Reane sighed. The day was a gloomy one; cloudy with no sun in sight. Only the slightest weak rays of sunshine filtered to the dismal grounds below. As she sat under her favorite tree, she shivered lightly and stroked the German Shepherd beside her. It seemed as if the world was ready to shed tears for something to come. Reane felt it in the air, and all day she was expecting something to happen. little did she know; there was.

Vader thumped his tail on the ground as his mistress stroked him, shivering with pleasure. He too felt the day was bad, but it didn't disturb him. Merely shrugging it off, the Shepherd stood and stretched, yawning greatly. As he looked around the oddly still Ranch, he felt a hole in the usually active and friendly place.

Bonnie patrolled around the grounds halfheartedly, ears erected 'pon the black proud head. The sleek fur shone off the proud, graceful protector. Her nose forevor at work, the she-collie barked at nothing and sat down, looking around with alert. Especially looking for any of the other dogs, Bonnie sighed uncomfortably. Dark clouds began to roll in from the north...

A pair of shadows lurked in the gloom, caked in mud from the trek through the woods. Two patches of darkness, one tall, one small, crouched in the shelter of the nearby trees, the tall shadow murmuring in the small one's ear.

Azhlin had always been stealthy, learning at a young age how to speak on a breath and roll in mud to disguise one's scent. He had learned through many wars to use his small size and pup-like charm to his advantage, luring unsuspecting morons to their doom. BUt now he had grown tall and strong, taking after his father as he put on the bulk of muscle and strength. Now he was two years of age and stood almost two feet high, weighing a heavy 100 lbs. He could no longer bemuse the fools, but there was someone who could.

Now remember, little wytch. Sweet, innocent, weak, helpless. Don't even think of attacking 'til I tell you. That clear?

The skinny little pup at his feet nodded silently, not even effected by her father's cold tone. He had never spoken to her with anything but condescending coldness, but it was all she had ever known, and she loved it. Her bones showed clearly through her pelt, but there was more meat on her than there appeared to be. She was scrawny, but not starving. She was plenty strong and able to do her father's bidding.

Azhlin's blue eyes lit upon the reposing trio, hard and cold as he studied them, waiting for a good moment. Finally he breathed, Alright, Rhyamyn. Go.

The little curly tailed pup obeyed instantly, putting a little stagger in her step as she came forward out of the brush, whining piteously. She was coming at them from one side, but she was making a concious effort to be noticed without looking as though she was TRYING to be noticed. As she let her wandering steps grow even more unsteady, she made her whines weaken, panting low and fast as the whines turned into whimpers. It wasn't too long before her steps were at a snail's pace, placing one paw in front of the other as though pain shot through her body at every step. At long last, she let all her weight drop from her feet, collapsing in a panting heap a spare few feet from the trio, eyes closing in apparent pain as she lay without twitching.

From the darkness of his shelter, the father fought back a chuckle. He had trained his daughter well.

Bonnie was off, notnear the duo who were her friends.But her nose twitched. She smelled the wolves scent, but it was small, bare and pale. But things could mask the scent, and her alert rose into a defending anger. She bristled a warning as she patrolled defensevely.

Vader lifted his crown, auds perked at the sounds of whining. Listening further and more investigation proved he was right; there was a pup. Knowing full well by now no wild animal was to be trusted yet. He tensed, growling lightly to warn his mistress, tucked his neck, and edged closer to the pup, shoving his nose to the ground as he approached, sniffing lightly. She reeked of another wolf, but he couldn't place if it was a known one. No, he didn't recognize it. But the wary shepherd finally edged about a foot from the pup, stopped, growled lightly, and continued his examining sniffing.

Reane looked down to her shep. Sure enough, he was wary. She looked in the same direciton as him. There, lying on hte ground, was what seemed to be an injured pup. Untrusting, Reane immediately snatched up the nearest object. It was a stick, short but thick. About as long as her shoulder to her wrist. She gipped it in her hands tightly, knwoing full well almost every animal that appeared here was an attacker. The stick was held low in defense, blocking the way to her neck. Was it dead? Reane examined it from about two feet away, shaking away her thoughts of picking it up. Reane edged about a step closer, inched away again, and watched for a moment.

The pup yipped and raced towards Reane, a tiny ball of white wolf fluff. She squealed "People!" Then her eyes caught onto the supposedly weak pup. She raced over and pounced on the other, thinking it was some sort of game. "Get up! No time for sleep! Up!" The ever trusting and to kind Sanctuary. When the skinny little pup didn't do as she said, an offended look came across her white maw. Scowling she stalked away, towards the bushes where Azhlin was hiding and sat, glaring daggers at the pup who wouldn't play. "You don't have to be rude about it!" She was young, maybe a month and a half. Not a dangerous foe.

The red tailed hawk flew in the air as usual. He spotted the large wolf with his keen hawk vision and the little pup run nearhim. "LOOK OUT!" He screeched, diving down towards her with incredible speed. His aim was accurate, but slim chances of missing may chrash through. The predatory bird attempted to knock the pup away before she was assaulted, even if it meant putting his life in danger.

Taijya approached the house with an easy speed, coming close enough only once she was around the opposite side from where the scrawny pup and her hiding father was. Her plans were simple, lure the dogs to her for an easy attack by her partners. Her scent drove many of the ranch pets insane, enough for them to lose common sense to think about the possibility of a trap. Her bodice lay close to the ground, but her sectn traveled just as well on the growing zephers.

Whisper came around the other side, having rolled in a hint of mud along with her usualy more visable brother. She was oblivious to Azhlin's location, although once she caught sight of the small pup and the act being put on, she couldn't help but let a smile slip onto her face. However, she had a task at hand which held higher importance. Keeping the canines and humans in check with hersense of smell, her eyes serachied for even a small glance through the bushes of Taijya's plan coming into play. Even now the fae's scent of blatently obvious, for she had purposly neglected to hide her scent.

Fajebin, the usually snowy brute, was now stained almost completly a muddy brown. His face was what lacked the hue most, but even that had been dyed for this occasion. He came up beside his sister, taking no special notice to the pup. His focus lay all on his nares and eyes, working on locating his enemys. He could smell Taijya, which ment the bait would soon be taken by any who knew her.

Fear is a fine spur, so is rage.

The monstrous charcoal brute carefully picked his way through the thick underbrush, intending for a quick check up on his pup hood home. It was a complex undertaking, trying to pull through such thick brushwood being a wolf of large stature, but Koren was succeeding nonetheless. He had chosen a path not far from Azhlin, and he caught the strange smell almost instantly, but lucky for the brute, Koren hadn't been around very much recently, so he had no idea that Azhlin wasn't a ranch regular.

The moment he cleared the brush, the mammoth of a wolf called out for Timber. He was making a quick visit home, as he usually did when he was on his own, though each time coming home to a smaller and smaller number of his foster family. Unfortunately, every time the ranch was attacked, he was already fighting beside his brother and sister in their territory, and he had never been around to aid his ranch family, which never really sat well with him. Little did he know he had picked an ideal time to return home.

Koren approached the converging group near the tree warily. His stance was aloof and he tried to make his appearance as non-threatening as he possibly could. He wasn't quite sure if he'd ever net the ranch pets before him on his last visit home, and had no want for them to attack. Koren released a soft greeting and circled around so he was still a ways off, but directly in front of Vader so the Shepard could see he meant no harm to him or the girl.

"Have you seen Timber around?"

Koren posed the inquiry as friendly as could for such a simple question, as he didn't want to upset Vader. Then the artic wolf glanced down at the small, emaciated pup, then over at the tiny energetic pup. His blue eyes twinkled as he watched the frustrated little she-wolf, but turned to worry when the other little one didn't get up. Being a wolf, and a wolf his size, Koren didn't meet much that outsized him, so he was hardly worried upon approaching the acting pup. As he noted her scent, he referred to the scent of the brute he had come upon on his way to the ranch, and things didn't seem quite so right anymore.

The moment the red tailed hawk screeched a warning; Koren's hackles rose and his twin peaks laced themselves tightly against his skull. The hulking brute left the other pup and swiftly made his way to Sanctuary and Tobias, his fangs peaking out from under his lips as he scrutinized the forested area when Azhlin was hiding. Having only passed the other brute by a mere feet on his way in, Koren was quick to re-register the scent and make some connections. A deep snarl was beginning in his larynx as he angled his long muzzle to the side to look over at Vader, hoping the German Shepard caught on to his heightened state of alert.

"Why won't you-" About that time, she heard the screech of the hawk. Thinking he was going to eat her, the little pup screamed and raced away from the bush, her tail tucked beneath her tiny frame as she raced as fast as she could to Reane and Vader. Whimpering she curled up in the womans lap hiding her face into her stomach. "Hes gonna eat me!" She didn't know that the human couldn't understand, but she thought that she could like all the others here.

By the time the pup noticed, Azhlin had already silently backed away into the trees, crouching low to keep from making noise as he moved. He had no idea how the two dogs had known he was here, for he had rolled in mud to cover his scent, but he was taking no chances. He continued to slink silently along until he was downwind of them all, and under better coverage to prevent sightings from above. His eyes never left Rhyamyn, though.

The steely pup never responded to any of the stimuli around her. Her black-tipped curly tail lay limp, her eyes closed, as her breathing continued low and fast. She had learned the hard way not to move...

Reane was still worried about the wolf pup, but made no move to help it. She knew better. But no sooner as she began to pace from one foot to another did she hear the screech of the hawk and the yelping of Sanctuary. It was her who had actually seen the hawk many a time, and she called him Rocket, although she didn't know his real name. She reached down and scooped up Sanctuary into her arms and hugged her. "It's okay, he won't hurt you Sanctuary." SHe said, stroking her head to see if she'd calm down. Her strong arms were attempting to be a comfort of security as she held the white pup close.

Vader growled, turning around as more animal's scents began to close in. But the one wolf, he knew him as a good wolf. He'd seen him only ce before, with the other dogs. But he had not spoken to him. Sighing, he shook his head.
"I'm sorry, I can't say I have" No sooner than he said that did Koren turn and growl at something. He advanced, standing next to the wolf, and growled in his direction where he was pointing. He turcked his neck and stiffened.

