a click, then a flash of metal as a large pocket knife swung open from its wooden case. The deadly object was stabbed for the side of the wolf's neck. Whether this was a successful attempt or not, the teen thrusted the knife relentlessly, back and forth, trying to damage the wolf as much as possible.

Aidan & Black Feather

Aidan writhed at the pain at his neck, but he too furnished a lavish winter coat that was particularly thick around his nape, thanks in part to the long-haird collie blood from his father. A life spent fighting had earned him good muscle mass too, which helped to combat Praetor's teeth and slow their decent into deeper tissue. Withstanding the abuse as best he could, but knowing he could not endure it for long, Aidan set to work with the grip he had. He may have dog in him, but he was mostly wolf, and had the jaw strength to boot. Now he forced his jaws into a devilous squeeze while giving his head vicious shakes. He was trying to fracture or perhaps break the thin, curved bones that made up the rib cage; or dislodge one or two from the sternum bone they were connected to.

Sweeping high in the sky was a small, dark shape with a bullet-like appearance. It was Black Feather, one of the few peregrine falcons that lived with Aidan's blood pack. His species boasted one of the best eyesights of any species, although darkness greatly hindered this tool. Still, there was enough light from the stars and the glow from the house for the raptor to see just what was going on. He circled higher in the sky, giving fierce cries as he did so.

Much further away, his son was watching and helping to guide the Lurkers towards the battle scene. It wouldn't be long now before they arrived.

PRAETOR

Hold on. This is just about the only thought going through Praetor’s mind right now. Just hang on to the other creature and his bones will give way. It’s hard to believe the other wolf has gone so long without fainting from blood loss. He feels the bite of the other’s teeth in his chest again, deeper this time, and winces slightly, though keeps his focus on the task at hand.He allows his body to move with the shakes of the other wolf, lessening the pull on his jaw. Praetor uses all of his teeth and gets the best grip possible on the other before leaning to the side and slinging his neck and head violently to the right, jaw still latched onto the smaller creature, attempting to rip him away from his own chest. With his size, he could very easily drag the other wolf across the ground and being above the other canine gives him a clear advantage.

After the first shake, he swings his head again, whipping his neck back and forth as domestic dogs are seen doing when they’re trying to rip apart a particularly stubborn chew toy. All of his strength and weight is put into the those swings, jaws still tight around the other’s neck, ignoring the pain of his chest completely. He doesn’t even hear the call of the falcon up above or the click of the gun. This male has to die soon. He was on his last legs when he went to attack the female wolf. He continues to shake his head and neck, hoping to dislodge or break any and every part of the half breed.

Aidan, Ninaki, & Black Feather

Aidan felt a tingling run through his paws and a lightness come over him. It wasn't from a spinal injury however; the hybrid's thick nape protected his vertebrae from Praetor's teeth right now. It was shock beginning to wear down the hybrid, and a heavy fatigue from all the fighting. Had he not grown up in such a turbulent, battle-stricken pack, Aidan would have succumb already to the throws of shock, and would have been easy for Praetor to finish off. But Aidan was far from a weakling; he was the second largest of his siblings; well, largest now that Kenyon was dead. Finding his limbs too tired, Aidan let his body drop down so that Praetor would have 100 lbs of dead wieght in his jaws, and a great hinderance to all his shaking attempts. This of course ripped Aidan's flesh all the more, spilling precious blood. His jaws worked still, shifting and grating down, now with all his thought and energy focused on damaging the chest.

Black Feather continued to call and wheel around in the sky. He would have taken a dive at Praetor, but in the darkness, the falcon's keen sight was not good enough for that. Instead, he turned himself into a beacon, directing his four-legged members to the scene.

And finally, Ninaki arrived. He too was battle-scarred and wounded, but not terribly bad. Energy was still on his side, and even moreso, the desire to save his son. Already, he had to bear with the death of two offspring just moments ago; he wasn't about to loose another. Covering the ground in a flash and moving with the skill of a wolf; for his blood corsed with 90% lupine heredity, Ninaki made for Praetor. Jaws were sprung and held low as the hybrid moved, ready for action. Then, with a spring, the sepia-brown canine launched into the air with great momentum, sending his lean but well-muscled frame towards the attacking wolf. His teeth were aimed to take Praetor along the side of the neck.

Taijya, Fajebin, Whisper, Apollo

Taijya felt the full force of the gun as the butt slammed into her side. Her raven form fell to the earth in a heap, side aching, and possibly, a rib broken from the impact. She winced as her limbs pushed her off the earth, low snarl falling form her jaws as golden globes fell onto Martha. Crap... the only thought currently occupying her mind at the moment. Hoping Martha had yet to turn the gun around to be able to shoot her, taijya made a dash for the cover of the forest once more, her side aching with each breath she took.