Bonnie stood, commotion beginning to arise as the hawk and pups appeared, let alone Koren whom she spoke with once. Long ago, however. She drew closer, standing afar and watcing gaurdingly, tensing and covering her neck. SHe began advancing close, by Reane. Reane put a gentle hand on Bonnie's head, which lingered for a moment. Finally as it drew away, the She-collie whined. Her black and white fur sleekly pulled onto tensing muscles.

Tobias landed smack onto the ground soundly, heard around. The red tailed hawk rolled along the ground for a foot or so, stopping in a still form on the ground. Short breaths came from the Rugged hawk as he lay, not trying to move too much in case he broke anything. In any case, he hurt all over.

Timber had a habit of leaving the ranch for a few hours at a time, to be on his own and reflect on the past. He was just comming back from one of those reverie-trips when a scent came to him, a scent so lodged into his mind that it almost seemed like a tangible object. His greatest enemy was at hand, and it seemed that she had brought some friends.

Timber was silent for a moment, not hearing the cries of battle. Had he gotten here in time, while they still lay in ambush...? The collies heart began to race as he stole forward, moving slow and silent like a creeping serpant. No blood could be detected, and sure enough, he could smell his friends. Ah, so he had gotten here in time! But alas, he was behind enemy lines where he stood... a rank of enemies between him and his friends.

He knew it was foolish to take on so many canines, but he didn't want to loose the element of surprise. Taijya was far too hard to fight head to head, for she had strength on her side, without giving up much of any speed. Making a quick desicion, Timber picked up his pace, following the wolf's scent until he found her hiding spot. Quiet yet, he moved as quickly as he could, covering ground rapidly before the final lunge, where he sprung through the air and made to land nearly on top of Taijya as his jaws went for the back of her neck. It was a wildly long shot by any means, but he would be satisfied if he only got a taste of blood. And if anything, he would at least give away the enemies ambush.

Taijya's muscles twitced with antisipation, but her eyes saw too many unfamiliar guard pets. None of which was Tiber or the small one which caused so much annoyance. Possibley her scent was not known to these wolves? While in her thoughts, Timber was creeping, and had it not been for the wind Timber would have had his grip on her perfectly. However, the wind pressed at her back, sending her scent out, and bringing Timber's scent to her. A smirk appeared on her features, hidden to Timber. And right as the male went for the attack, Taijya jumped out, just out of reach of the male. Her yellow eyes flashed with her devilish look, and a sinister laugher echoed through her vocals. "Timber, so nice of you to join me. I must say, some of your 'family' seems quite naive about me. I'd have expected you to teach them of my scent. Then again, you are getting on in years. A bit forgetful now?" A twisted smile played on her features as she began a circular motion around Timber. She side stepped, keeping the area of vulnerability only to her face and shoulders. But even that was far from vulnerable in this case.

The copper-curled dove had smelled Taijya almost as soon as Timber had, and when she caught Timber's scent with them she knew there was trouble. She darted into the woods, her half-sister also entering the trees at a different angle, going wide as though she was either running away or going for help. After all, she was not technically a ranch pet. She did not have any reason to defend its occupants.

Rihanne crept silently through the trees, coming up behind Taijya, holding her in the middle of her own position and Timber's. She, too, leapt for Taijya, not having yet noticed either Fajebin or Whisper, growling as she came. Lessons are unneccesary to teach us your scent, demoness. We taste it in the death of the dying ones. Her aim was similar to Timber's: Back of neck to spine hold.

The raven fae still help the wind onher side, the scent of Rihanne meeting her nares before the fae's growls alerted her. Her own growls fell past her kissers, annoyance now. Once more she leapt from jaws, this time closer then before. She leapt oppsite of where Timber's fangs wound be, golden spheres glaring at the two human pets. "Oh but my dear, it seems they know nothing of me. Quite dangerous if I do say so myself." A smirk fell back into place, for Whisper and Fajebin would have caught there pericular scents by now.

Fajebin's bodice froze as the scent of Timber and the other familiar ranch pet met his nares. He was quick to evacuate the first plan, knowing Taijya had found better prey. Quickly, her moved around the wooded area, his white pelt smeared in mud, hiding most of his noticeable body, and his scent. He widened his loop once he was near to the scene, coming at Rihanne's shoulder with a fierce bite. He was silent, no growls alerting of his presence nor distinguishable scent.

Whisper too had caught the scents, although she waited until Fajebin was out of sight before she took off in the opposite direction. She looped around, meeting Timber at the back. Her scent too was well hidden, and her stride slowed to a stop behind enough folliage to hind her shape. Peering through a small space, she caught Fajebin's motion to attack, and then she took the chance. Leaping from behind, the huntress leapt for Timber's back, adopting the same growless approach.

Rihanne was about to head back for Taijya again when a flash of brown and white caught in the corner of her eye. Knowing it was too late to dodge, she let Fajebin have the shoulder. Wincing as he dug into it, she gave a mighty bound, hoping to either throw the male off of her or, as backup, grab hold of the back of his neck. It would be an awkward position, but she could manage it.

When the mammoth of a wolf didn't get a response from the bushes, he stepped back and sniffed the wind with interest as he caught trace of Timber . . and Taijya. Of course the arctic caliph had no immediate knowledge of Taijya, for he had not been around when she came calling, but if Timber was fighting her, you didn't have to tell him who the bad guy was. Upon further inspection of her scent, little remnants of his past returns home gave way to the realization that this was the killer of many from his ranch family. Boy oh boy was she gonna get it. If there was one thing a wolf such a Koren held dearly, it was family, and Koren had two of them.

His thoughts had brought him directly in front of their hideaway, where his icy blue eyes caught the beginnings of the fight. With reckless abandon and a roaring snarl, the charcoal arctic brute dived in to aid Timber and Rihanne. At first, he had all intentions of joining Timber in attacking she-wolf, Taijya, but out of nowhere came another well-disguised wolf. He reacted just as she leapt for Timber's back. He jumped directly at Whisper, meeting her head on and aiming for the underside of her neck, just behind her jaws.

Silver eyes follow the happenings and a dark smile presses across my black maw. Timber and Rhianne are busy....Perfect. I stay on the outskirts of the fights, still in the brush. I come behind the woman and that little pup Sanctuary, who I remember is a child from the Death pack, and I wait for a moment. To kill her, or not to kill her. That is the question. Eyes narrowed I suddenly leap, aiming for the womans shoulder. Sanctuary would have been able to see me for a few moments, but I didn't care. Its not like she could warn the human. Thunder clouds from above rage their wars and I can only smile as my fangs snapped closed.....

The mud smeared male let the fae had the back of his neck, for the akward ankle could only give her think winter fur and skin. His jaws tightened, hoping to gring his fangers deeper into the dogs shoulder and into bone. His dial shook violently, unwilling to let the fae go until he knew she was hindered now at the start of battle.

Whisper caught the male from the corner of her eye, and unwillingly she stopped her attack short, landing just behind Timber as she did her best to evade Koren's attack. A chuckle fell past her kissers as the steel demoness lundged for the ladning brute, hoping his decent would prevent him for moving too far out of reach. She went for his neck, going for the life vein at the start of battle. It was never this easy but a good scare was always great for adrenalin. In the process of attacking, she kept her own neck tucked, unwilling to fall victon at any point of this battle.

The raven vixen had caught the scent of Koren, however she did nothing until Whisper was taken from her attack on Timber. Only then did she make a move. In a flash her ebon bodice made it's way the short distance to Timber, her own attack made for the side of the neck. Unlike the others she let her snarls fall past her jaws, knowing with or without warning, Timber would not fall with one attack.

I move silently through the lands when suddenly my eyes fall upon Torture. "No!" I scream as I see him go for the lady Reane. I dart towards them, my long legs carying me swiftly. I leap for Torture, hoping my aim is true. If it is I shall have his shoulder.

Rihanne let out a whimper that turned into a growl as Fajebin began to dig ferociously into her shoulder. She would have found herself in dire straights indeed had not two things happened at once.

Rihanne gave up her hold to try to wrench her shoulder away from Fajebin, and then...
A second copper-curled blur came racing out of the bushes, attacking silent as the fall of night as she had learned to do living in the wild. Minx barreled toward Fajebin, shoulder aimed to catch him in his mid-section and drive him away from Rihanne, and, maybe as a bonus, drive his wind out.

Timber twirled around as the form of a giant wolf came barrelling through the brush in his direction. Hackles up, a snarl nearly slid from his throat before he realized it was only his friend, Koren. And just about the time he realized that, he became aware of Whisper's presence. It was a lucky thing that his friend had shown up, for the collie would have surely been tagged by his enemy otherwise.

Senses fully alert now, it was easy to hear the approach of his greatest enemy as she made her way for his neck. Minding the tight spaces of the foliage and all the trees that were mingled around, Timber crouched low as he sprung forward, leaving Taijya with a mouth-full of thick black fur to show for her attack. It was close- very close. Matching Taijya's snarls with a beastly one of his own, Timber struck back for the side of her face, looking to tear it open. It was a risky move on his part, for close-combat was never a good thing when your enemy was a good deal larger and stronger than you.

Fajebin's attention lay on Rihanne , jaws holding together as tightly as one could. He hadn't even caught Minx's scent before he felt the preesure from the impact which did indeed rip him from Rihanne. However, his hold barely loosened, which even though he was now gone from her shoulder, would not have left it too nice and clean. Fajebin shook his form off, lifting himself off the ground and a growl leaving his system. His hackles raised, he may have gone for anouther attack had he not caught onto the new... well not so new scents.

A snowy form and a raven form, both scents unmasked by mud, made their way towards the battles. They were not as notorious as many of the wolves here, but they did occasionally show their faces around. Yin, the smaller snowy fae made a dash for Rihanne, lnimble form making a fake snap for the fae's face before jumping back and coming in true for her shoulder opposite of which Fajebin mangled.She let no growls come forth, but her motions shown her obviously eagerness for this. It was like play for her, and even as she had grown, she hadn't lost the sence for this 'game'. Yang let his silver orbs guide him towards Minx, slightly larger male form making a simple yet effective leap for her face, more of a 'leave and don't get hurt' sort of gesture. After the initial snap he held back, hackles raised and a low growl comming force. He kept his words to himself, but his nares kept hold on Yin.

Fajebin's muscles snapped the moment small ivory Yin went for Rihanne. He made a grab for the fae's neck, jaws hopping to snap shut and hold rather then simple brush his desired spot. The idea that the wind took his scent away from the battle had a possibility to aid him, although nothing was certain now.

Taijya continued her snarls, a chunck of her face snatched, although she toor it away with a wince, and a chuckle. "Look now what you've done to my face. Whatever will I do" A snister smile spread over her features, the blood from her wound only proving only to make the moment more true for her. She let her wolfish strength do the talking now, the goddess running towards then leaping over Timber before making a neck snapping turn back around. She almost slide into the attack, going for Timber's underbelly. Her jaws snapped shut on what he hoped to be some vital organ. Her usual attack had been very merciful, containing a snap of the neck. But this time she decided to try for something much worse, much more, devious.

Rihanne did not, this time, permit herself the yelp, only wincing as Fajebin lay her shoulder open to the wind. Skin, muscle, and fur was missing over an area about an inch square, and white bone showed through. Blood lust was riding the female's veins now as she threw her weight into Yin's attack, hoping to make the female's grip slide across. It would be painful, but do less damage than a hold. Then, seeing Fajebin come back for the attack, she turned her sideways throw into an out and up move that would hopefully send Yin aside as she lifted high, pulling her lifeline away from Fajebin as teeth braized her lower chest.

Minx growled and pushed off with her hind quarters, trying to send Yang back to the ground. When she realized he wasn't really fighting, she scowled at him and spoke quickly. I am here to defend my sister, not the blasted two-legs. Anyone who hurts her, gets hurt. Capiche?

And she turned back to pummel Fajebin, leaping for his face.

Reane attempted the fend at any near attackers, suddenly realizing the rain was now droning. It was getting hard and fast. Mud began to form, dark clouds envisioning the sky. The world began to darken. Thunder slowly enveloped, lightning clanging occasionally. The storm was coming. And it was coming fast. Reane nearly missed out of her eye the attack she was going to recieve. A blur leaped out to the wolf's frame, and just in time. But it was not quick enough. The wolf's jaws settled lower than her shoulder. She brought up her arm, only to be caught on her forearm. Yelping, she covered her neck and scratched at the easy to reach face of the wolf.

Vader growled, wolves and dogs approaching from all sides to befall a flurry of battles. His optics pinpointed the ganging on Rihanne. The shephard's legs grew to work. He leaped when he was close, jumping on a patch of grass, jaws opened. His neck tucked as the canine lunged for Yin, snarling as his aim dreated to his stomach.

Bonnie immediately leapt into the fray of the battles, her pillars bringing her towards Yang. Neck protected, the shecollie snapped, aiming for the base of the devil's neck or back. She nearly lost footing, but regaining herself before she jumped for the wolf.
Protective, angry blood pumped through her body. lightnign started coming more frequently., the thundder rolling long and loud. The boos and barks, snarls and yelps were growing to a deafening pace.

It was at this point that Azhlin let out a low-pitched cry that he had taken many months to perfect. It was meant to imitate the cry of a nightflyer, but it did not hold the peaceful meaning that the one of the bird it mocked usually conveyed. This was Rhyamyn's notice: the battle had begun. Once he had sent out the call, he turned to the battle himself, aiming to barrel into Bonnie. Yang was unknown, but Bonnie was attacking and Bonnie was a known enemy, so that settled it. Keeping silent until the last moment, he leapt for Bonnie, aiming for a shoulder, or at the very least, a leg.

Rhyamyn heard her father's signal with ease, and took the opportunity to hop to her feet, lightning-quick. Reane had been left undefended, and so she gathered speed and leapt high, grabbing for the girl's other arm. She had long ago shed her milk teeth, and the ones that had replaced them were sharp and painful, though not yet fully adult sized. She was small for her six months, but strong and hale enough, with naught but muscle aboard her slender frame. Pushing off with the power of her hindquarters, she snapped for the girl's other arm.

As Torture attacked, Sanctuary had been about to go after him. Then Vixen arrived. Deeming him taken care of, the pup turned to see the older wolf pup jump up and charge for Reane. "No!" She shouted. It was forceful and as Rhyamyn leaped so did Sanctuary. The white and grey pup aimed for the other to knock her away. Although she was younger, Sanctuary was considerably large for her age nearly matching the six month old. Products of having a large father. She snapped her puppy fangs, razor sharp as they were hoping to capture some part of Rhyamyn.

Yang's hackles stayed raised, a low growl forming. The moment Minx set for Fajebin, he lundged as well. Although his attack was odd. He aimed for the area which a human would call a kneecap; where the upper and lower bones of her legs would connect. It would be an odd thing to attempt, as he had to gain a bit more speed to be able to grab hold of that precise area. But if he happened to get his hold, only his rear end would be accessable by Minx's jaws, and the pain itself would be amazing to say the last. All he could do was hope his wolven jaws and speed were enough to allow it to come true as his trap snapped shut.

fajebin let a low growl of frustation roll out of his jaws as his attack caused a mere scrp across the fae's chest. When he was about to make anouther attack, hecaught the sight of both yang and Minx from the corner of his eyes. Yet knowing what could happen if yang did not succeed, he made his move anyway. he leapt for Rihanne oncemore, going for the top of her neck where the spinal cord and vertebre lye. He was heavier, so if he could grab hold he may be able to hold her down long enough to finish her off.

Smaller Yin let a smaller growl echo past her kisser at her miss, but it had been all well. Rihanne's move had pushed her enough to bring her golden eyes to the form of Vader. Her slender ivory form leapt from the oncoming jaws, lids tightening in a glare. She was a bit smaller then other wolves, makeing her a much fairer opponite for many of these dogs then the usual wolf such as Taijya. But she was nimble and quick, matching the skills of a border collie. But despite this, she was willing to attack one whom has a size advantage over her. Without much thought and all reflex, she sent herself towards the brute, swinging around him, and leaping for his hind limb. As she came around her dull claws had dug up a bit ofdirt anddust, proving that her turn about had been very sharp.

He relished in the metallic tang of blood that came to his mouth, and craved for more. When Taijya sprung, Timber followed her movements in a flash, determination and a need for revenge driving his movements. However, he put a touch too much energy into his leap, for he was preparing to chase after Taijya. She, on the other hand, didn't do what he had expected. Just like that, the wolfess had spun and came straight back at him.

Timber preformed his own acrobatics, making a last-second adjustment and flinging his small form up and to the side- but it was all just a touch too late. Those killer jaws came down like a vice on his side, squeezing down and driving the teeth through his flesh. With a horrible howling-cry, the collie sent his bloodied ivories for the base of her shoulder.

The raven princess set her jaws tight,dial shaking, refusing to release her grip. It was deep she could feel it, all she had to do was slice through one of the many organs which could kill him and it would be all over. A perfect, painful death. Magick would have been thrilled by this, had she still been here, but son she would have Timber in after life to do as she wished. Her thoughts stopped and focused on the pain of embeddd jaws in her shoulder. But she couldn't let go, her shoulder was strong enough to handle these jaws for sometime. She had been stained with blood many times, once more would make no difference.

From the barn shot a silver form, her slender limbs carrying her tothe ranch. The scents of many wilds wolves brought her here, and Timbers was the first she had to follow. Without slowing Artemis came behind the scene of Timber and Taijya's fight a low growl rumbling below her breath as she slowed only a second. Timber may have been able to see her, But Taijya's focus wasto much on killing her friedn to take notice now. With great determination the fae ludged for the hind, pulling swiftly in an attempt to catch her off guardand to either break the bone or to at least remove her from Timber.

Taijya's grip help, and she only caught the slightest wiff of what she had thought wasMoon Phase. the fae had been lacking in battle latly,and it was good she wasshowing up once more. However, the feel of fangs latched onto her leg and dirt sliding from beneath her kinds shocked her,causing her grip to loosen and to finally remove from Timber. She may have taken some fesh withher, but not nearly as what couldhave if she hadn't loosened.

The angry arctic brute had only a precious few seconds to react to Whisper's counter attack and the only thing he could really do was tuck his head and roll. Yes tuck and roll. That was NOT one of his favorite things to do in a fight, so he moved as quickly as he could. As he executed this maneuver, a fierce snarl rolled out of his throat as he caught quick, inverted glances of what was going on around him. Things were looking somewhat grim. Whisper could have caught hold onto the back of his broad neck as he rose, where his head met his shoulders if she moved quickly enough. The moment the mammoth of a brute was back firmly on his feet, he craned his head around, his body following as he lunged for her front limb, his jaws snapping shut with ferocious power. This is Koren you're talking about, the son of Danger and Summer Sun. Those of his blood didn't get scared; fear was not an option and scare tactics were useless because he had very little to lose.

A gray and tan-blotched blur threw itself towards Taijya, jaws open and waiting to tear along sides and back of the neck. The ranch had become home to Elder Brother, and he would not let these demons cost the humans any more guardians.

Tahmores was slightly behind Brother, knife already drawn and at the ready as he came forward to Reane, a well-placed foot aiming to deflect the wolf's attack. At the same time, a parent's scolding growl sounded in his throat. The pup really couldn't do much damage, but she could hurt Reane's arm terribly. He was hoping to convince her to back off without having to use force.

Death's grip. He had always imagined it would be around the throat, just like it had been for so many of his late family members. But no, this grip was no where near his tender neck- yet the location was just as vital. The bundle of crutial organs had only soft flesh and muscle to shield them from bone-hard ivories that were being driven in at over 1000 pounds of force per square inch. Pain came in sharp, searing waves that made him nauseous and his mind race to the point of near insanity.

He heaved all of his strength in his lean jaws, using the overwhelming pain to drive his fight for survival, even though his shoulder-hold on Taijya wasn't nearly as dangerous as her hold on him. Unless he could strike that vital bloodway that ran alonge the bone. He could not think straight though, and so he bit and thrashed her shoulder in blind fury as the acknowledgement of his own death crossed his conciousness.