Whisper started to run after Timber as the the collie evaded her attack. A low snarl echoed from deep within her vocals, but a earshattering shot fired and without warning she fell to the earth. The shot had gotten her right fore as she had tried to run, shattering the upper bone near her shoulder. She winced in excrushiating pain, trying to remain her footing now that Martha was focused on Taijya who had attempted to attack from behind. It took a moment for her to stand, the injured limb not really able to be held up, but rather set akwardly on the ground. She had finished off the human and in her stae, she would not be of much help to the rest of the fighters. so regretible she fled into the safty of the forest . Her trail would be easily followed however, for the crimson liquid dripped from her wound and stained the snow where ever she moved.

He had felt quite sure that getting hold of the limb would save him from whatever the boy was reaching for, but before he could avoid it, the glint of metal slashed his neck, causing a yelp to fall from the brutes mug before he relased without anouther thought. It had nmade a nice slash on the side of hi neck, about an inch deep but not deep enough to kill him. But if he wasn't carefuly, the fury of attacks might just finish the job. So as best he could, the burte tried to back up, taking a slash on his left ear which left a piece of skin hanging off the top. The brute hopped backwards some, just until he was out of reach before he also turned tail and ran. His snowy pelt was akready staining with blood that poured from ear, and especialy his neck which was ripped quite badly.

Apollo turned right as he heard the click of the gun, but did nothing until he say the shadowed outline of Taijya. He wouldn't make taipa fight, no, he couldn;t, but he couldn't leave the fae who had saved him before alone to be killed without trying to help. So as fast as he could, even with his shoulder which ached only slightly, he brute aimed to attack Martha's other ankle, except he aimed to pull it from under her, hopefully toppling the lady over. He had hoped that Taijya proved enough of a distraction to allow him to slip in and attack without being noticed until his fangs slipped into her flesh and ripped the tendon.

PRAETOR

Praetor hadn’t been expecting the wolf to drop so suddenly. He struggles for a moment against the pull of the other’s body, feeling the tearing of the flesh he grips so tightly in his mouth. He doesn’t fall but the weight causes him to stagger. He doesn’t see Ninaki lunge for him, though finds himself lucky. His stumble had put him just out of harms way...for the most part.

He feels something slam into his haunches and, still gripping the flesh in his mouth, jumps forward, unsure of whether he’d ripped an entire part of Aiden’s neck off or not. His own mouth had covered the larger part of the half-breed’s neck, mouth wrapped around every inch of loose skin. It doesn’t matter, though. The young he-dog is injured enough as it is and Praetor’s attack had been to keep Aiden off the other wolves long enough for them to kill most of the humans. Task accomplished.

Praetor lurches forward again, trying once more to rip every bit of flesh from the other male as possible before releasing him and then racing off into the trees. The other wolves had fled as well and, as Praetor has learned from past experiences, sometimes it’s best to follow. He doesn’t look bad to see what had hit him but follows the scent of the other wolves into the forest, black form disappearing in the darkness.

Darkeyes*Kaida*Taipa

Darkeyes stood almost frozen, eyeing his children, unsure of what to do.

It wasn't until Taipa flung herself in the same direction as Apollo, trying to latch onto anything she could, that the father also leapt in, throwing himself at Kaida.

The sudden force of John's kicking threw Kaida far enough back that Artemis' attack missed her, but Darkeyes managed to get hold of her shoulder easily enough. She yanked it back before he could do serious damage and hopped forward to slash at Artemis, aiming to grasp the younger fae's maw.

Timber, John, & Martha

Martha made a stumbling turn, ready to deal Taijya a lethal gunfire as she sped away. But just before she pulled the trigger on the fleeing wolf, another hit her opposite ankle. Loosing her balance, the shot was missfired, sending the pellets spraying over the top of Taijya's head, missing her by a few terrifying inches. For a moment, she kept her balance, but one ankle had a fracture bone, and now the other a sliced tendon. The woman fell, wielding the gun as she did so to try and slam it down on Apollo's skull.

John pulled himself up now that Kiada was kicked back. With two wounded arms, and a finger that was nearly detached, the teen staggered forward and slashed his knife wildly at Kaida and Darkeyes; who ever happened to be closest.

Part of the gunblast had peppered Timber's tail and sent tufts of his fur wheeling into the dark night, but he was lucky that Martha's aim had sent most of the scatter shot into Whisper. The collie made a tight circle and saw most of the wolves retreating; he dared not follow. Not yet. Not now. Instead, he sped towards Apollo, running hard and springing for the other's hindquarters, trying to spin him away from Martha.