The collie hardly saw her at first, but then his mind woke up, breaking free from the hold that panic had on it. Artemis was here! It was an ironic shift in roles from their last fight; here he was now the one in need of saving. At her appearance, the thought of dying was swept from his mind. Suddenly, the nearly-fatal enemy's hold was dropped, and Timber found himself free. The pain did not let up, but that did not stop the collie. He lunged for Taijya like a rabid creature, craving for a hold on her throat. However, his aiming was faultered, as he found the muscles around his abdomen torn and wounded. His greatest assests; mobility and speed, had taken a sudden and drastic decrease. The ebony-black fur around his underbelly was marred with the oily stains of blood which soon found their way to the ground below him. He still had fight in him, but it was waning fast.

Artemis held the black beast within her eyesight for the moment,daring her to try anything else. She was about to make her own attack when the true severity of Timbers wounds were caught in her nares and she froze. She couldn't leave Timber. It was in that moment of thought that Brother came streaking in, making his own attack on the bitch. Taking this opertunity, the silver princess made the short distance to Timber, the smell of his warm blod bringing a whine. It wassevere fromboth sight and smell, and Timbers falter proved it even more so. She herself had not been here as long as many of the ranch pets, but she knew Timberas one to fight until his body would no longer support it. Looking over her shoulder at taijya dnElder Brothe, she looked back to Timber, nudging his head as she spoke softly. "Lets go, we need to get you to Martha while these demons are distracted."

Taijya's eyes fell to Artemis... or to her, Moon Phase. A younger Moon Phase at that. What was this... some sort of joke. It seemed that time was frozen as she watched the female, so closesly resembling Moon Phase, and yet acting so different from the Moon Phase who had time and time again helped in the attack against humans. She was perplexed, but as it seemed time lost its frozen qualities, Taijya's rage took over. She lifted herself, about to make an attack on Artemis but losing that chance asBrother cmae into the picture. A low snarl echoed, an attempt to move out of the way leaving her already wounded shoulder in his jaws. Instinctivly she thrashed her jaws to try and grab his shoulder to even the battle field.

Whispers bodice stopped as her rolled, neck turning to allow the best view of his motions. His attack for her paw was met by a small leap back to remove the limb from reach, followed by her circling the brute. She was looking for weakness, anything that seemedinjured from battles past or even a simple mistake on his part of not watching himself. Then she spedup, hoping the quick increase in speed would help her get her aim. She aimed for his hins limb, more precisely, the lower bone.

The pup was tearing voraciously into the girl's arm when the warning growl of a father's scolding reached her ears. Scowling, she dropped away from Reane's arm, momentarily fooled by Tahmore's vocalizations. It was only when she landed and turned to argue with her father that she realized he was clear across the way, and not anywhere that he could have even seen her action. Letting loose a furious growl, she leapt for the offending teen, her small height allowing her to aim only for hands or stomach area, and no higher.

NOting in the back of his mind that he had taken his mark, Brother began to dig voraciously into Taijya's wounded shoulder. Ignoring the flash of fangs that tore his own shoulder open, he made a sideways leap with his hindquarters that would bring his shoulder away from her, preventing a grip, without losing his grip on her shoulder. Wincing as the flesh tore, he quickly readjusted his grip, hoping to do enough damage to that shoulder that she would have to withdraw from the fight.

Tahmores watched the pup fall back, and had momentarily disregarded her, turning his attention to the other wolf latched onto Reane. Another kick was delivered, hoping to either knock the wolf away from the girl, or at least make him mad enough to leave off Reane and attack Tahmores instead. It was his momentary distraction that allowed Rhyamyn to latch onto his right hand. A low cry escaped him as he moved his left hand around to resheath his knife. Lack of attention to detail, miss. Never attack without taking note of your opponent's primary paw. And he reached around with his left hand to apply pressure at the joint of her jaw, hoping to force her to release her hold on his bloodied hand.

Minx was surprised to find her movement impeded by the sharp pain in her rear joint. However, unlike some canines, she and Rihanne had been raised in the Pit and other similar fighting rings, and she had learned an odd trick or two herself. It was because of this that she did not pull away, as most might have done, but threw her weight backwards into Yang, hoping to drive her foot deep into his mouth. If she hit the point she was aiming for, it would cause extreme pain at the back of the mouth, causing him to release her limb of his own voalition. If not, she could aways rip the foot away afterward. But she favored a defense that had the advantage of a counter attack.

Rihanne was about to leap to aid her sister, but the slight turn she made to do so brought into her field of vision Fajebin's next attack. Thinking quickly, she made no move to dodge, but instead began to count to herself in her head. At the exact moment Fajebin hit his mark at her spine, she planted her feet solidly and threw all her weight to one side, carefully keeping her nape tucked as she did so. This would hopefully send his teeth scraping across her back, causing pain but not allowing him to get a hold on so vulnerable an area. This would also have the added bonus of throwing him over to one side and giving her a moment to recover.

I snarl as I feel her fangs sink deep into my flesh and am about to attack Vixen when suddenly a boot hits me hard in the ribs. I release Reane, disregarding her now as I aim for Vixen, my ivories going for her throat. I am using pure strength now, my anger driving me even farther.

Vixen yelped as Torture suddenly lunges for her. She had hoped that he would go for Tahmores, but alas her luck was not that good. She backs up, as quickly as possible when suddenly she feels Tortures fangs sink into her muzzle for she tucked her head, hoping to make him miss. Damn her luck. She snarls and lunges forward, hoping to knock him over her emerald green eyes full of fury and pain. She had pups to protect, and none of them would know their father if she could help it.

Reane was going after Torture again soon after he released her. With her muzzle slammed closed, Vixen was nearly powerless. Nearly. As the rain kept its merciless downpour, Reane ran at Torture and Vixen, growling as a wolf best she could as she lunged. As she came nearer to the demon she flung her arms out, with his fangs busy with her muzzle, and atempted to get a hold of him. If she got him, she'd try to knock him off or pick him up to just drop him again! Furious if she missed, Reane imitated another growl and charged at the devil and covered her neck, arms tensed as they pumped her to keep going. She wwas ready for someone to attack her, and she wished to stop it all and end without anyone dying.

Just as Rihanne had hoped, his fangs merely scratched over her spine, leaving at the most, a few light cuts. Fajebin rolled once, his back exposed to her as he worked to stand. A light grumble could be heard, the brute scolding himself as his head turned and eyes met the faes.

As Taijya's grip slipped she struggled to remove herself. She was not willing to try and go for the shoulder in a circle that wouldn't end at this pace. So instead she chose another course of action. As she felt his jaws attempt to readjust, she flung her body so that her back side would run into him, and she ripped her shoulder from his jaws. It wasn't the plan of least pain, but it left her shoulder free. However, this grip left her shoulder far more raw then before, and though the bone wasn't broken, her motion could show the pain she was feeling now. She knew she didn't have much time until he went for her again so she stood her ground, eyes never leaving Brothers. Right now her plans had run out for first attacks, but she had plenty counter attacking ready to be fired off, even with her injury.

Yang's grasp on the foot did not let up, and when she felt the motion his jaws clenched shut harder, stopping the foot from jamming far enough back into his throat. All that was really accomplished by this was to aid his fangs to drive deeper into the limb, most likely coming close to if not succeeding in breaking the bones. He shook his head violently to try and insure a break, his grip never letting up.

Her eyes turned to slits and a demonic snarl erupted from her tiny frame. With a howl of outrage, Sanctuary leaped forward again going for the other pup. She wasn't going to let her get away with such trickery! I mean, come on. All Sanctuary wanted was to play and now this little witch was trying to kill her new friends! How dare she! Sanctuary went fast and hard, aiming for Rhiamons underside.

Tahmores' grip on her jaws slowly loosened her hold, put it was the flash of fangs at her underside that made her relinquish it, scowling as she landed neatly and whirled to face Sanctuary. Not waiting to give the other pup a chance to attack, she leapt forward, slashing at her muzzle.

Taking a wincing step towards Artemis, a quiet snarl played in his throat as he looked upon the enemies. "I can't leave them yet..." The collie was torn with the decision; he couldn't bare to just leave his friends to battle, but he wouldn't be of much help in the state he was in. Slight confusion shown in his dark brown eyes as he looked to the wolfess, "It would be wrong of me to leave..." It was posed as sort of a question, needing her assurance that it was really alright to leave.

Aidan was late to battle again, his reason revolving around his offspring and mate. Four of his childeren were missing, along with his dear Tahirah; of them all, he could only locate Warfell and Serach. Loath to leaving them alone at such a perilous time, and not wanting to leave his friends to fight without his aid, Aidan brought his two youngsters with him. Before reaching the melee however, he urged the two frightened pups under the deck where they'd be out of sight and harder to reach if anyone went after them. "Nivi! Niavy! I need you to watch over my pups!" Aidan woofed lightly, hoping the felines were around, for they seemed to favor the underside of the deck.

Leaving Serach and Warfell huddled together, the father made for the battleground. Standing tall on the ouskirts of the skirmish for a moment, he sized up his oppenents. Not seeing Whisper right away, Aidan choose Fajebin as his target. With a terrible snarl, the blue-eyed hybrid thundered across the ground, heading for the wolf. With the murder of Stallis's childeren to spur him on, Aidan struck for one of the wolf's hind limbs, trying to bring his jaws over the ankle bones.

The silver wolfess looked Timber straight in the eyes, her eyes soft for the situation, athough quite intense. "It would be worse of you to stay." With this she lightly pushed his head to face the house, where safty waited to meet him.

Fajebin's keen eyes caught the growl as it came towards him. And though the scent never met his nares, he was smart enough to know he was in trouble. Luckly, he hadn't been moving, and required only to move his body to move out of range so that he could be safe. And then with a minor yet precise movement, he sent himself going for this Aidans underbelly. However, he took a bit of a different approach for this one. Instead ofrunning running and trying, Fajebin ran and slid using the mud from te rain to side him easily. This could easily turn bad, but it was something he felt he needed to attempt. Such an attack, even just a few second hold could possible put this dog on hold from fighting for some time. And even ifone did continue to fight, pain in the area was hard to ignore completly.So as he slid, Fajebin snapped his jaws shut where he had seen Aidans underbelly last, snapping shut and shaking violently if he in fact had his grip.

Slowly, hesitancy began to wash away when Artemis assured him that this was the best coarse of action. His ebony head lowered a bit, as he couldn't help but feel guilt still at leaving the battle, "You're right." Giving a faint, weakened smile, the collie began to plod slowly towards the house. Every step was difficult; not only physically so, but emotionally as well.

Martha was just coming to the door to check on the ruckus outside when she saw Timber heading for the house. "John! John, get your gun!" She yelled as she rushed forward to scoop up the collie, and rush him inside.

Nivi was under the porch as it was, listening to the battle. There was little that the tom could do, unless one of the aggressors stuck their fiendish noses under the porch. They'd get a pawfull then, for sure. "You two- just stay there. Don't move." He instructed to the two pups Aidan left there.

Rihanne took her opportunity and leapt for Fajebin, vitals carefully tucked as she reached for his face, to tear it open since almost all his vital areas were hidden in this position.

Elder Brother stood back for a moment, considering what to do next. Obviously, Taijya was not in the mind of attacking, but rather of defending and countering, so he had to consider his next move carefully. It was only a spare moment's pause though, before his sleek bod came forward, swinging his hindquarters around to the side as his head dropped low. The aim was for front legs, but he switched quickly to hop up, keeping his head tucked down awkwardly, so she could not tear out his throat as he leapt over her. Landing neatly on the other side, he lashed out across her spine, seeking those nerves that would send pain lashing through her system, and may or may not temporarily paralyze her.

Minx winced as her foot was crushed to a powder by Yang's jaws, but only wrenched it away, balanced easily on three legs. Like Rihanne, she had been raised in fighting arenas, and suffered much worse injuries. Once her paw was free, she turned quickly in upon her small, lithe body and made a surprise attack for his face and eyes.

Fajebin tried to get away from Rihanne, but his attempt attack on Aidan left him slipping through the mud, completly throwing him off when he went to change direction. She had succeeded in slicing skin from his cheeks and snout, leaving the crimson liquid there to shine. However, the attacks enabled him to more easily catch his ground, which he used to move just out of reach. His eyes lay focused on the fae as he charged her petite form, jaws snapping for the the back and hip area.

Taijya stood, snarling low as she was ready to defend. However she made the mistake of assuming, and as she tucked her neck and leapt back, she found a shooting pain filling her. Her dial turned quickly, eyes focusing on the pains origin. With a snarl she tore away, her motion obviously stiff from the attack. She was really begining to feel her injuries, the attack to her back most likly the cause. She was fighting with herself to leave and heal up, however it came down totha fact that Timber wasno longeravailable to destroy. And that was still her main objective. With a growl she hobled off as fast as she could be taken away, her raven pelt disappearing in the brush.

Yang immideatly closed his eyes when he saw the attack was not for his lifeline. He tucked his neck, and attempted to curl into a ball whichwould over his face It wasodd, but he had some intesting tricks he wantedto try. However, bringing his face in did not leave him without a few deep gashes on his cheeks from her fangs.

Rihanne let a gasp hit the air as teeth sank into her hip, wrenching the limb and dislocating it to lay at a nauseating angle as she fought to remain standing on her remaining three legs. She pulled back, fighting the red that crawled over her vision as the fangs ground across the tender limb, but it finally freed her from his grip as she backed up quickly, tucking her neck. She might have been in serious trouble if a splattered-gray blur hadn't come to her rescue.

Seeing Taijya retreat and hearing the pained gasp of Martha's defender, Brother tucked his vitals under and leapt instantly for Fajebin, pearls aimed to slice open his side, with a twisting motion to the dial that would send the teeth grinding down to ribs if the hit landed.

Yang's new position puzzled Minx, but this position left his back vulnerable, and so she leapt over his back much as Brother had done earlier, and aimed to grab his shoulder between her jaws. If contact was made, then the dial was immediately thrown outward away from the body, hoping to leave Yang in the same position as her sister.

Artemis, daughter of Moon Phase, watched Taijya retreat. Her attention fell to the battles still before her, preparing to add herself to the fray. That was until she smelt something from the sheep pasture. Looking back to the door Timber had gown through, she rushed to the pasture, hoping to help there and return in time to save those still fighting.

Fajebin
Hadn't been prepared for elder brother’s attack, and because of this, the attack landed perfectly, not breaking ribs but definitely exposing his side, sending jolts of pain through him. His jaws clamped shut on themselves, stifling a mix of emotion expressed in yelps, snarls and a slight whimper at the end. However, he didn’t allow the hold much time to rip more flesh away. The brute tore himself from the jaws, his sides heaving. The cold from the winter did sooth his wound, numbing the open skin slightly. His dial tucked as he growled, appearing as though he were about to make a move for the brute who had left this new mark. However, he suddenly switched, going right back for Rihanne. He aimed for the dislocated limb, jaws hoping to snap shut on the basically useless appendage. His motion was slowed a bit, but hopefully the odd decision to go for Rhianne and her own injuries would allow him to land his attack. If he had a hold, he was trying to make her lose her balance, using the limb which she could not control as a way of keeping a hold on her while still always able to be out of reach.

Fajebin's odd course of action might not have been understood, unless of course one had noticed Whisper. She had abandoned her battle with Koren to help out her family. (And to think she had planed to kill him. Wow she must be gaining a heart.) Using her strong limped, she ran from her battle, leaping over Rihanne and passing by her brother as she made straight for elder brother. Her attack was hopefully sudden and unexpected, as she went for the back limb. She didn't plan on stopping or slowing as she went for it, on the contrary, she planed on pushing forward, forcing the brute to fall if she did get a hold of his leg. Even if he had moved, she still had momentum to keep her ready to come around for another bite, or to dodge something he threw at her.

Yang was vulnerable, but he was also incredibly aware. Sensing the fae's leap, he rolled to his back, neck tucked forward as he extended his limbs to counter her attack. He tried to place his one fore higher than the other, an attempt at choking Minx and making her lose her air for the time being. Whether it worked or not, Yang flipped his body to the side to push her off before getting to his feet, no snarl released though a smirk painted his face.

Yin had abandoned her attack on Vader, running for her brothers scent. She had arrived in time to see him stand at which she had enough speed to leap over him, sending herself towards Minx who she hadn't taken notice whether she was standing now or not. In any case, she snapped at her hips, jumping between the two in a pup like fighting style. Any attacks she landed would be miner, cuts with minimal bloodloss, but she was here for more of a distraction anyway.

Rihanne found herself under attack yet again, but just as she had ducked her head to protect a wounded fore, a human hand placed itself in the way.

Having managed to disengage himself from his several attackers, Tahmores had raced to help Martha's vulnerable defender. With a leather tunic covering his abdomen and a thick leather collar round his neck that prevented attacks to the vital areas, he drew Torgny for the first time in self-defense against his own brethren. Bringing the six-inch long knife up in an arch, he brought it down in front of Rihanne, where the metal would either slash Fajebin's muzzle, or come between the wolf's teeth, savaging his mouth a bit. At the same moment his own leg slid around to defend the wounded copper lass from further attacks from the side, sending a silent apology to her as he felt his foot jar the wounded hind, gaining a yelp from her.

Elder Brother had not been expecting Whisper's attack, but he was nobody's fool. As she grasped his rear paw and began to swing, he swung his weight in the opposite direction, tearing the paw free and leaving her with only skin for her satisfaction. The sudden release of his limb caused him to stagger a bit, but he soon turned in on himself, tucked his nape, and leapt forward, jaws agape, with two targets in mind. The fangs headed for her shoulder, and his own shoulder toward her chest, to knock her backward and away, and perhaps make her a little breathless.

Yang's ploy was quite successful, and Minx choked as a paw found its way to her windpipe. Desperately, she pushed back off of him, his furthered movement swinging her to one side, but not off of her feet. Her momentary distraction with the male had cost her however, and she hissed her pain as she turned to snap viciously at Yin, tucking her neck quickly to keep it out of range. She did not discount Yang's presence, and so whether her attack landed on Yin or not, she hopped back several feet and turned to snap at Yang in his turn, aiming to tear open his shoulder.

Fajebin found himself in a perdicament, unable to stop his attack so suddenly. He found his muzzle now bleeding, the knife having cut. She took a few steps back, eyeing the human and Rhianna. "Lucky bitch..." he spat out as he sought out a way of finishing this for his benifit. Coming to a wild conclusion, her fled forthe safty of the brush, now suddenly leaving his sister and the other two fighters.

Whisper snarled at her attack failing to proceed as she had desired, but being one of the least injured here, her reflexes proved her well this time. As the male aimed for her shoulder she made a break to the side, turning abruptly to allow her devious grin a chance to show up for the male. Then she moved again, jawsappearing aimed for her shoulder or throat area. However, she wasin a rather acromatic mood, and at the last possible moment she leapt over the brute, Swinging to meet hopefully aface which had followed her movements like ahawt, If thats what she found her jaws would aim forhis mug, to try and break the jaws and/or sufficat her victom. if the male fell short on speed, her aim was for the back of his neck.

A few nips had been planted on the faes cheeks, no worse then she could have done to Minx. The moment the fae turned away, Yin's eyes gleamed with a killers delight, and she went for a real attack, her jaws aiming for Minx's underbelly where the vitals were. If she got hold her dial thrashed violently, this time meaning buisness.

Yang had expected a retort of some sort but his motion still enabled the fae access to his shoulder. He snarled, prepared to pull away from the attack which for now, wasn't bone breaking. However, seeing the intent in his sisters eyes, he let the pain go, jaws snapping for Minx's ears, neck shoulders, whatever he could grab hold of. If he had her as well, his sisters chances of getting her aim increased, and minx's hopes of noticing till it was too late played in his favor.

Once it was clear that Fajebin was gone, Rihanne managed to stumble to her three remaining legs. With a limp and a hobble, she headed as quickly as she could toward the house, soon disappearing into the building where she could be safe. She only barely made it inside before passing out completely. The pain of the dislocated bone was terrible, and the skin and muscles around the wound were in shreds, resulting in a great amount of blood loss. It was the worst wound she had ever received, including the many she had endured as a pit-fighter. Martha's guardian needed help, and soon.