Taijya, Apollo, Artemis

Artemis let a low snarl fall from her jaws as her attack missed Kaida. However she was quick enough to leap away from the fangs that soon came after her. However Johns state did not allow the fae to try and attack kaida once more, for fear she would be hit accidently by the blade. Instead she backed off, watching the fury of attacks. Her orbs stared intently on the fighting, waiting for kaida to make a wrong move, or one which woudl allow her to be attacked by Artemis. While she watched in silence, her focus couldn't help but occasionally look to her father, hoping he escaped from the attacks before being hit.

Apollo made an attempt to back away from the falling Martha, but the butt of Marthas gun did just as she had hoped, and smashed onto his skull. So hard in fact that he blacked out before Timbers fangs even met his hindquarters. he was completly helpless now, unconcious from the blow, and left alone in a an area where the humans had a death wish for him. Well... almost alone.

Despite her bruised side, the fae had not completly fled the scene. instead she stayed just within the thicket, ready to attack again if needed. It was true she didn't know much about Apollo, but she had taken a almost mothing intrest in him. So as he was hit by the human's fall, the huntress lept from hiding, her pistons taking her straight for the human. She aimed souly for the throat and face, and if she got close enough without being noticed, the gun would be of no more use then a blunt club.

Darkeyes*Kaida

Darkeyes hopped back quickly, listening to Kaida grunt as the knife connected with her ribs. But his attention was drawn completely away from John when he saw Apollo fall. He was, first and foremost, a father, and he leapt to stand over his son as Taijya leapt for Martha.

Kaida dodged quickly, coming up behind John, knowing it would be harder for him to reach her that way. Blocking from her mind the slight pain of a semi-slashed side, she leapt for eyes, face, or throat, hoping to surprise him.

Timber, John, & Martha

Martha was trying to get back now, but her wounded ankles refused to support her. Attention had been turned away from Apollo, thinking he was dead or at least would be taken care of shortly. She was scrambling to reload the shotgun with the bullets that had been hastily shoved into her pocket when she first heard trouble outside. But before she could get them in, Taijya once more appeared, and Darkeyes showed up at her side where Apollo had fallen. Remembering Taijya from times past, Martha trained her eyes on that wolf over Darkeyes. As John had done before, Martha had just enough time and the presence of mind to hold the shotgun up like a bar, blocking the wolf's initial attempts at face and throat.

John swayed and turned around, cursing heavily as he shifted most of his wieght percariously on the good leg to keep him standing and facing Kaida when she attempted to run around the back of him. Once more, his knife was ready to parrying the offender, this time thrusting and slashing for the face area; eyes, nose, and mouth. His aim wasn't good with his wounded limbs, but he'd do his best.

Timber sprang back, snarling savagely at Darkeyes. If the wolf had looked ready to attack Martha, Timber wouldn't have hesitated to attack him. But Darkeyes looked to be defending Apollo, and as it was, Timber had more pressing issues to attend with. "Take him and leave! Or die with him tonight!" Wasting only brief time on words, the collie urged himself towards Taijya, knowing that Martha was very helpless right now. Although it was a long shot, Timber went for the wolf's throat.

Aidan, Ninaki, & Black Feather

Aidan picked himself up with shaking limbs, watching Praetor flee. His eyes narrowed a moment as he looked around, quickly spotted John. With his dwindling strength, the large hybrid ran towards the teen. But after only a few staggering strides, Aidan's limbs finally buckled and he fell heavily to the ground. He tried to get up, kicking feebly at the ground, but his body was spent.

Ninaki rushed to Aidan's side, and was releived to find him still alive, but flickering in and out of consciousness. Ninaki didn't care for humans or their pets, yet he realized that the humans here would heal his son; if they survived the night. Bristling his fur in frustration and anger, Ninaki sprinted towards John and Kaida, where he began to circle, "Get out of here, wolf! My son needs these humans, and I'll gladly kill you to protect the two-legger."

Black Feather perched himself on top of a weathervane, doing his best to see how the battle was playing out below.

Du Hast

The King Hound female was a new member of the Ranch and was not well known. But that was about to change here and now. A human had dropped her off but moments ago and already Assasin was having to prove herself worthy. With a snarl Du Hast raced to the scene and leaped aiming for Kaida. She was large that was for sure. Size and brains were all she needed. Agility was born naturally into her and she used it well. "GET HIM OUT OF HERE!" She snarled to Ninaki. One couldnt tell but her voice was soft and light with a slight musical lilt to it. Her fangs were aimed for Kaidas neck as she leaped but she was not perfect. No one was.

Taijya, Apollo, Artemis

Finding the increasing number of help heading towards John and Aidan, the fae ran after Timber, heading towards Martha and the scene that seemed to play out. She left her father and Apollo be, for they were doing nothing wrong now however she stood over martha in a protective manor, snarling low. Her orbs focused on Taijya, her hackles raised as she was ready to attack if Timber did not chase her away. Her nares twitched at the scent of Martha's blood, worrying her slightly.