Brother was unable to turn quickly enough, for one disadvantage of his large weight was a slight loss of agility. But he did see her aim for his mug, and was prepared to counter attack. He did not pull back as most would have, though. Instead, he reared up to meet her, pushing off the loam with his powerful hinds so that when her fangs connected with his nose, his weight would send Whisper back to the ground, and release his nose at the same time, giving her no chance to break his jaws, and, if he was lucky, to stumble her a bit and allow him to land his next attack, which he aimed up and back to connect with her spine.

Seeing that Rihanne had made it to safety, Tahmores immediately switched targets, this time aiming to intercept Yin's more deadly attack. He placed his leg in her way, taking the punishment of fangs with a hiss of pain as she thrashed. She tore the skin and muscle of his leg open before he managed to pull back to keep her from doing too much damage. He had been hurt, yes, but his movement had accomplished the purpose: he was now between the female and Minx, and Yin would have to go through him to get to her. He raised the dagger again, this time in a sideways slash to carve across her chest and forelegs. If she did not hop back in time, her front half would suffer the same damage as Fajebin's mouth had.

Yang's attack, however, landed neatly, tearing open Minx's shoulder clear down to the top of the foreleg. She managed to pull it back before he could do any further damage, though, and she used her pain to spur her to action, grasping for the dead middle of his side to lay his ribs open to the wind. Regardless of what she caught, she made sure to clasp her jaws together with all her might before tearing away to pulls as much skin and muscle apart as possible.

Whisper did stumble, and Elder brothers attack landed on her spine. The smaller female struggled to remove herself from below the large male, snarls released and snaps made any timeshe though she had a chance of even ripping fur out.

Luckly for Whisper fajebin hadn't completly backed out. He was in no position to full on fight, but he could distract the mutt. Carrying himself back into view, her let a snarl fall forth, hackles raised as he made for elder brother. His side hurt where he had last been attacked, and his meg from where the dagger had left a nice cut which still oozed some of the red liquid, but he still pressed forward in a rather weak attack. He aimed for his back hinds, hoping to be able to rip him away. Even if the attack missed, his sister could more than likly get free from some wiggling.

Yin let a snarl fall past her kissers as the humans leg fell to her jaws. Damnit..." she hissed angrey eyes looking to the two legged. But her glare was short lived. Her small form leapt back from the shining blade, eyes wide from how close it had been. She watched the human, hackles raised and body poised for defense although right now she was merely waiting for her brother to find freedom.

Yang growled, glad his attack had left such a wound. However, his attempts at dodging had been less thn acceptable. Due to his sister predicament, he had allowed his mind to slip, and Minx's fang were on his side. Yet another snarl fell from him, but instead of pulling away so quickly, he once again made for an attack. He aimed for her ear, which with her position would be the easiest to grab. If he got the hearing device, ripping it away would not be an option. The fragile skin which made up the ear would tear far too easy.

With Timber taken care of and safely contained in the house, Martha was just about ready to rush outside and help Tahmores and others. Before having the chance to do so, her Rihanne had collapsed into unconsciousness a few feet past the doorway. With a gasp of horrow, the woman scooped up her dear guardian and set her gently down on the table. The first priority was to hault the bloodloss, and with needles and equpitment already out from Timber's emergency, Martha had all she needed right there to help her friend.

It was hard to see exactly what needed stitched and wear, on account of all the blood. But Martha had done this countless times before over the years as her faithful dogs put themselves in harm's way to protect her and their land. After a few tense minutes, she had closed up the worst of the shredded flesh, and bandaged it up securely so that the bleedingly had more or less been stopped. After the major wound had been taken care off, she tended to any other injuries before returning to the limb. Taking a firm grasp on the limb, Martha used all her force and popped the bone back into place in one swift, calculated effort. Additional bandages were applied that would help support the limb until the muscles could heal.

About this time, John was coming up from the northern corner of the woods, a small caliber riffle resting on one shoulder, while two pheasants were draped over the other. As soon as he saw what was going on, he dropped the birds and slung the riffle out in front of him, cocking it and aiming in at the wolves, "Hey, shoo! Get out of here!" He yelled in a roaring tone that almost sounded more fit for a man than the middle-aged teen. He didn't dare shoot so close to Tahmores and Minx, but he hoped the sight of the weapon would be enough to pursuade the attackers to flee. And if they did, he'd take a shot at them then.

Elder Brother felt a grim satisfaction at pinning his opponent, and as she began to snap at him, he set his teeth to savage her from above, snapping at random for her face, ears, and at the back of her neck. But he soon felt the pain in his left hind caused by his distraction with her, and so he wrenched the paw away. He bent down over Whisper quickly to drag his teeth as best he could over her shoulders and neck, hoping to keep her down, and then he leapt clear of her, landing a few feet away. His paws barely touched the ground before he leapt back for Fajebin, snarling as he aimed to tear into the male's shoulder and neck area.

Minx's yelp was terrible to hear as Yang caught hold of her ear and yanked it entirely from her head. The pain was terrible, and in any other dog might have been enough to drive her back, to make her retreat, but Minx was harder than that. She was a pit-fighter. She forced herself to channel the pain, twisting it to fashion it into anger as she tucked her vitals and leapt forward yet again. Her aim was at his chest/shoulder area, but she was really trying to drive him away. She just wanted him to leave.

Seeing that his original attack had missed, Tahmores swung again, mostly to keep Yin at bay, but also to drive her away. If he could get them to leave, he wouldn't have to kill them. Being just like a wolf himself, Tahmores did not want to kill them. He just wanted to repel them from those he cared about.

Martha's ministrations went completely unnoticed, for the faithful copper companion did not so much as stir as her mistress sewed and cleansed and healed. However, fate and the winds were kind to both Martha and Rihanne today: Martha had been barely in time. In another few moments she would have lost too much blood to be saved. As she lay where Martha had left her, her breathing was shallow and irregular, but if she could pull through the shock and regain conciousness, Rihanne would live to fight another day.

Whisper let out a snarl asher fang was feeling thewrath of the males fangs. Although not fatal, these wounds were still more than just scratches. The fangs on her shoulder and neck made herfight further, body lifting off the ground the moment the brute went for her weaker brother. Her nares caught Johns scent, but knew by his stance that he would not shoot into the middle of battle. He would risk injuring his own filthy pets to do something so foolish. Knowing this she leapt back for elder brother, snapping at his shoulder, jaws hoping to latch onto the limb and snap the bone. Eve ifshe missed, Elder Brother would almost have to abandom his attack on Fajebin, giving them time to run away.

Fajbin growled low, neck tucked as he watched Elder Brother. In his state her was unable to dodge an attack like that, and so he did his best to takes as light of a blow as possible. As his opponite came in, he allowed the force he attacked with to push him back, adding his own force to rip the fur, skin, and muscles as he rolled once to his other side. A nice gash was left from the attack, the harsh pull back to get his shoulder freeleaving yet another bleeding wound. He needed to get out of here and fast. Standing as quickly as his injured body would allow, Fajebin made his way to the forest, his nares urging him on as Johns scent reached him. He couldn't get shot now.

Yang snarled in a triumphants way as he succeeded and ripping the ear from Minx. It must have been painful indeed. Hackles, raised, he leapt back from the warning attack, snarling low and angry. He wasn't quite ready to leave just yet. Though fajebin's scent proved he wastrying his paw at escaping, Whisper was still here, and only he and Yin kept her from being ambushed. With a snarl he circled the female, eyes ablaze with a new life. He was usually the last to really gain the killing frenzy from a fight, but obviouslycausing minx to lose her ear had brough thim to this point a bit quicker. As he circled he aims small bites at her body, most would only pull fur, although every so often he wentin for real. Mostly it was for the back hinds, jaws snapping for the limbs to snap the one unbroken bone, and to further mangle the one which had already suffered.

Yin's eyes watched the wolf boy carefully, her body now more able to dodge his knife swipes because she was no longer charging forward. Her eyes were intense and her small snowy form was nimble as she moved. Her mind worked, trying to figure out how to remove the weapon from the human. A human without a weapon was quite defenseless. This one was no differen. Though he had armor, his flesh was still weak. It got to the point where Yin ducked down, pulling something drastic. Like a rattle snake she striked, jaws hoping to latch onto the wrist of the hand which held the weapon. This was a dangerous move. If she didn't come up right, she would easily be cut by theblade, however, if she did succeed, the blade would fall and she could run off with it and dispose of terrible thing.

Brother felt a small satisfaction as Fajebin fled, but Whisper latched onto his shoulder, threatening to wrench it about dangerously. Thinking quickly, he turned to ram his shoulder back into her face with all the force he could muster, gasping as her teeth scraped over every nerve in the shoulder.

Minx found herself in a small situation, trying to mostly avoid the worst of Yang's furious attacks. She succeeded for the most part, but he did manage to land a rather serious attack to the muscles of her uninjured back leg. She snapped viciously for Yang, trying not to whimper as the bones in her already broken paw creaked together. However, in this shape, she could not effectively flee. She would have been in trouble if not for...

Tahmores winced as Yin came up and latched onto his wrist, but as one long associated with weilding his knife, Tahmores' grip had reflexively tightened and prevented her from knocking it free. He hissed a little in pain, a sound that, due to his history, was more animal than human. Her weight had also staggered him some, but he leaned back against her weight and, seeing Yang still harrying Minx, used Yin's grip on his wrist to swing her body at her brother. If all went well, her weight would ram her brother, driving him back away from Minx. If Yin let go, she risked mauling her mouth on the knife as she released, and also ran the risk of running into her brother anyway.

Yins jaws clamped down hard on the humans wrist, her head wretching about as she hung there. She tried her hardest to break the bones, using all the pressure she could muster to both hold on and do the deed. However, her brother would feel her determination. As Tahmores swung her, she almost released, her eyes catching the knife and realizing that unless she broke the bone, the human would have a very unpleasant shot of her face. So she held on, jaws holding tight as she tried to wiggle her head to rip further into the skin and break the bones. Yang... Her eyes closed as she felt the impact, not really hurting her physically, although she hated to help her brother to fall. He would have to understand her situation.

Yang's attack on the back paw held, his jaws shaking viciously as he tried to pull Minx backwards. This way, her weight would at some point push on her broken foot, and hopefully her balance would be lost, allowing him a chance to leap for her back and attack the spine. However as he shook his head, taking what bites Minx could land to his face, he didn't notice his sisters flailing body as it was swung towards him. His hold on her leg was instantly released, and he was flung a few feet from where he had been. He was on his side, the wind knocked out of him. He struggled to stand, not wanting to remain in this vulnerable position for long. Angrily he snarled, although his first instinct was to direct it towards the human... and his sister. He wasn't thinking now of what situation his beloved Yin would be in if she had released, so he was facing a bit of anger towards her as well now. Not looking back to Minx, the hunter made a leap to the boy, Jaws snapping for his kneecap. It was odd, and possible the boy could knee him in the mouth, but he knew this connection of bones was crucial, and to take it out or to even get a hold would result in excruciating pain.

Whispers grasp was released as he rammed her face, the opposite of what would normally be done. She snarled, her tongue running over her fangs, finding the males mixed with some of her own. The push had done a bit to her mouth, although she wasn't sure if she had broken any teeth. Catching Yang’s growl, she moved back in, snarling under her breath. "Your human isn't looking too well" her voice was mocking, and one would swear she grinned just as she came back in. Her attack was low, made off from the side. She aimed for the lower back leg that Fajebin had attacked before. Her jaws snapped at the limb. If she held on, she was more vigilant, eyes watching for the side of which the male would attack. If he attacked towards her hind she pushed forward, attempting to swing her hips out to avoid any bites. But if he tried for her face she pulled, making this a circular game.

Tahmores was not prepared for Yang's sudden recovery, but years of living among wolves had programmed certain things into his brain. One of those reflexive switches clicked over, and his body reacted. Holding his torn but unbroken wrist across his chest both to brace it and to get it out of the way, he drew the knee up swiftly. So, while Yang did get his knee, drawing another animal-like hiss out of him, at the same time his knee would ram forcefully against Yang's teeth, and, if he was lucky, the rest of his leg would connect with the wolf's underside, which would already be sore from the impact with his sister. At the same time, he flipped Torgny from his right hand to his left. He was primarily left handed, and so did not usually use that hand for his knife-fighting, but his other was fair useless with the muscles torn to bits. As his knee came up, six inches of steel came down in an arc to hopefully carve across Yang's ribs.

Whisper's ploy to distract his attention to Tahmores did not work, because he already knew that his boy took care of himself fairly well. So he managed to jerk his injured leg out of the way just in time, and instead of heading for her face, swung his body around, using all the force he had to ram his own weight into her side, teeth reaching up to tear into her shoulder as he did so. This attack also put most of his body out of range of her fangs, so she would have to turn around to attack him.

Minx smiled grimly as Yin went down, and while some more noble canines might have left it there, Minx was not that kind of girl. Instead, she tucked her vitals low leapt while Yin was down, keeping her body low to the ground as she aimed to grasp hold of Yin's mug, not to shred it but to get a firm grasp. Her rear paw was screaming, and this slowed her some, but Yin would have a hard time convincing her to back down.

All three of them were really trying to get their opponents to leave, but they did not seem too keen to go.

Yang's jaws latched onto the boy, although they ddin't hold long. The extra forced against his jaws and underbelly were a bit more than he could deal with. and he lost his breathe quickly. To top it off, he couldn't escapefrom the shining blade which suceeded in slashing a nice would on his ribs. He toppled over, falling to the ground on the side oppositethe bladehad struck. As fast as he was able, Yang stood, taking no time in standing back up. except this time he decided to get out. Although they had a fair chance here, it wouldn't be easy to kill any of them. And that was the main goal. However, a main nusense had been badly injured, enough to keep her out of fighting for a longwhile. So without turning back the male zigzaged out, avoiding what bullets he could if John shot.

Yin finally released, landing on all fores, planing on attacking the human who was now taking the shiny object to her brother. However, Minx was going to an attack, and so the fae snarled, hackles raised as she back up a few steps. When the fae attacked she swung her head to the side, leaving Minx with nothing. By this Time yang was taking his leave, and without further question the fae followed after her brother.

Whisper on the other had was harder to convince. She was older then both Yin adn yang, and more set on killing than either of them. They tended to think of this as a game, rather than something real. But she didn't care about them. However she did care that she was the only wolf fighting on this sidenow, not a fun advantage. Minx might not attack, but the human with the knife still could, not her idea of a picnic. So with a snarl she took the blow to her shoulder, steel orbs gleaming dangerously as she ribbed the skin, flesh and muscle from his jaws. Time for this one to hit the road too. Finally Whisper left, running opposite of the young wolves towards her brothers scent.

As soon as everyone had fled, Minx dropped into a panting heap. Now that the adrenaline had left her, her wounds HURT. She was not nearly so bad off as her sister, but with a broken paw and multiple lacerations, she would need some medical assistance, and it was anyone's guess whether she would let either of the humans present touch her.

Elder Brother circled protectively in front of Tahmores, snarling at the departed enemies, making sure they wouldn't come back. He streamed blood from several places, but he was less injured than Minx.

Tahmores grunted as he was once again torn into, was about to attack yet again when he suddenly realized that all of the attackers were finally gone. But there was a reason Tahmores had mostly kept out of the fighting since he'd been at the ranch: it opened a door in his mind that he'd long ago nailed shut. When he fought, the wilder side of him broke loose. And so it was that as soon as he was no longer under attack, he returned Torgny hastily to its hide sheath and dropped to his haunches, cradling the torn arm and favoring the shredded leg. The muscles were damaged in both places, and he could not move his fingers or toes at all. But he scooted back into Elder Brother, snarling and hissing in an animal-like fashion, eyes flitting about with a wild life that no one living had yet seen. But Brother knew this attitude well. He began to nuzzle the boy, trying to bring "Tahmores" back into the brown eyes.

By the time John had made the distance across the extensive front lawn, the attackers were dispersing into the woods. Enraged, the teen fired off a few shots into the brush, though the mass of trees and the distance would probably sheild them all from the stray bullets. "Tahmores!" The teen shouted, focusing on the other boy as the wolves were now gone. As he took in the sight of blood and the poor condition the other was in, horrible memories burned through his mind. He could almost feel the pain searing into his ankle again, and hear the crippling last screams of his father. For a moment, John stood there, staring blankly.

Martha's voice rang out, calling the names of both teens in an urgent tone as she rushed outside. A quick glance told her that John was not harmed, but that Tahmores was not doing well. "My god, it's happening again..." She whispered in faint terror under her voice as she crouched down near the bloodied teen. "Tahm, I'm going to get you inside now. Just try to stay calm for me, alright?" The woman said, her voice soothing and reasurring despite her own anxiety. It was obvious to her that Tahmores was not in his normal state, and she could see his leg was too damage to support his weight. "John, help me get him inside!" The mother commanded next, sending an urgent look to her son.

John snapped out of his trance and leaped over to help Martha. Together, they attempted to raise Tahmores up and lead him inside...

Tahmores snarled as both Martha and John approached him, something that had never been displayed before in him. For just these few moments, he did not recognize either Martha or John, though he had long stayed with them and considered them to be part of the family. The wolf inside of Tahmores did not acknowledge this. The wolf in him only saw humans, and humans were, of course, dangerous.

But Brother whined, nuzzling Tahmores, and took his boy's left hand gently between his teeth. This was a comfort sign between them. A safe sign. A sign to trust.

The teen turned his eyes to meet Brother's for an instant, and Brother let loose in a stream of small, low yips and barks. That got Tahmores nodding a little, and looking back at Martha, eyes big and scared but no longer growling. They were still wild, but no longer defensively aggressive. He allowed John and Martha to help him to his feet, stumbling just a little and hissing again as he tried to put pressure on the torn leg. But Brother was there, pressing his body alongside the crippled leg, keeping the pressure off of it, keeping him upright. His right hand was still folded across his chest, so he could really only lean in John's direction as he reached out a hand to Martha. His hand was shaking, obviously terrified... but if Brother said trust... he must trust.

Martha did not recoil at Tahmores' savage protests, though she had to admit it was very unsettling to see him act in such a way. It frightened her a great deal, but she could only assume that his behavior was from the shock of the attack, and she held nothing against him.

John nearly dropped his hold on the other teen, so taken aback was he by the snarls. "Tahmores..." He said uncertainly, as the thought of rabies flashed through his mind. He knew the sinister virus was obviously not to blame for his friend's actions, but the idea stuck in his mind and added to the uncertainty.

When they reached the house, Tahmores was carefully guided to the couch. While John stood a few feet away, looking almost warily at the teen, Martha was hurring around without missing a beat. She spoke in a calm, assuring matter as she rushed to gather supplies, trying her best to keep Tahmores relaxed, or at least as relaxed as he could be considering.

After assembling what she needed, she returned to the couch, kneeling quietly down beside the stricken teen. "It's alright, everything will be fine." The woman said, feeling as though her heart were breaking to see the intense fear that Tahmores was going through. He had become something of a second son to her. But she had to push her feelings aside and focus on what had to be done.

The wounds were too extensive to be treated without any painkillers. Though reluctant, she knew it was best to resort to the sedatives she used for the canines. It would be no different, except she had to be careful with the dosage, and pray that he didn't react adversely to the drug. Still talking to him, Martha filled a syringe with a sedative drug, and gave it to Tahmores...

Tahmores settled a little uneasily on the couch, eyes gazing and taking everything in with the wide-eyed view of someone who had never seen this place before.

As she headed back toward him with a needle, his eyes grew wide again, but Brother again closed his teeth around Tahmores' hand, and though he was clearly still frightened, at least the teen did not move. Martha's soft voice served to soothe him a little farther, as well as the pain that was etched in her eyes, though she tried valiantly to hide it. Why...?