Apollo still hung in his unconcious state, no movement seen other then the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

Taijya snarled as her attack was blocked, but even before she saw Timbers advace she lept back away from the stick. A low snarl fell from her jaws but as the fae dodged the attempt on her lifeline, her orbs fell upon a massive creature. It appeared somewhat wolf like, but it was far larger, easily the size of two female wolves, possibly even two males. It intrigued her, yet knowing that the animal faught on the side of humans brought her curiousity to a close. Turning back to Timber she spoke quickly, bodice tense. "You'll fall soon enough Timber... " Her voice was low and threatening, and as if she was just another shadow, she sped off into the brush, her raven form disapearing within the brush.

Darkeyes*Kaida

Darkeyes snarled back at Timber just as ferociously, not really meaning to be rude, but concern compromised his judgement somewhat. I mean no harm to your humans, friend of my daughter. But I will not leave until all three of my children are safe. Deal with it! And he continued to stand over Apollo, his stance daring anyone to come near.

A blow from the back flung Kaida to one side, flinging her away from John's new attack. Growling, she tore the back of her neck away from her attacker before more damage could be done, and leaped to her feet, eyes watching. The moment the other moved, so would Kaida.

Du Hast

The dark brindled female snarled deep within her chest at Kaida but she moved not an inch away from John. Her dark eyes watched Kaida expectantly waiting for the wolfess to attack but she would not move from where she was. These were her humans, her masters now. A booming bark escaped her maw but no word came from her yet. She wasnt in the mood for this. I mean come on she had JUST gotten here and already she was being put to work. Some vacation this was.

Judèvin

Soon another King Hound was drawn to the scene. But this one was more like an escapee, or whatever you'de like to call it. He moved fast over the ground, manouvering with intense quickness at hearing the fight. Somewhat trained to protect and fight, the 38-inch canine appeared from the brush. Dentals bared, he eased his way past the others and slowed to a halt near the fae of his kind. True, he did not know her, but speaking could be done later. His deep orbs held the look of sincere flame as he turned his dial to observe the wolves. His hackles raised even higher as he growled, auds flat back against his large skull. He was ready and wanted to fight!

Pyromania

A third King Hound had been dropped off with Du Hast, but they had let her out first. So he arrived later. The copper colored oversized King Hound came through the bushes with the speed of a wolf running for his life and stopped on a dime next to Du Hast growling at the retreating wolves and any that remained. His eyes flashed to Martha and then to John but he quickly trotted over to Martha seeing she was most likely in more pain and couldn't stand up. He stood over the woman and continued his growling at any wolves still around.

Du Hast

Du Hast snarled at the other two king hounds for they made her feel like she couldnt take care of this on her own. She could you know. She could do anything. Well....Least thats what she thought. She snarled at Kaida darkly an ominous look in her eye as she said in a menacing tone "I dont play games wolf child. Leave now for you are out numbered." The dog was dark this was true but kindness lurked in her eyes as she stared at Kaida almost pleading with the female silently to run now. She moved not an inch from Johns side as Pyromania came and stood next to her for all she saw was Kaida.

Apollo, Artemis

Artemis snarled low, slightly annoyed at the appearance of new dogs to the ranch, but not directing her snarl to them. It was out of frustration and nothing else. She moved to lightly lick Martha's cheek, hoping to get her to stand. A few low whimpers fell from her jaws as she urged the woman up. All the while her orbs focused on her father and her brother who where extremly near. Her orbs could not speak, but they could still say enough. Get away from here, it's dangerous.

Apollo stirred only slightly, his harks twitching. Although not much, it proved he was still alive.

Darkeyes*Taipa

Darkeyes caught Artemis' look, and knew exactly what she had in mind. His own dark lamps sent back a message, saying, Be careful, dear one. With a sigh, he let out a high-pitched whistle.

Taipa's harks perked and she left off her task, coming quickly to her father. Grabbing hold of her brother's scruff, she scooted her body around her father in such a way that, when she pulled, it would hopefully pull her brother up onto her father's back, enabling the elder male to use a greater speed to escape. Bracing herself, she began to tug at her brother, trying to drag him up to lay across Darkeye's back.

Satan, Vitani, Suki and Kuro

The four had followed Ninaki as best they could but he had soon disappeared and they had had to use their keen wolfish sense of smell to find their way here. Spotting the second battle-scene in no time at all, the foursome made thier way over quickly.

Satan rushed to Ninaki's side, growling.
Leave now!

Vitani followed her father quickly, rather pleased with herself as she had previously killed an Alpha in the battle they had just endured.
What a earth happened here?!

Suki and Kuro made their way over to Aidan. Suki lay beside the younger male, trying her best to keep him warm.
Stay with us Aidan...Its okay, Your father and pack are here for you... Kuro stood protectively over Aidan, He wasn't their son but he was a pack-member and so he would protect the fallen pup as if he was indeed his own child.

Hydras & Bullet

The two siblings appeared shortly after Satan and the others. Hydras made her way to Aidan's side and cast her weary but defiant eyes around at the pets and their attackers. She vaguely knew Timber, and was sure Timber remembered her. She wasn't exactly a friend to the Ranch, but because her nephew lived here, she was cautious about how she and her pack acted around this place.

It wasn't long before Hydras figured out who must be who. The attackers were retreating, leaving the defensive pets behind. Her eyes shifted to her own pack members now and there was the look of gratitude on her bloodied features. Despite all the fighting, they we still very willing to come here and put up another fight if need be. But, it looked now that all was settling down, "You can all head back to the Aegis Den to recuperate. This.... is a touchy situation."

Bullet backed slowly away, his eyes casting from pet to attacker before he turned away and headed for their home. Very occasionally, Hydras led her pack to attack the livestock here in the name of food. It was a great strain to put on Aidan, for he lived here with the humans and was suppost to protect the creatures. But family comes first with the Lurkers, and this was a situation with a very thin line to be crossed.

Timber, John, & Martha

As before, Timber declined to chase Taijya into the darkness of the forest. He shifted uncomfortably when three large canines appeared, but it was quite apparent that they were on his side. Plus, at least two of them had a strong scent of human on them, which was a great reassurance. The collie glared towards Darkeyes, "You won't be so kindly spared a second time."

Martha knew that two Kind Hounds were to be dropped off, but the third was a total surprise. Not worried about this minor detail at the moment, she spoke hurridly to Timber. "Timber, get the phone! Go get the phone!"

Timber turned unblinkingly to his master, terribly reluctant to leave her. But she was the boss, and she had given him a command. Go, Get, and Phone; just three of many commands he had been taught. Although he really didn't know what the heck a 'phone' was used for, he dashed for the house. The door was left swinging open, although Timber had also been taught how to open that, much to the later displeasure of his masters. A moment later, the collie came springing back, with a phone clutched in his jaws.

Martha took hold of the object with trembling hands and poked at the phone so that three beeping tones were emitted. Then she began to speak frantically. And here's something Timber was always confused and mystified about; another human's voice could be heard from inside the strange little object. Oh well, no time to focus on petty things right now; Timber was once again on alert, standing dutifully next to Martha.

John went to move forward and give Kaida a stab of his knife, but his injured limb wouldn't allow for it. The teen lost his balance and fell forward, rolling slightly to his side. Moving as quick as he could, John scrambled back up, but this time he didn't try to take on Kaida; he just stood there, poised and ready for defense.

Du Hast

Du Hast stood protectivly at Johns side and she made everything apparent. She was his dog. She had been raised by men and so by man she would stand before by woman. With a dark growl to Kaida she said "Go." Her head was lowered as she stared at the female her honey eyes seeming to dance. She held great wisdom from her wolf side and she held her agility well. She stood with her side pressed against Johns leg making sure not to hurt him in any way but her stance did not alter. She was not leaving his side and if Kaida came forward she would be met by fang.

Pyromania

Quickly stepping away from standing ontop of Martha Pyro gave a small nod to Timber before turning his attention back to Kaida with a growl his fangs showing a glint of anger in the copper king hounds eyes.

"How long you gonna stand there looking stupid? Get your limbs moving."

Du Hast

She growled darkly at Kaida and smirked at the fae. "Bye-Bye" Now her voice could be heard at a normal level and something about it....Was hypnotizing. She seemed to whisper yet you seemed to be surrounded by her voice. IT engulfed ones senses and she used it well as a weapon. She had ever since she was young. The darkly brindled King Hound glared at Kaida but she made it clear to Pyromania that John was hers. She was his guardian and that was that.

Pyromania

He to smirked and snapped at the fae, though he was the calmer of the two sent here to the Ranch. He didn't care if she picked a human to protect, he never grew close to humans, his wolf side was a bit more prominent in his mind and was more of a loner and would hang out with four leggers then two leggers if he had the choice. But he knew his job and his purpose and wasn't about to run off from it.

Artemis

Apollo's rather limp form followed the will of his sister and was lifted onto his fathers back. He stirred no more then a few random flicks of his harks and the rise and fall of his chest.

Artemis saw her fathers eyes and responded no more. She knew he would take Apollo away. So now she focused on Martha, orbs looking up at her though her auds were focused mainly on the fight going on behind them. Kaida would be the last to leave. A few whines fell from her closed jaws as she lightly licked Marthas cheek. She did not know what the phone even was, but marthas tone suggested iot may be some sort of life saving device of sorts. Her eyes made a quick turn to Timber, a worried look held within their chocolate surface.