The muscle she injected the painkiller into tensed as she did so, and he let out a pained hiss, but remained absolutely still. He seemed to understand, at this point, that Martha did not mean to hurt him, that she was trying to help. He still did not speak, but little by little, his essence began to trickle back into his eyes as they closed, the sedative taking effect slowly, but thouroughly.

His body relaxed back against the couch, eyes going half-mast as the fingers of his left hand played sleepily in Brother's scruff. Then, the brown eyes closed completely as the fingers continued to swirl in Brother's coat. Finally, the fingers stopped, and his body was completely at rest.

The muscles in his arm and leg were torn to shreds, and would need elaborate and delicate stitching, and several weeks to heal. The worst problem, however, was the shock. His breathing was shallow and irregular, even in sleep, his pupils quite dialated, and he was sweating heavily. His skin was clammy and cool, his forehead hot and firey. But as the teen slept, he was free from it. Nothing hurt...

All her years of treating her pets, and occasionally Mark and John, worked well to serve her now. The severity if the teen's injuries called upon all of the woman's skills, and she did the best she could to mend them. Uniting shredded muscle with muscle, and drawing the skin close over the gaping wounds, Martha worked diligently and quickly, with an expertice that could have marked her as a surgeon. The wounds were wrapped after the wounds were cleaned, and then she focused on his state of shock.

Assembling some pillows, she stuffed them under his legs so that they'd be raised slightly than the level of his head. Grabbing a heavy quilt, she drapped it over him next to keep him warm. "John, will you grab me a glass of water? John?"

The other teen seemed to be in a trance as he stared at the bloodied rags laying beside the couch, which had been used when his mother was cleaning Tahmores' wounds. Snapping back to his senses at the second calling, John went for the kitchen.

As Martha monitored Tahmores' pulse and respiration, she offered Brother a comforting rub between the ears, and now spoke to him in the same calm, quite voice that she had with Tah.

John returned, and handed the glass to his mother. She set the water on a coffee table at the front end of the couch, ready for when the wounded teen woke up. He'd need to drink plenty of water.

Timber walked stiffly into the room, having left Rihanne for a moment to check on the others. He was still quite flustered over having been kept inside during most of the fight, even if his injuries would have certainly kept him from doing much damage to the others. The collie eased back onto his haunches, sitting a few paces from Brother. After a moment, he spoke, "She's good at what she does." An attempt to make Brother feel better.

Elder Brother leaned into Martha's caress, a soft nuzzle on her hand letting her know how grateful he was that she was helping Tahmores.

Timber's soft words brought Brother's eyes to him, and he smiled a little, though it was tinged a little with worry. But his voice was firm and strong as he replied to Timber. Yes, that she is, your mistress. A kind woman, and a steady one. I'm sure things will be fine.

Then, his eyes rested upon John, who was obviously so frightened. Though he was clearly Tahmores' companion, Brother possessed a soft spot for the young, especially when they seemed lost or afraid. At this moment, John reminded Brother very much of Tahmores at that age. And so he moved slowly over to John, tongue peeking out a bit to caress his hand, running his face along the boy's leg to reassure him before circling back to his boy.

As Martha sewed, cleansed, and healed, Tahmores finally began to look a little better. The color came back into his face a little at a time, and his skin grew almost imperceptibly warmer as the blood began to circulate next to the vital organs. His breathing and pulse slowed in their race, becoming a little more steady and regular as the combination of treatments began to take hold.

Finally, the brown eyes slowly fluttered open, lighting on Martha's face above him in confusion. A slight whimper escaped him, and it almost seemed as though the teen would never be quite himself again. But then his eyes landed on a leather thong draped around the woman's neck. It was the necklace that he had given Martha many years ago, on his first arrival at the ranch. It was a symbol of his mother's people, a family heirloom from one who no longer possessed a family. The small talisman attached to it bounced a little on her chest from all the movement, but Tahmores would have known it had he found it in his own grave. A picture flashed brilliantly in his mind: a young woman with eyes of mahogany, long ebony hair blowing in the wind like a thousand opals spun out in to something like blackened gossamer. The talisman had been hers...

His eyes traveled slowly from the little talisman up to her face, and he opened his mouth, emitting a question. Hernes? Mother?

After falling back into the frightened trance, John was brought out of it a second time by Brother's lick. Flashing a soft smile, he reached down to stroke the wolf's head with his four and a half digit hand; a reminder of how close he came to death one time. At least it was only part of a finger, and not an entire limb. As Brother returned to Tah's side, John drifted out of the room, seeing that the teen seemed to be alright now, and his mother had things under control.

Timber let his tail thump against the ground a few times as he heard the teen's voice. At least no one died." As long as no one died, then things had gone well- even if they hadn't scored a kill against the enemies. "It was a close call. But... we need better defenses." The collie sighed, turning his gaze from Tahmores to a nearby window, "It seems that we always fair the worst of damage in these fights. They've killed so many... and we've killed so few of them!" He growled quietly now, before checking his temper.

Martha's expression opened into a relieved smile, as a single tear traveled down her cheek. After getting past the critical tasks, she could afford to let her emotions begin to take control again, "That was a close one, Tahmores." She whispered lightly, unknowingly repeating the phrase of her dog. "You need to relax now, and before you know it, you'll be up and running, good as new." The smile grew bigger, but there was sadness in her eyes as well. The woman clutched at the talisman without thinking, while the teen's two words echoed in her mind and a second tear made it's way down her face.

Brother nodded at Timber's comments, agreeing whole-heartedly. There had been too many close calls recently. His determined voice spoke up. ,B>Yes, that is very true. We need more help. However, his eyes grew fondly mischevious and his voice slightly prodding as he eyed Timber. Of course... there's a pretty easy solution to that, my friend. I've seen the way you look at Artemis... why not make something of it, eh? She feels the same way, I'm sure of it. And he grinned at Timber, tail waving as he picked at his friend. But his tone and face grew more serious, he spoke again. Really, Timber. You care for her, we all know it is true. And... especially now, when life is so touch and go... when you don't know how long you will have... such a shame not to express such feelings. If you say nothing, and then suddenly something happens... you will always regret never having told her. He had grown fond of Timber in their long stay here. He considered him a kind of brother, such as it were, and wanted very much to see him happy.

But he very suddenly changed the subject, seeing John leave the room. You might see what you can do to calm your young master. He's... on edge. And that's understandable. See if you can help. And he turned his face up to Tahmores, who reached out his uninjured hand to stroke him, a low whine issued to assure his brother that he was alright.

But Martha's words brought Tahmores' eyes back to her face, and her tears brought pain to his heart. The uninjured hand left Brother's fur to reach up and wipe the tears from her face, voice soft. M'yah shees lirpa ahnwoon. Telar meth chaanzath, Hernes. Tears are the Great Spirit's way of reminding us that we have so much to love, so much to live for.

The brown eyes alighted on her necklace again before traveling back to her face. My parents are long dead, Martha. My father... sheir haseth. And he blushed a little, for the words he had just used were VERY uncomplimentary. But he calmed himself, and spoke again. He beat me, so Brother killed him. My mother... And his eyes grew misty, for he had never really known his mother, and had only a few precious memories of her.

He closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the terrible day as a small child when he had found their small village in cinders. The smell of charred flesh came back to him, making him fight back a fit of wretching. Finally, he pulled away from the memory, pale but more himself. My mother... was killed in the blaze of our tribe's village when I was... four or five. I have... very little memory of her. I had no siblings. I've... never really had a family... until all of you. He smiled up at her, with the perfect innocence and love of a small child. His throat was dry, so dry... but to take the look of pain from Martha's eyes... Hernes... It is a word in my tongue that means mother... but mother by choice, not by blood. It is the highest honor we have to give. Please accept it.

The collie grew a bit tense and looked bleakly to the floor when Brother first began to talk to him on the subject of Artemis. There was a meek side-smile that grew on his black muzzle, but it was laced with hesitation and anxiety. He had loved another once, with all his heart. And then... she disappeared. His dear, sweet Shimmer had simply disappeared. Just as all his siblings had, Shimmer was gone from him. In the back of his mind, the terror never really died, the terror that those around him could just as easily vanish, without warning. Brother, Artemis, John... who would be next? Maybe himself? Or was he cursed to die last, and suffer through the loss of everyone he loved.

Timber mentally shook his head, trying to dispell the negative thoughts. Deep down, he knew Brother was right, and he couldn't deny what the wolf had said. He did love Artemis, just as much he had once loved the late Shimmer. "You are right." The collie said at last, finally drawing his eyes from the floor and looking to his friend. The heaviness in his spirit seemed to lift a bit, but the weight would never fully be gone. Not after seeing so many in his family killed so savagely. Now the dog caught the retreating form of his youngest master, and he nodded. "I think I know what ails him." Timber commented, as he too slipped out of the room and headed after John.

Martha listened quietly to the story that was told to her. The pain and horror reflected clearly through her eyes, yet their was a sense of strength in those hazel eyes that never seemed to waver. Keeping her kind, steady gaze on Tahmore's, the woman reached forward and clasped his hand between her own, "You will always have us as family, Tahmores." Another tear krept from the side of her eye, but this one was less from worry - it was a sign of her joy, of pride at the name he had bestowed to her. A soft smile accompanied her face, "I may not be able to sheild you from everything in this world..." Her gaze flickered breifly over his bandages before returning to his face, "...but you will always have a home here."

Brother smiled a little at Timber. There, now he had said it aloud, and Timber could no longer deny it to himself. As the collie left the room, he smiled. Maybe this would help his friend sort his brain out.

Tahmores smiled softly at Martha, and the last of the animalistic fear faded from his eyes, making him fully himself once again. He squeezed her hand gently, and called Brother to him in the way of wolves, with a series of whines and low yips. As the mottled gray wolf trotted to them, he spoke to Brother aloud in the language of his mother. Tian lingtwa mir pok, Vatwani. Timi shal balark Hernes.

Ah... so Tahmores had finally made a decision. Good. It had been much too long since his boy had been comfortable enough to let any human be important in his life, let anyone be family. His tail waved and he leaned his weight against Martha's leg, looking up at her, tame as a pup. Now he was an official Ranch pet, belonging to all of them, to Martha, to John... For these people, these dogs... he would give his life.