Here we GoKaida*Darkeyes*Taipa

Kaida glanced up to find herself alone, and growled her distaste. Cowards. Ah well, another time then, young ones. Later. And with a flash of white tipped tail, she was gone.

Darkeyes lifted his son with relative ease, for the yearling was still quite a bit smaller than he. Harks perked to Timber's threat, and his eyes held a terrible weight as he responded. I did not mean it to end this way, friend of my child. For my daughter's sake, I would make peace. It was not supposed to turn into a battle. I don't know whether you would understand this, but it is different when you have children. I will return another time, if you will hear me out then. But now, forgive me. I must tend to my family. He turned soft eyes to Artemis once more and, with Taipa supporting him, the white father walked away, unhurried, not looking back.

Rihanne

Rihanne came dashing in. She had been far from home and only now heard the commotion. With a pang of guilt, she trotted up beside Martha, planting her weight against the woman's thigh, an apology in her eyes. She hadn't meant to be gone so long. Then her eyes fell on Mark. A low whine escaped her, and she left her mistress' side for a moment to hopelessly nuzzle the fallen man. She didn't know him very well, but Mark had always been kind to her. She let out another low whine, not understanding why Mark would not get up. Finally, sadly, she trotted back to Martha, sitting carefully next to her, eyes wide.

Ninaki, Aidan, & Black Feather

Ninaki stared hard at the King Hounds, his tail stiff and held low in a defensive posture. He understood that they were on his son's side, but their size and appearance made him worry. Never had he seen such a canine before. "Take care of him." Ninaki said, his words directed to Timber, and speaking of his son. Casting a thankful look to Satan and the others, Ninaki disappeared into the darkness, heading for the den.

Black Feather took to the sky and headed away as well.

Aidan stirred after a moment but did not rise. His orbs flickered open and he was vaguely aware of those around him. He wasn't really familiar with everyone in the Shadow Lurkers pack, but their scent was unmistakable. They were friends, family.

Hydras

Hydras began to back away, but offered her words to Timber as well, "If Aidan doesn't survive... you'll be sorry." It probably wasn't a good thing to threaten them, and it wouldn't do anything to help, but the alphess said it anyway. Then she, too, slipped into the darkness and sprinted away.

Timber, John, & Martha

Timber just glared after Hydras, but was too tired to offer her any threatening retort. No need to make more of an enemy out of her and her pack. Not now. Once all the attackers had vanished, the collie eased up just a touch and took a despairing look at the casualties. Whimpering lightly, he roved from Martha to John, to Mark, and to the coup. It was almost more than his shattered soul could take to see his brother and Becca laying prone and bloodied, never to rise again. Standing off and away from the others, but in the fringe of the lamp's light, Timber gave a shuddering howl of his broken heart.

Martha rested a shaking hand on Rihanne for a moment, but couldn't bring herself to say anything for a moment as she squinted her eyes in the dim light and tried to find her husband's form. Shock had dulled her panicked mind.

John snarled out an array of angry words, then raised his gun and fired off his remaining rounds towards the dark forest line where the wolves had retreated. By now, they had all gone safely out of his reach, but that didn't stop him from venting his anger and frustration. That done, John looked bleakly to the King Hound at his side and gave her a short pat on the head, for she had helped to save his life. If she and the others hadn't come when they did, the attackers might not have been frightened off so easily. Emotions continuing to rage, John turned his attention to his father's form, laying motionless in the grass. Hobbling towards him while using the gun as a sort of crutch, John crouched down to shake the man.

The next several moments were filled with the cries and sobbing of two heart-broken humans, as they realized that their husband and father was dead. On top of that, a quick, painful survey told them that Becca and Stallis had fallen as well; and their only solice was that of a wolf's body that laid nearby; Magick. But three down on their side was a hefty price to pay for only one on the opposer's team; but then, life wasn't fair.

About this time, a blaring siren could be heard wailing in the distance. Timber growled quietly as the sound grew louder and louder, and eventually lights could be seen blazing and spinning through the dense trees that surrounded the place, casting dancing shadows on the dismal scene. The ambulance had arrived.

Four humans came running towards the Barn, two going for John and two for Martha. Timber snarled savagely at first, but was waved down by Martha. Growling once again but backing off, the collie stalked around the people as they began to lead his two masters away.

Du Hast

She watched John hobble about always watching him. He barely saw her. She could understand his frustration and anger but still....With a soft sigh the king hound trotted away heading to the porch where she lay like a mighty sphix her eyes roaming the land dully. All was quiet now except for the hustling and bustling of the humans. The wolves were gone and nothing was left of them except a blood bath. Angrily Du Hast stood and trotted over to Magicks body. Grabbing the scruff of the wolf she began to drag the body away with ease for she was much larger then most. She didnt want memories laying around. She didnt know what to do about Becca and Stallis's bodies however for they were loved ones and not common trash. As she left the wolf's body in the trees she trotted back to the remains of Becca and Stallis and sat looking at both of their bodies knowing that they had died to save the life of a human.

Timber, John, Martha, & *Humans*

Additional vehicles arrived on the scene and more strange humans bustled around the area, their voices a mixture of assurance, domination, disbelief, sympathy, and... fear. Three strange platforms were brought out, each one white and carried on four wheels. Martha was strapped up on one, and Mark's body was placed on another. But before they could get John on a stretcher, he turned back to the gathered canines and began to speak in a defiant voice, motioning his hands their way. The human he was talking to nodded her head, talking in softer but assertive voice. After a few moments of this talking, John too was strapped down.

Confused and feeling helpless, Timber retreated to the coup as his masters were wheeled away to the front of the house. From there, they went into separate vehicles; for more had arrived at this time, and were driven to the hospital. Timber trotted to the coup once more and looked grimly in at the disaserous scene. "Are you three staying with us?" Timber asked quietly of Du Hast, though his troubled eyes never left the bodies of his beloved.

Two humans returned to the Barn area, looking and smelling of fear. They each carried a large medical kit with them, but they weren't use to dealing with canine patients; they were EMTs for the human kind. But John and Martha had convinced them to help their guardians, so here they were. The two humans, a male and female, approached the group of canines and began to whistle and clap their hands, trying to encourage the pets to come to them.

Timber glanced warily back at the strangers; he had never really liked any humans other than his own masters. Except for Tahmores, of course, who seemed different that normal people. Ignoring the two humans, the collie turned back to Becca and Stallis, his heart growing heavier by the moment.

Rihanne

Rihanne let out a mournful howl, and turned her back from the humans to stand shoulder to shoulder with Timber. Becca... Stallis... Mark. A low whine escaped her, but it faded quickly as her voice gave out. This place was home, these dogs, these people, her family. She turned her face to the trees ahead as tears began to fall, ashamed. What had gone so horribly wrong?

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Tahmores arrived on the heels of the ambulance, eyes wide and nostrils flaring at the scent of blood. Coming up behind the man who was trying to help, he laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. You'll not get Timber or Rihanne that way, my friend. His eyes stung at seeing the bodies of Becca and Stallis, but he knelt anyway and sent Brother forward to Timber.

Brother came softly to Timber, speaking quietly and calmly. My friend... what happened?

Satan, Vitani, Kuro and Suki

We mean it, If Aidan doesn't survive, you will pay... Satan voice sounded as he moved towards Timber, careful not to speak too close to Aidan incase he overheard.

He growled lightly to emphasise the point, before he and the others hear the sirens. Each growled in discomfort before sprinting away throught the trees into the darkness...

Artemis

The huntress backed up only as the ambulence workers came close to martha. She seemed calm enough around them to allow them to move her. Her orbs stared after her, and the vehicale she was loaded inoto until it rolled out of sight, and only then did she pad slowly towards the coop. She hadn't known either very well. But both held stong scents of the ranch, and Timbers emotions fell for them so they were loved one in her heart as well. Unlike some, only her shoulder was injured, and it was nothing too serious. The wolf in the pasture had not gotten her to an extent that required attention. Crimson liquqid lightly covered the area, but she would not accept the help even if it was offered.

After a few silent moments, her pools glaced towards Timber, the lupe wuld was most effected. Slowly she padded to his side, her gentle choclate spheres looking at him in a sympathetic manner. His throat was terribley ripped, and it was surprising that he had not fallen over with blood loss yet.

Timber & *Humans*

The two people turned with surprise to Tahmores, "You know them? Well, we've already called Animal Control. But if you can help us catch them, then all the better." The man explained, turning his eyes hesitantly from Tahmores to Elder Brother, then shaking his head. Neither of the two paramedics knew how to deal with canines.

Timber looked from Rihanne to Artemis, not sure what to say, or what to do to make things better. Would one of them be next to fall; or maybe even himself? Memories of Becca and Stallis flooded his mind, from the times they played together, when they fought together, and when they shared each other's grief. It all seemed so mute now, or like one big dream.

Elder Brother's words snapped Timber out of his brief reverie, "They attacked again... those that murdered Stallis's childeren, and then a few others arrived..." The collie turned glossy orbs to the area where Du Hast had disposed of Magick's body. "We managed to kill one of them... but..." Now he looked dreadfully back to the coup before hanging his head. It was now, after the danger of attack was gone, that weariness began to close in. The adrenhaline was wearing down and Timber found himself terribly exhuasted. Slowly, he sank to his haunches and drooped his head even further, "I've failed them." He mumbled bitterly to himself, then looked towards Rihanne and Artemis. Would they too die by the fangs of the enemy? The thought brought a familiar pang of terror and dread to the collie, bearing down so heavily on him, that for a moment, he despaired and wondered if it was all worth it to fight anymore.

Tahmores*Elder Brother*Rihanne

Rihanne lay next to Timber, her own memories flooding her, but she soon turned her attention to the living, gently licking away some of the blood from his coat. Timber... you need to see about yourself. We... we can't lose you too.

Tahmores sighed quietly, shaking his head. Call Animal Control and cancel your order. I will care for the Ranch pets until such time that the owners return. This is my home, such as it may be. It is time I helped care for it. I doubt you could catch them anyway. And he came forward softly to squat a few feet away from Timber, speaking softly, gently. Come along, Timber. You need some help with that wound, huh? Let me get it? He watched the fellow intently, but made no move toward him. He wanted to ensure that if Timber was cared for, it was by his own choosing. The whistling and beckoning of typical humans he left out. These were for calling lower life forms. He called Timber as a friend.

Du Hast

She stared at them all for a moment then she nodded once to Timbers question. She was here to stay. She was a friend and she would stay here. As Tahmores began to gather the pets she slinked away and went to the porch where she lay as if a statue. She was unmoving her eyes constantly watching about her for John and Martha to come back. She wanted her human back but she knew she must wait and wait she would here on the porch with much patience. She was a sweetheart by nature a giver a lover but she was loyal and strong and not afraid to intimadate the weaker of her or throw her weight around.

Timber, Niavy, & *Humans*

He turned slowly to Rihanne, looking as though he were going to speak, but then his eyes misted with confusion and doubt, and the collie remained silent. One ear flickered to Tahmores' call and he pulled himself up on all four limbs, now casting his chocolaty eyes in the human's direction. Moving as though some great weight were burdening ever step of his nimble limbs, Timber crept towards the boy with his head down and tail as low as his sunken spirits. He felt as though he didn't deserve help, for he had failed Becca, Mark, and Nak; but, to let himself go would be failing Rihanne, John, Artemis, and all the others still here. Now reaching Tahmores, Timber let his back end fall into a sitting position while he strained his two-toned muzzle forward to lick the boy's hand.

The humans were rather glad to be released from their duties here. The bloodied dogs, with their reserved natures and defensive attitudes, greatly unnerved the pair anyway. "Good luck, man." The human mumbled with a nod, before he and his partner retreated to their vehicle and drove away.

Niavy had returned now, slinking slowly past the coup. She paused once to peer timidly into the darkness, which her eyes could cut through quite easily. Flicking her tail, the pale tan-striped tabby continued on until she made it to the porch. That's when she noticed Du Hast, which sent her fur all to bristles and made her lithe little tail poof out to three times its normal size. Ears planed out and back arched, Niavy took a step back from the large canine, "Who are you...? New guard pet?"

Tahmores*Elder Brother*Rihanne

Tahmores didn't even make his usual comment about luck, smiling softly without teeth and scratched gently behind Timber's ears before removing his pack and beginning to rummage around, seeking his supplies. Coming up with some bandages and a new batch of salve, he began to gently swipe some of the cream on each wound, still murmuring softly. There now Timber, you did your best, friend. I have seen you work and you do it well. It will come right, my friend. But it cannot come right without you. The rest of us need you to help put us back together. And he began to work with the bandage, securing the ends firmly together by taping the bandage to itself and not to Timber's fur.

By this time, Brother had managed to cajole Rihanne along to the porch, where she retreated into the house to curl in her bed, head low in defeat. If she had not been gone...

Brother stopped by Du Hast on the porch, a low, soft greeting sent to Niavy before turning eyes on the bigger canine. Did you see what happened? Casualties, anything?

Tahmores finished up with Timber, giving him one more scratch behind the ear, still speaking as though the collie could understand him. You and I have to pull this back together, Timber. I'm willing to pull my weight of it. How about you? And with that he turned about, seeking out any more injured that might need attention.

Pyromania

Pyro made his way to the chicken coop. Might as well get these bodies out of here, it wouldn't do so well to leave them just laying there and freaking out the chickens. He first grabbed Stallis by the neck and dragged his limp body out of the coop and let his head drop to the groud before trotting back and grabbing Becca. She was a heavy one, that was for sure. He let her head drop as well when he stopped next to Stallis. Pyro didn't head back to the ranch like everyone else. He decided to check out the sheep and cow pastures first.

Du Hast

She turned to the cat then looked away. "Yes I'm new here." As the large wolf came closer she growled softly and stood fur bristled. She was tense and angered that the humans had dropped her off late. "I saw nothing but them leaving." She growled. Her voice was like a whisper that seemed to engulf one that she spoke to and it held a musical lilt to it even in anger. A slight accent seemed to touch her voice as she pronounced each word and she stared darkly at the male whiskey colored eyes staring at him.